Jammu, July 3: Over the past four days, more than 74,000 pilgrims have had the opportunity to ‘darshan’ inside the sacred cave shrine of Amarnath. Another group of 5,725 Yatris departed for Kashmir on Wednesday.
According to officials, 2,514 Yatris departed in a convoy of 118 vehicles for the north Kashmir Baltal base camp, while 3,211 Yatris traveled in 120 vehicles escorted by security forces to the south Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas this morning.
The Meteorological Department has forecast generally cloudy weather along both Yatra routes, with the possibility of light rain or thunder in the morning hours.
Pilgrims can choose between the traditional 48 km Pahalgam route or the shorter 14 km Baltal route to reach the cave shrine. Those using the Pahalgam route typically take four days to complete the journey, while those on the Baltal route return to the base camp the same day after darshan inside the cave shrine.
Situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters above sea level, the cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that is believed to symbolize the mythical powers of Lord Shiva, which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.
Stringent security arrangements have been put in place this year along the Jammu-Srinagar highway, the Yatra routes, the base camps, and the cave shrine itself to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage.
To support the pilgrims, over 124 ‘langars’ (community kitchens) have been set up along both routes, as well as at transit camps and the cave shrine. More than 7,000 volunteers, known as ‘Sevadars’, are assisting pilgrims during this year’s Yatra.
In response to the influx of pilgrims, additional train services have been scheduled by the Railways starting July 3. Helicopter services are also available to facilitate the Yatris on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
