Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged the first batch of the Amarnath Yatra from Jammu City. Wishing all the devotees a safe and spiritually-fulfilling journey.
The first group comprising around 3,300 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in 159 escorted vehicles for the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in Kashmir valley.
The 62-day-long Amarnath Yatra has two routes to approach the cave shrine, the shorter 13km long Baltal route in the Ganderbal district and the longer 43km Pahalgam route in Anantnag.
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Those who will use the Baltal route will reach the base camp the same day whereas people who will use the traditional Pahalgam route will take three to five days to just reach the shrine.
At a height of 3,888 meters above sea level, the crave shrine contains an ice stalagmite structure known as the holy “Lingam” which in the eyes of the faithful represents the mythological powers of Lord Shiva. The ice stalagmite structure wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.
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Hindus believe have great religious significance since Lord Shiva one of the main deities in Hindu Mythology is thought to have his residence there.
The army, paramilitary forces, and the local police are managing a foolproof three-tier security system to guarantee that the Yatra goes off without a hitch. Authorities have proclaimed the Amarnath Yatra 2023 cigarette free and instructed numerous community kitchens known as Langar that are run along the two routes not to serve any junk food and hlwai goods to the pilgrims to prevent deaths from high altitude sickness. Cold beverages have been outlawed at the Yatra.
Also Read:The Amarnath Yatra: A Sacred Pilgrimage to the Holy Cave of Lord Shiva