SRINAGAR — Amid the serene beauty and spiritual pull of the Kashmir Himalayas, more than 1.82 lakh devotees have already made the soul-stirring journey to the Amarnath cave shrine in the first ten days of this year’s Yatra. And today, as another 7,049 pilgrims set out from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, this ancient pilgrimage continues to inspire unwavering faith and unity.
Since the Yatra began on July 3, pilgrims from across India have undertaken this sacred journey, braving long treks and high altitudes to seek the divine darshan of Lord Shiva inside the mystical cave, nestled 3,888 meters above sea level.
Officials believe that the number of pilgrims will soon cross the two lakh mark, as the journey continues peacefully. Today, two secured convoys—carrying a combined 7,049 Yatris in 286 vehicles—departed before dawn, with some heading toward Baltal and others toward Pahalgam, each route holding its own spiritual and scenic significance.
On Thursday, the Bhumi Pujan of the sacred Chhari Mubarak (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was performed with deep reverence at the Gauri Shankar temple in Pahalgam. Led by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, this ceremonial mace will be taken to the Amarnath shrine on August 9, marking the spiritual climax of the Yatra on Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
This year’s pilgrimage holds a heavier emotional weight. It unfolds in the shadow of a tragic past—the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, brutally targeted for their faith. In response, authorities have rolled out unprecedented security measures.
Operation SHIVA 2025 is now fully active, with over 8,500 army troops, 180 additional CAPF companies, and advanced drone surveillance, Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, and bomb detection squads creating a fortress of protection around every pilgrim. Medical infrastructure has been thoughtfully deployed, including over 150 doctors, nine medical aid posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths, ensuring safety and health at every step.
Despite the absence of helicopter services this year due to heightened security concerns, the spirit of the devotees remains unshaken. Whether trekking 46 km from Pahalgam or the shorter 14 km from Baltal, pilgrims continue to walk the path of faith, resilience, and divine connection.
Inside the ancient cave, an ice stalagmite—believed by devotees to represent Lord Shiva himself—stands as a reminder of eternal wisdom. According to legend, this is where Shiva shared the secret of immortality with Mata Parvati, making it one of Hinduism’s most profound spiritual sites.
As the Yatra progresses, it becomes more than a religious ritual—it is a story of endurance, unity, faith, and the unbreakable spirit of humanity.
