Early Times Report
RAMBAN/JAMMU, May 4: Undeterred by high temperatures and difficult terrain, four youths from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have been on an extraordinary, over nine-month-long journey to the revered Amarnath Shrine, performing ‘dandavat pranam’– a rigorous religious practice involving full-body prostrations — to spread “a message of Sanatan Dharma” and “communal harmony”.
Traversing the winding stretches of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district, the young pilgrims have been advancing entirely through full-body prostrations — a form of pilgrimage where devotees move forward by repeatedly lying flat on the ground — as they make their way towards the cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva at an altitude of about 3,880 metres in the South Kashmir Himalayas.
The pilgrims, Jatinder Rajput, Rohit Ray and Nayain Jain from Madhya Pradesh, along with Amit Rajput from Uttar Pradesh, began their journey months ago.
While the trio from Madhya Pradesh started on September 3, 2025, Amit Rajput set out earlier on July 23, 2025.
“We are on a dandavat pranam yatra to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani. It was our long-cherished wish, and we have been on this journey for over nine months,” Amit Rajput said.
Unlike conventional pilgrimage, the group has been moving along step by step through repeated prostrations, while taking intermittent breaks. “For nearly a year, our daily routine has revolved around lying flat on the ground, rising, and inching forward,” said Rohit Ray.
Carrying minimal belongings on a bicycle, including blankets, water and limited food supplies, the youths have braved extreme weather, from scorching plains to the cold and rugged Himalayan terrain.
Despite the physical strain, they remain resolute, chanting “Baba Barfani” for motivation.
The annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district, and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, concluding on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
The youths said their journey is guided by a higher purpose, upholding the values of Sanatan Dharma and advocating for the recognition of the cow as India’s national animal.
Beyond spirituality, they emphasised a message of unity and harmony. “Religion teaches peace and coexistence. Those who spread Hindu-Muslim hatred do not truly understand their faith,” they said, highlighting lessons drawn from interactions with people across regions.
As they continue through Ramban, their weather-beaten appearance reflects the hardships endured, but their steadfast faith and message of unity have turned the yatra into a living testament of devotion and social harmony. |
