Mountains, Myths, and 7,307 Devotees—Amarnath Yatra Roars into Week Two

Image Source: The Statesman

The sacred Amarnath Yatra continues to draw thousands of devotees, with over 1.28 lakh pilgrims having completed the spiritual trek in just seven days. On July 10, a fresh batch of 7,307 pilgrims departed from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp in two escorted convoys bound for the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

Key highlights:

First convoy: 137 vehicles carrying 3,081 pilgrims left at 3:15 a.m. for Baltal
Second convoy: 147 vehicles with 4,226 pilgrims departed at 3:58 a.m. for Pahalgam
Many pilgrims are also registering directly at Baltal and Nunwan camps for onspot participation
The Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan

Security and logistics:

In response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, 180 additional CAPF companies have been deployed
All transit camps and pilgrimage routes are under tight security surveillance
No helicopter services are available this year due to heightened security concerns

Local support and spiritual significance:

Locals have actively supported the Yatra, offering refreshments and water to pilgrims along the route
The cave shrine, located at 3,888 meters in the Himalayas, houses a naturally formed ice stalagmite believed to represent Lord Shiva
Pilgrims trek either 46 km via Pahalgam or 14 km via Baltal to reach the shrine

Sources: The Hans India, AP7AM, Business Standard, Jammu Bulletin, Economic Times, PTI, SASB Official Update