The ongoing Amarnath Yatra has so far witnessed over 3.93 lakh pilgrims having ‘darshan’ at the holy cave shrine, with the number likely to cross four lakh in the next two days.
On Wednesday, a fresh group of 1,339 pilgrims departed from Jammu towards the Kashmir Valley.
The first security-escorted convoy, consisting of 16 vehicles carrying 328 devotees, began its journey at 3:28 AM to the Baltal base camp. A second convoy of 42 vehicles, carrying 1,017 pilgrims, left shortly after at 3:48 AM for the Pahalgam base camp.
In addition to the organised convoys, many devotees are arriving directly for the pilgrimage, registering on the spot at both base camps.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the Yatra, has been ensuring that facilities are in place for pilgrims arriving through either route.
On Tuesday, the traditional ‘Chhari Pujan’ took place at the Amareshwar Temple in the Dashnami Akhara complex in Srinagar, coinciding with the festival of Nag Panchami.
The ceremony was led by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, the sole custodian of the sacred Chhari Mubarak (holy mace of Lord Shiva), accompanied by saints from across India.
The Chhari Mubarak’s journey marks key milestones in the Yatra and will begin its final leg from Srinagar to the cave shrine on 4 August, reaching the destination on 9 August to formally conclude the Yatra.
Pilgrims undertake a demanding trek through high-altitude Himalayan terrain to reach the cave shrine, located 3,888 metres above sea level.
Inside the cave, a naturally formed ice stalagmite, believed to symbolise Lord Shiva’s presence, attracts thousands of devotees each year.
The formation waxes and wanes with the lunar cycle, adding spiritual significance to the pilgrimage.
In light of heightened security concerns following the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, this year’s Yatra runs under a strict security cover.
Helicopter services have been suspended, and a multi-layered security arrangement involving the Army, BSF, SSB, CRPF, and J&K Police has been put in place.
To reinforce security further, the Army has deployed 8,000 specially trained commandos alongside other personnel assigned to protect the pilgrimage route.
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