2.44 lakh offer prayers at Amarnath shrine

Srinagar, July 24

Around 2,44,751 people have performed the Amarnath Yatra in the past 24 days, said officials of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board on Sunday. Another batch of 7,009 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the Valley. As usual, they were escorted by personnel of the CRPF. Of them, 1,504 headed for the Baltal base camp and the rest for the Pahalgam base camp. Yatris using the Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine. They return to the base camp the same day after paying obeisance.

Those using the traditional Pahalgam route have to trek 48 km for four days to reach the shrine situated 3,888 metre above the sea level. Helicopter services are also available on both routes.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. The ‘Charri Mubarak’ (holy mace) of Lord Shiva will reach the cave shrine from the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar on the morning of August 11 when the final puja will be held. — IANS

MORE PILGRIMS LEAVE FOR VALLEY BASE CAMPS

A fresh batch of 7,009 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the Valley on Sunday. Of them, 1,504 headed for the Baltal base camp and the rest for the Pahalgam base camp.

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