Srinagar: The number of pilgrims performing the ongoing Amarnath Ji Yatra so far crossed the four lakh milestone on Sunday since it started on July 3.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the affairs of the Himalayan pilgrimage, on social media platform X said, “By Lord Shiva’s divine grace, the holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has crossed a remarkable milestone and more than 4 Lakh pilgrims have already completed the sacred journey.”
“Till now, 4.14 Lakh devotees have received darshan. I bow with reverence to Baba Amarnath for this blessing and extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this journey a truly divine experience for all.”
On Sunday, a fresh batch of 4,474 Yatris left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the north Kashmir Baltal base camp.
Yatra through the south Kashmir’s Pahalgam route has been suspended for track maintenance at the moment.
The yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.
As of now, nearly four lakh pilgrims have visited the cave shrine, of which around 1.20 lakh pilgrims commenced their pilgrimage from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.
Pilgrims opting for the Jammu base camp are transported to Kashmir in escorted convoys under elaborate security arrangements.
The cave shrine situated 3,880 metres above the sea level in Kashmir Himalayas houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.
Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
Yatris use either the longer, traditional Nunwan (Pahalgam) route which is 47 km long or the shorter Baltal base camp route which is 14 km long.
Those using the Baltal route return to the base camp the same day after having Darshan inside the holy cave.
Those using the Pahalgam route take four days to reach the holy cave.
As area beyond the two base camps have been declared as ‘No fly zone’ due to security reasons, no helicopter services are available to the Yatris this year.
(IANS)
