Budha Amarnath Yatra 2023: First batch of pilgrims commence for spiritual journey from Jammu
Budha Amarnath Yatra 2023: Amid tight security and arrangements, first batch of pilgrims embarked for the spiritual journey of Budha Amarnath Yatra in Poonch from Jammu on Friday morning.
The 10-day long Budha Amarnath Yatra begin from today, i.e. August 18 and will continue till August 27 in Mandi hills of Tehsil Mandi of district Poonch and is located at an altitude of around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level.
#WATCH | J&K: Administration flags of the first batch of pilgrims for Budha Amarnath Yatra from Jammu. pic.twitter.com/G1Z4bCIXNf — ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2023
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Before the starting of the Yatra, all security arrangements have been done of the annual religious Yatra. Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu, Mukesh Singh, wished pilgrims on their journey.
"All security arrangements have been done for the Budha Amarnath Yatra which started today. The Yatra will continue for the next 11 days. Best wishes to all the yatris for their journey," ADGP Singh said.
Notably, the Yatra to Buddha Amarnath Temple is organizsed annually during the Hindu month of Shravana (July to August). Devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. While the Amarnath Cave Temple houses an ice stalagmite believed to be the representation of Lord Shiva, the Buddha Amarnath Temple contains a Shiva lingam naturally formed of ice.
Cradled within the enchanting expanse of Arin Valley's dense woodlands, atop a Himalayan mountaintop, rests the venerable Maha Daneshwar temple, fondly referred to as 'Chhota Amarnath.'
The Yatra traces a 15-kilometre trajectory through the idyllic Arin-Dardpora belt, its meandering path navigating via Shampthan before culminating at the revered Chota Amarnath Cave. The local populace has lent an enthusiastic voice to this spiritual endeavour, intertwining their support with an impassioned call for enhanced infrastructure along the pilgrimage route.
Yatra is an intersection of unwavering devotion, communal harmony, and a shared pledge to ensure that every pilgrim's voyage is imbued with spiritual enrichment and utmost safety.
- With inputs from agencies
