How Many Pilgrims Have Undertaken the Amarnath Yatra So Far?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 3.83 lakh pilgrims have participated in the Yatra so far.
- The pilgrimage will conclude on August 9.
- Security measures have been heightened following previous attacks.
- The Chhari Mubarak will begin its final journey on August 4.
- Two routes are available for pilgrims: Pahalgam and Baltal.
Srinagar, July 29 (NationPress) More than 3.83 lakh devotees have participated in the current Amarnath Yatra, with just 12 days remaining before this annual Himalayan pilgrimage concludes.
This year, the Amarnath Yatra has attracted a significant number of eager worshippers to the sacred cave shrine, all within a secure, peaceful, and organized environment.
Officials reported that another group of 1,490 Yatris departed from Jammu in two secured convoys on Tuesday.
The first convoy, consisting of 16 vehicles carrying 327 pilgrims, left at 3:25 a.m. for the Baltal base camp, while the second convoy of 45 vehicles carrying 1,163 Yatris departed at 3:57 a.m. for the Pahalgam base camp.
The 'Chhari Pujan' of Lord Shiva's sacred mace, known as Chhari Mubarak, is being celebrated today at the Amareshwar Temple in Srinagar on 'Nag Panchami'.
The final procession of the Chhari Mubarak towards the holy cave shrine is set to commence on August 4. Traditionally, the Chhari Mubarak is stored in the Amareshwar Temple located within the Dashnami Akhara Building in the Budshah Chowk area of Srinagar. This journey is pivotal in marking the significant points of the Amarnath Yatra.
It will begin its last journey to the cave shrine from the Amareshwar Temple in Srinagar on August 4 and is expected to arrive at the holy cave on August 9, officially concluding the Yatra.
During its pilgrimage from its origin to the holy cave shrine, traditional Puja ceremonies will be conducted along the way at Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan, and Pahalgam before the Chhari Mubarak reaches its final destination, the sacred cave shrine.
Authorities have implemented extensive multi-tier security measures for this year's Amarnath Yatra, especially following the tragic attack on April 22, where Pakistan-backed terrorists claimed the lives of 26 civilians in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam based on their faith.
An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been deployed to enhance the existing forces of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. Over 8,000 special commandos from the Army are also stationed to ensure the safety of the pilgrims this year.
The Yatra commenced on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Yatris can access the holy cave shrine, which is located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Pilgrims taking the Pahalgam route will traverse through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, covering a distance of 46 km on foot, typically taking four days to reach the cave shrine. In contrast, those opting for the Baltal route will trek 14 km to the shrine and return to the base camp on the same day after the darshan.
This year, no helicopter services are available for Yatris due to security concerns.
The cave shrine is home to an ice stalagmite structure that changes shape with the lunar phases. Devotees believe this ice formation symbolizes the legendary powers of Lord Shiva.