The Amarnath Yatra is in full swing as a fresh group of 1,221 pilgrims embarked on their journey from Jammu to the Kashmir Valley on Friday.
The annual pilgrimage, which attracts thousands each year, has seen over 4,80,000 devotees make their way to the shrine so far.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) reported that the latest batch departed Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 3:28 AM in two separate escorte convoys.
The first convoy, comprising 21 vehicles, transported 395 pilgrims to the north Kashmir Baltal base camp.
Simultaneously, a second convoy of 33 vehicles, carrying 826 Yatris, headed towards the south Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.
The Amarnath cave shrine, perched at an altitude of 3,888 metres in the Kashmir Himalayas, however, features a renowned ice stalagmite structure that devotees believe symbolizes the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
This natural formation varies with the lunar phases, adding to the shrine’s mystique.
Devotees can reach the cave shrine via two primary routes: the traditional 48-kilometer path from Pahalgam, which typically takes 4-5 days, or the shorter 14-kilometer route from Baltal, which allows for a one-day round trip including the ‘Darshan’.
Additionally, helicopter services are available from Baltal and Chandanwari to facilitate quicker access.
The Yatra is likely to conclude on 19 August, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, marking the end of a 52-day pilgrimage season.
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