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| Amarnath pilgrimage crosses 2 lakh mark | | | SRINAGAR, JULY 11 – The annual Amarnath pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir has crossed the two lakh mark with the pilgrim rush continuing unabated as the Yatra enters the second month today on the Guru Purnima Day.
Shivlingam controversy and terror attacks on pilgrims notwithstanding, devotees are thronging in considerable numbers from various parts of the country to pay obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas in South Kashmir. The average yatri influx during the first 25 days of the pilgrimage was comparatively higher than the corresponding period past year.
A spokesperson of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said here this afternoon that 2,04,178 pilgrims visited the Holy Shrine till last evening. This morning, 2095 pilgrims left by foot from Baltal and 3500 via the traditional route of Pahalgham for pilgrimage. As many as 257 pilgrims pilgrims went to the shrine in helicopters from Baltal this morning. In all five helicopters of two service operators are flying in the area and facilitating the visit of such pilgrims to the cave shrine, who could not otherwise have the Darshan of the Lord because of age or other handicaps, he added.
Shri Amarnathji Yatra commenced simultaneously from Pahalgham and Baltal on June 11 and had to be suspended the next day due to bad weather. However, the yatra resumed again after three days, he said, adding that ever since the pilgrims influx continues to the valley. Several departments of the Government in conjuction with SASB are actively engaged in regulating the yatra and providing facilities to the pilgrims.
Eminent persons like spiritual guru, Murari Bapu, an NRI group of over 100 persons led by Ma Bijaya and noted industrialist Mr I A Modi, Chairman, Cadila Pharmaceuticals were among those who complimented SASB for the excellent arrangements made at the base camps and enroute the cave shrine. They were highly appreciative of the temporary toilet blocks and shelters with hot water facilities raised at various points for pilgrims, the spokesperson added.
He said that unfortunately 27 persons, 22 male and 5 female, died during the pilgrimage so far, which underlines the need to achieve full fitness before undertaking this arduous pilgrimage on foot. Persons with any infirmity should undertake this journey only on horses, palkies or helicopters, the spokesperson advised. |
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