Amarnath Yatra 2023: Pilgrims Begin Journey Amid Enhanced Security
Pilgrimage Commences with Strong Security Measures
Srinagar, July 4: A new group of 6,411 pilgrims departed from Jammu on Friday, embarking on their journey to the Amarnath Shrine under strict security protocols.
According to officials, on the first day of the 38-day Amarnath Yatra, 12,300 devotees had the opportunity to pay their respects inside the sacred cave shrine on Thursday.
"This morning, another group of 6,411 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatra Niwas in two escorted convoys comprising 291 vehicles. Among them, 2,789 are headed to the Baltal base camp, while 3,622 are traveling to Nunwan (Pahalgam base camp)," officials reported.
With chants of ‘Bum Bum Bhole’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’, the enthusiastic pilgrims commenced their journey on Thursday. Many expressed their determination to proceed with the Yatra, undeterred by threats from Pakistan or its affiliates, emphasizing their commitment to Lord Shiva's divine call.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra is being conducted with heightened security measures following the tragic attack on April 22, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pahalgam.
To bolster security, an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed alongside the army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.
All transit camps along the route to the two base camps, as well as the entire path from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine, are under the vigilant watch of security personnel.
Local residents have shown unwavering support for this year’s Yatra, as they have in previous years.
In a show of solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack, locals warmly welcomed the first group of pilgrims with garlands and placards as they crossed the Navyug Tunnel into the Valley at Qazigund.
The Yatra commenced on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, coinciding with the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Pilgrims can reach the holy cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those taking the Pahalgam route must traverse through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, covering a distance of 46 km on foot, which typically takes four days.
Conversely, those opting for the Baltal route will trek 14 km to the shrine and return to the base camp on the same day after completing their pilgrimage.
The cave shrine features an ice stalagmite that changes size with the lunar phases, and devotees believe it represents the mystical powers of Lord Shiva.
The Shri Amarnath ji Yatra is regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimages, as legend has it that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati within this cave. Traditionally, a pair of mountain pigeons is said to emerge from the cave when the annual Yatra begins.