After a decade-long pause, the Chota Amarnath Yatra on Thursday returned to North Kashmir’s Bandipora district igniting fervor among pilgrims.
Maha Daneshwar temple, affectionately known as “Chhota Amarnath” lies within the dense forests of Dardpora Village where a naturally formed ice lingam, showered by delicate water droplets from above, graces the sacred site.
The pilgrimage to this mystical cave spans just one day and accommodates a group of 7 to 8 individuals due to its narrow confines.
Traditionally observed on ‘Sharvani Purnima,’ the yatra involves not only paying homage at the Maha Dnyaneshwar temple near the cave but also navigates the area’s challenging terrains.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmad, flagged off the 70 devotees who commenced their journey at 5 am from the temple in Kaloosa village.
While expressing gratification as the Chota Amarnath Yatra reawakened after a decade Deputy Commissioner Bandipora told Rising Kashmir that this one-day religious sojourn resulted from the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including local residents from Shamthan and PRIs, who played a pivotal role in ensuring the pilgrimage’s smooth execution
Owais said that to guarantee seamless progress, law enforcement agencies, the military, and various civil departments worked in concert.
As the yatra trail wound through Dardpora village, locals extended a hearty welcome to the pilgrims with many joined the sacred journey towards the cave.
The yatra’s revival, after a decade-long hiatus, evoked joy and jubilation among residents and sparked hopes of establishing an annual ritual.
Local resident Abdul Gani aspired to see improved amenities to accommodate a larger number of pilgrims so to ensure their comfort and safety.
“The Chota Amarnath Yatra holds a special place in our hearts. Let’s collaborate with the administration to create an experience that’s not just religious but also comfortable for everyone,” voiced Ishfaq Ahmad, another local of Dardpora village.
The pilgrims were excited and hopeful about the revival of the pilgrimage this year.They hoped to see more people join the yatra in the future to pay their respects at the sacred cave shrine regularly.
The yatris expressed their anticipation for the continuation of this journey in the years to come to nurture the connection between spirituality, tradition, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the district.
