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Key Points

The Amarnath Yatra has seen over 3.5 lakh devotees in just 21 days, surpassing expectations. Security remains tight with 8,000 special commandos deployed following April's terrorist attack. Traditional Chhari Mubarak rituals are underway, moving between key temples in Srinagar. Pilgrims continue to arrive via both Pahalgam and Baltal routes despite no helicopter services this year.

Key Points: Over 3.5 lakh devotees complete Amarnath Yatra in 21 days

  • 3.52 lakh pilgrims visited Amarnath cave in first 21 days
  • Chhari Mubarak reaches Shankaracharya Temple for rituals
  • 8,000 commandos deployed for Yatra security
  • No helicopter services this year due to security concerns
3 min read

Over 3.52 lakh perform Amarnath Yatra in 21 days

Record 3.52 lakh pilgrims visit Amarnath shrine amid tight security as Chhari Mubarak rituals progress

"Another batch of 2,896 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on Friday - Officials"

Srinagar, July 25

More than 3.52 lakh devotees performed the ongoing Amarnath Yatra so far as another batch of 2,896 pilgrims left Jammu for the Valley on Friday, officials said.

Officials added that the number of Yatris performing the Shri Amarnath ji Yatra during the last 21 days since it started on July 3, has crossed the expected figure of 3.50 lakh.

"Another batch of 2,896 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on Friday in two escorted convoys for the two base camps."

"First escorted convoy of 42 vehicles carrying 790 Yatris left at 3:30 a.m. for Baltal base camp while the second convoy of 75 vehicles carrying 2,106 Yatris left at 4:18 a.m. for Pahalgam base camp," officials said.

'Chhari Mubarak' (Lord Shiva's Holy Mace) was taken to the historic Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar for customary Puja on Thursday by a group of Sadhus led by Mahant Deependra Giri.

The Puja at Shankaracharya Temple is held each year on the occasion of 'Haryali-Amavasya' (Shravan Amavasya) as per the age-old customs.

On Friday, the Chhari Mubarak will be taken to the 'Sharika Bhawani' Temple atop the Hari Parvat hillock in Srinagar for customary Puja.

Chhari Mubarak will start its final journey towards the cave shrine from Dashnami Akhara temple in Srinagar on August 4 and will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.

Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year's Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

Additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police.

The Army has deployed more than 8,000 special commandos to secure the passage of the pilgrims this year.

The Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Devotees approach the holy cave shrine situated 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to get to the cave shrine.

Those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after having darshan.

No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My parents completed the yatra last week via Baltal route. They said the arrangements were much better this year - proper medical facilities, clean toilets and langar food. But the absence of helicopter services was difficult for senior citizens.
A
Aman W
While I respect the religious sentiments, shouldn't we be concerned about the environmental impact? 3.5 lakh people trekking through fragile Himalayan ecosystem is massive. Authorities should implement stricter waste management.
S
Shreya B
Did the yatra in 2019 and it was life-changing! ❤️ The local Kashmiri people were so helpful - offering tea, helping with directions. This yatra shows how faith brings people together beyond politics. Har Har Mahadev!
V
Vikram M
The security arrangements are impressive but also sad that they're needed. 8000 commandos just to protect devotees! When will Pakistan stop sponsoring terrorism in our sacred places? Our forces deserve salute for keeping yatris safe.
N
Nisha Z
The logistics of managing so many pilgrims is incredible! 42 vehicles at 3:30 AM, 75 vehicles at 4:18 AM - military precision. Hats off to the administration and local Kashmiris who make this possible every year.
K
Karan T
The ice ling

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