Amarnath Yatra: Have Over Two Lakh Devotees Received 'Darshan'? Fresh Batch of 6,143 Depart for Kashmir
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Synopsis
Join the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, where over two lakh devotees seek 'darshan' of Lord Shiva. With a new batch of 6,143 pilgrims departing from Jammu, this sacred pilgrimage is witnessing extensive security arrangements and heartfelt devotion amidst a backdrop of recent challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Over two lakh devotees have participated in the Amarnath Yatra.
- A fresh group of 6,143 pilgrims departed for Kashmir.
- Extensive security measures are in place for the safety of Yatris.
- All routes and transit camps are secured by security forces.
- The Yatra concludes on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima.
Srinagar, July 14 (NationPress) In the past 11 days since its commencement on July 3, more than two lakh pilgrims have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, with a new group of 6,143 pilgrims setting off from Jammu to Kashmir on Monday.
Officials reported, “A fresh batch of 6,143 Yatris departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys today. The first convoy, consisting of 100 vehicles carrying 2,215 Yatris, left at 3:30 a.m. for the Baltal base camp, while the second convoy, comprising 135 vehicles with 3,928 Yatris, departed at 4 a.m. for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,” officials stated.
On Sunday, nine Yatris suffered injuries when four vehicles in the escorted convoy collided in Kulgam district along the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The injured were quickly transported to the government medical college (GMC) hospital in Anantnag, where their condition was reported as stable.
The Bhumi Pujan of 'Chhari Mubarak' (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) took place in Pahalgam on Thursday. The Chhari Mubarak was carried to Pahalgam by a group of sadhus led by the sole custodian, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its base at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar.
Upon reaching Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan occurred.
The Chhari Mubarak is expected to arrive at the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra is under rigorous multi-layered security measures, especially following the tragic attack on April 22, where Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians based on their faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.
An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been deployed to bolster the existing forces, including the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.
The Army has initiated 'Operation SHIVA 2025', mobilizing over 8,500 troops and utilizing advanced surveillance and combat technologies.
As part of this extensive deployment, a dedicated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) grid with over 50 C-UAS and EW (Electronic Warfare) systems has been established to counter drone threats.
“Live surveillance via UAVs (drones) and PTZ camera feeds is actively monitoring Yatra convoys and the holy cave. Engineer task forces are engaged in infrastructure work such as bridge construction, track widening, and landslide management. The operation includes over 150 doctors and paramedics, two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths supported by 2 lakh litres of oxygen. Signal companies, EME technical teams, and Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads are also on duty,” the Army stated.
All transit camps leading to the two base camps, as well as the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine, are secured by the security forces.
The Yatra commenced on July 3 and is set to conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Yatris can reach the holy cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3888 metres in the Kashmir Himalayas, either via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those taking the Pahalgam route cover 46 km on foot, passing through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, which typically takes four days. Conversely, those on the Baltal route trek 14 km to the shrine and return to the base camp the same day after completing the Yatra.
Due to security concerns, no helicopter services are available for Yatris this year.
The cave shrine features an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the moon phases. Devotees believe this structure symbolizes the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most sacred religious pilgrimages for Hindu devotees, as legends tell of Lord Shiva revealing the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati within this cave.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the resilience and faith exhibited by the pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra, especially in light of recent security challenges. The extensive arrangements made by authorities reflect a commitment to ensuring the safety and sanctity of this revered pilgrimage.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amarnath Yatra?
The Amarnath Yatra is a significant Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees seek 'darshan' of the ice stalagmite structure believed to symbolize Lord Shiva.
How many pilgrims have participated this year?
Over two lakh pilgrims have undertaken the Amarnath Yatra since it began on July 3, 2023.
What security measures are in place for the Yatra?
Extensive multi-tier security arrangements have been implemented, including the deployment of the Army, CAPFs, and advanced surveillance technologies to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
What routes can pilgrims take to the shrine?
Pilgrims can choose between the traditional Pahalgam route, which is longer, or the shorter Baltal route to reach the cave shrine.
When does the Yatra conclude?
The Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 9, 2023.
