Extreme Heat Disrupts Amarnath Yatra as Shiva Lingam Melts

Impact of Heat on Amarnath Yatra

The ongoing extreme heat in Kashmir has significantly affected the annual Amarnath Yatra, leading to the rapid melting of the natural ice Shiva Lingam, a sacred representation of Lord Shiva, within just the first ten days of the pilgrimage.

This year, the early melting of the ice Shiva Lingam at the Amarnath cave temple is linked to the severe heatwave sweeping through Kashmir, which has had a profound impact on the pilgrimage. Pilgrims returning from the holy site reported that the revered symbol has nearly vanished.

The Amarnath Yatra commenced on July 3, and within just ten days, reports indicate that the Shiva Lingam, which traditionally stood between 12 to 15 feet tall, has almost completely melted, leaving only its base—symbolizing the feet of Lord Shiva—remaining in the cave. This incident marks one of the quickest meltings recorded in recent years.

Despite the Shiva Lingam's absence, over 170,000 pilgrims have visited the 3,880-meter-high cave in the southern Himalayas by July 12. With 26 days remaining in the pilgrimage, the melting of the Lingam has not deterred the faith of the devotees. Many pilgrims continue their journey, chanting "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bam Bam Bhole," demonstrating their unwavering devotion.

A group of pilgrims who completed their journey shared their experiences, stating, "We began our journey on the 5th and reached Baltal on the 7th, where we had darshan the following day. The facilities were excellent, and security was tight." Another pilgrim remarked, "We had darshan on July 9. This is my second visit, and the facilities were very good this time. Although the Shiva Lingam has melted, we came with faith and are content. Others should come to see Lord Shiva."

The duration of the Shiva Lingam's existence has been decreasing over the years due to climate change. In 2022, it lasted for 28 days; in 2023, it melted in 22 days; in 2024, it was gone in 16 days; and now in 2025, it has melted within just 10 days of the yatra.

Weather experts in Kashmir have noted that glaciers near the Amarnath cave are melting, and there has been no systematic research since the 1980s to evaluate their response to climate change. Glaciers in the valley, including five near the shrine, are shrinking, which affects water availability, reduces snowfall, and raises temperatures—all contributing to the rapid melting of the Shiva Lingam. Additionally, the heavy human activity during the yatra also raises temperatures, further accelerating the melting process.

This year's weather patterns in the Kashmir Valley have been notably different, with a nearly 60-70% decrease in rainfall and snowfall during both summer and winter. Moreover, temperatures have reached unprecedented levels; Srinagar recorded its highest temperature since 1953 at 37.4 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat and reduced snowfall along the pilgrimage routes have resulted in dry and dusty conditions, starkly contrasting with the previously glacier-filled paths.