Srinagar, July 11
Over 1.45 lakh devotees have so far performed the Amarnath Yatra during the last eight days as another batch of 6,482 pilgrims left for Kashmir from Jammu on Friday.
Officials said that since the Yatra started on July 3, so far over 1.45 lakh pilgrims had 'darshan' inside the holy cave shrine. "Another batch of 6,482 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. First escorted convoy of 107 vehicles carrying 2,353 Yatris left at 3.20 a.m. for Baltal base camp, while the second escorted convoy of 161 vehicles carrying 4,129 Yatris left at 4.04 a.m. for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp," officials said.
Bhumi Pujan of 'Chhari Mubarak' (Lord Shiva's Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on Thursday.
The Chhari Mubarak was taken to Pahalgam by a group of Sadhus led by the sole custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam.
In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was held. Later, it was taken to the Martand Sun temple, where Puja was held, and the Chhari Mubarak had a dip in the holy spring at the Martand Sun Temple.
The Charri Mubarak will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, when the Yatra will officially conclude.
In addition to the number of Yatris coming to the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, many Yatris are reporting directly at Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) for on-spot registration to join 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 on the basis of faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.
An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police.
All the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forces.
This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 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 reach the cave shrine. And, 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 performing the Yatra. 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. Shri Amarnath ji Yatra is one of the holiest religious pilgrimages for the Hindu devotees, as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this cave.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Did the yatra last year via Baltal route. The arrangements were excellent - medical camps every 2km, langar food, clean toilets. Security personnel were very helpful too. Only suggestion - need more dustbins along the path to maintain cleanliness.
The article mentions 1.45 lakh devotees in 8 days but doesn't highlight the economic boost this gives to Kashmir's tourism sector. Local shopkeepers, pony wallahs, hoteliers all benefit greatly. This yatra is not just spiritual but also an economic lifeline for the region.
As someone who visited Amarnath in 2019, I must say the local Kashmiri people were extremely welcoming. The shared chai stops and warm smiles along the route made the difficult trek worthwhile. Hope more international tourists get to experience this cultural gem.
The security arrangements are necessary but sad that we need 180 additional companies of CAPFs just for devotees to worship peacefully. When will our neighbor understand that such pilgrimages have been happening for centuries and should be respected?
My parents did the yatra via Pahalgam route last week. They're in their 60s but said the medical facilities were excellent. Special thanks to the volunteers who helped elderly pilgrims at steep sections. Har Har Mahadev! â¤ï¸
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.