The annual Amarnath Yatra 2025, which began on July 3, is progressing smoothly with over 3.6 lakh pilgrims having darshan at the sacred cave shrine within the first 22 days.
Officials confirmed that the pilgrimage remains peaceful and well-organised, with continuous efforts to manage the large influx of devotees.
On Saturday, a fresh batch of 2,324 Yatris departed for the Valley in two escorted convoys from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.
The first convoy of 34 vehicles carrying 741 pilgrims left for the Baltal base camp at 3:25 AM. The second convoy of 58 vehicles, with 1,583 pilgrims, departed for the Pahalgam base camp at 3:45 AM.
A key highlight of the Yatra is the traditional ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (holy mace of Lord Shiva) procession. On Friday, devotees took the sacred mace to the Sharika-Bhawani temple atop Hari Parvat in Srinagar for the customary Puja.
The Chhari Mubarak is under the sole custodianship of Mahant Swami Deependra Giri. It will begin its journey from the Amareshwar Temple in Srinagar to the holy cave shrine on August 4.
En route, the procession will include Sadhus and devotees performing rituals at Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan, and Pahalgam before reaching the shrine on August 9.
Enhanced Security Arrangements
Authorities have organised this year’s Yatra under heightened security measures following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.
Authorities have deployed an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, alongside the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police, to safeguard the route.
Over 8,000 special Army commandos are securing the passage to ensure the safety of the pilgrims throughout the journey.
Pilgrims reach the cave shrine, located 3,888 metres above sea level, via two main routes. The traditional Pahalgam trek covers 46 km through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. The shorter Baltal route spans 14 km and allows a same-day return.
Security protocols have stopped helicopter services this year, requiring all pilgrims to complete the trek entirely on foot.
Devotees believe the cave shrine’s naturally formed ice stalagmite symbolises Lord Shiva’s mythical powers.
The structure waxes and wanes with the lunar cycle, adding to the spiritual aura of the pilgrimage. The 38-day Yatra will conclude on 9 August, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, marking the end of one of India’s most revered spiritual journeys.
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