The number of pilgrims who have paid obeisance to Lord Shiva at the Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir has reached an all-time high this year, surpassing last year’s figures.
According to officials, a total of 4,66,342 pilgrims have visited the sacred site, compared to 4.59 lakh pilgrims last year.
On Monday alone, over 7,500 pilgrims made the trek to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine, marking the 31st day of the annual yatra. “As many as 7,556 pilgrims performed the yatra on Monday and had darshan of Baba Bholenath,” the officials reported. This included 4,364 male pilgrims, 1,791 female pilgrims, 148 Sadhus, one Sadhvi, 1,100 security personnel, and 106 children.
The pilgrimage, which began on July 1, has seen a robust turnout despite challenges. Tragically, there have been two fatalities this year—a sevadar from Haryana and a pilgrim from Jharkhand—both of whom suffered cardiac arrests along the Baltal route in June.
The 52-day pilgrimage, which is set to conclude on August 19, continues to draw devotees from across the country, eager to pay their respects to the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva.(KNS)
