The Amarnath Yatra remained suspended from Jammu to the Kashmir Valley for the second straight day on Friday, while pilgrims were only permitted to proceed from the Baltal base camp to the holy cave shrine.
Despite restrictions, the total number of pilgrims who have completed the Yatra till Thursday has surpassed the 4 lakh mark.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also chairs the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), expressed his gratitude upon reaching the milestone.
“Baba Amarnath makes the impossible possible. With his blessings, the Holy Yatra today crossed the figure of 4 Lakh,” he stated. “I bow to Lord Shiva for this miracle and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making the holy pilgrimage a divine experience for devotees.”
SASB officials confirmed that no Yatris would be allowed to travel from Jammu on Friday. Movement from the Pahalgam base camp also remained suspended due to ongoing track maintenance.
Pilgrims are currently being allowed to move towards the cave shrine from the Baltal route only.
The ‘Chhari Mubarak’, the sacred mace of Lord Shiva, continues to remain housed at Amareshwar Temple in Srinagar’s Budshah Chowk.
This ceremonial journey forms the spiritual core of the Yatra. It will commence its final leg from Srinagar on 4 August and reach the cave shrine on 9 August, marking the official conclusion of the pilgrimage.
Traditional prayers will be performed at various locations, including Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan, and Pahalgam, during the mace’s journey to the shrine.
Authorities have, however, implemented extensive, multi-layered security arrangements for this year’s Yatra. The heightened measures come in response to the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam. In that incident, 26 people were killed by Pakistan-backed militants after being targeted based on their faith.
Yatra Timeline and Route Details
The Yatra, which began on 3 July, spans 38 days and will conclude on 9 August, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Pilgrims reach the 3,888-metre-high cave shrine in the Himalayas via two main routes, the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.
The Pahalgam route involves a 46-km trek via Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, typically taking four days.
The Baltal route is a 14-km trek that allows pilgrims to return to base the same day after darshan.
No helicopter services are operating this year due to heightened security concerns.
Inside the cave shrine, an ice stalagmite naturally forms and dissolves with the moon’s phases.
Devotees believe it symbolises the divine presence and mystical powers of Lord Shiva.
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