3.83 Lakh Pilgrims Visit Amarnath Shrine In 25 Days; Yatra Momentum Builds

Over 3.83 lakh pilgrims have so far taken part in this year’s Amarnath Yatra, with 12 days still to go before the pilgrimage concludes on August 9.

Devotees from across the country are continuing to arrive in large numbers, undeterred by terrain or weather.

Authorities reported that 1,490 new pilgrims left Jammu on Tuesday morning in two security-escorted convoys—one heading to the Baltal base camp and the other to Pahalgam.

The convoys left before sunrise, reflecting the high degree of organisation and coordination in place.

The Chhari Pujan, or ceremonial worship of the holy mace of Lord Shiva, was held at the Amareshwar Temple in Srinagar on the occasion of Nag Panchami.

The sacred mace, known as Chhari Mubarak, symbolises the spiritual essence of the Yatra.

On August 4, the Chhari Mubarak will begin its final journey to the cave shrine, located 3,888 metres above sea level. It will reach its destination on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, marking the official end of the Yatra.

Traditional rituals will take place en route at Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan, and Pahalgam.

Tight Security After April Attack

Heightened security is in place this year for the pilgrimage following the tragic April 22 terror attack, where Pakistan-backed militants killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam.

In response, authorities deployed an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, with over 8,000 special Army commandos securing the Yatra routes.

Despite the security concerns, the Yatra has continued peacefully and smoothly, with government officials ensuring a well-coordinated multi-tiered security arrangement involving the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.

Pilgrims reach the cave shrine via two main routes—Pahalgam and Baltal. The Pahalgam route spans 46 km over four days, passing through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni.

The Baltal route is shorter, requiring a 14 km trek that can be completed in a single day.

Due to security concerns, no helicopter services are being provided this year, making the pilgrimage entirely by foot. Yet, this has not dampened the spirit of the devotees.

Inside the cave shrine lies the naturally formed ice lingam, believed to represent Lord Shiva.

The structure waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon and draws lakhs of worshippers every year, seeking blessings and spiritual fulfilment.

Moreover, as the Amarnath Yatra 2024 enters its final days, the unwavering faith of the devotees continues to shine through, reaffirming the deep spiritual roots of this Himalayan pilgrimage.

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