Record Numbers at Amarnath Yatra: 7,500 Pilgrims in a Day, Total Tops 1.59 Lakh

Srinagar – The Amarnath Yatra continues to witness a massive turnout of devotees, with over 7,500 pilgrims visiting the sacred cave shrine on Saturday alone. This surge has taken the total number of pilgrims who have had ‘darshan’ of the naturally formed ice lingam to over 1.59 lakh since the yatra began on June 29.

Details of the Pilgrimage

The annual pilgrimage commenced from two primary routes: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal. Despite being temporarily suspended on Saturday morning due to heavy rainfall, the yatra resumed later in the day, allowing thousands of devotees to continue their journey to the shrine.

Pilgrims Statistics

On the eighth day of the yatra, a total of 7,552 pilgrims performed the pilgrimage and had darshan of Baba Bholenath. Among them were 5,019 male pilgrims, 1,406 female pilgrims, 118 sadhus, three sadhvis, 869 security personnel, three transgender persons, and 134 children. This diverse group of devotees highlights the wide-reaching appeal of the yatra.

Safety and Challenges

The challenging journey to the 3,800-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas is not without its risks. Tragically, two deaths have been reported during this year’s pilgrimage. A sevadar from Haryana and a pilgrim from Jharkhand both suffered cardiac arrests on the Baltal route in June, emphasizing the physical demands of the journey.

Historical Context and Expectations

The 52-day pilgrimage, which will conclude on August 19, has a rich history of drawing large numbers of devotees. Last year, more than 4.5 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine. Given the current trends, this year’s turnout is expected to be equally significant, if not higher.

Conclusion

The Amarnath Yatra remains one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, attracting devotees from all walks of life. As the number of pilgrims continues to rise, the administration remains vigilant to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the yatra. The spiritual significance and the challenging nature of the journey make the Amarnath Yatra a unique and deeply personal experience for each devotee.

For ongoing updates on the Amarnath Yatra and other religious events, stay tuned to Sarhind Times.