Over 3.77 Lakh Pilgrims Perform Amarnath Yatra 2025

Srinagar: More than 3.77 lakh devotees have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra 2025 since it commenced on July 3, with another batch of 1,635 pilgrims leaving from Jammu to the Kashmir Valley on Monday morning.

Fresh Batch of Pilgrims Heads to Baltal and Pahalgam

According to officials, 1,635 yatris departed Jammu in two escorted convoys today.
The first convoy, comprising 17 vehicles carrying 374 pilgrims, left at 3:25 AM for the Baltal base camp. The second convoy, with 42 vehicles and 1,261 pilgrims, departed at 4:00 AM for the Pahalgam base camp, they added.

Chhari Sthapana Performed, Final Journey on August 4

The sacred mace of Lord Shiva, known as Chhari Mubarak, was ceremonially installed during the ‘Chhari Sthapana’ at the Shri Amareshwar Temple inside the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar on Sunday.
The ‘Chhari Pujan’ is scheduled for August 29 on Nag Panchami, while the final journey of the Chhari Mubarak will commence on August 4, reaching the Amarnath cave shrine on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.

Traditional Puja En Route to the Cave Shrine

As per tradition, puja rituals will be performed at Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan, and Pahalgam as the holy mace travels to the shrine, located 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas.

Security Tightened Following April Terror Attack

Following the April 22 terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, authorities have ramped up security with a multi-tier deployment.

Over 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed, along with 8,000 Army commandos to ensure the safe passage of pilgrims. The Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police are jointly monitoring the security arrangements.

Pilgrim Routes: Pahalgam and Baltal

The Yatra to the Amarnath cave can be undertaken via two routes:

• Pahalgam Route: A 46-kilometre trek through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, typically completed in four days on foot.
• Baltal Route: A shorter 14-kilometre trek that allows pilgrims to return the same day after darshan.

This year, helicopter services have been suspended due to heightened security concerns.

Ice Lingam: Symbol of Lord Shiva’s Power

At the cave shrine, devotees witness the naturally formed ice stalagmite known as the Ice Lingam, believed to represent Lord Shiva’s divine energy. It waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon, adding spiritual significance to the pilgrimage.

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