The highly anticipated Amarnath Yatra of 2025 commenced on July 3rd. This sacred pilgrimage will span 38 days, concluding on Raksha Bandhan, August 9th. Thousands of devotees from across the country have already embarked on their journey to Jammu and Kashmir to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani. The first batch of pilgrims was flagged off from Jammu on Wednesday, following a ceremonial prayer and the waving of the green flag.
The Cave Situated at an Altitude of 3,978 Meters
The Amarnath Yatra is renowned and considered challenging because it is located at an altitude of approximately 3,978 meters above sea level. To reach the holy cave, pilgrims traverse through dense forests, towering mountains, and sometimes, icy paths. This demanding journey is viewed as a form of spiritual test.
The Glory of Baba Barfani
The naturally formed ice Shivling within the Amarnath cave each year is the main attraction of this pilgrimage. Devotees revere this ice lingam as Baba Barfani. Notably, this Shivling is not man-made but forms naturally from ice. The Shivling reaches its full size during the month of Shravan and waxes and wanes like the phases of the moon.
The mystery of how this Shivling forms annually and takes shape according to the lunar cycle remains unsolved even today.
History of the Discovery of the Amarnath Cave
Different accounts exist regarding the discovery of the Amarnath cave. According to one belief, the cave was discovered in 1850 by a shepherd named Buta Malik. It is said that Buta Malik was given a bag of coal by a Sadhu, which turned into gold upon reaching his home. When he returned to find the Sadhu, he reached the Amarnath cave and had a vision of the Shivling. Since then, faith and devotion towards this cave have grown among people.
Another belief narrates that when the Kashmir valley was a lake, Kashyap Rishi drained the water and made the land habitable. During this time, Bhrigu Rishi, while on a journey through the Himalayas, saw the cave containing the form of Lord Shiva. From then on, Amarnath became known as a place of worship.
Why the Cave is Called Amarnath
According to a tale described in religious texts, Lord Shiva narrated the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati in this cave. This secret was so sacred and confidential that Shiva chose a secluded place to reveal it. He even left behind his five-headed serpents, Nandi, Ganesha, and other Ganas. Considering this cave as the witness to the "Immortal Tale" (Amar Katha), it was named "Amarnath," which means "Lord of Immortality."
The Merit of This Pilgrimage
In Hinduism, the Amarnath Yatra is considered highly meritorious. Religious beliefs state that the merit earned during this pilgrimage is many times greater than that of other pilgrimages. The Skanda Purana and other scriptures mention that performing the Amarnath Yatra yields ten times more merit than visiting Kashi, one hundred times more than Prayagraj, and a thousand times more than Naimisharanya.
Despite the Difficulty, Millions of Devotees Participate Annually
Despite the challenges of the Amarnath Yatra, millions of devotees participate each year. This is due to the unwavering faith in Baba Barfani and the devotion of the people. Many pilgrims also participate in this yatra continuously for several years and consider it part of their spiritual practice.
The Route and Facilities
According to government data, there are two main routes for this yatra. The first route goes through Pahalgam, which is about 46 kilometers long. The second route goes through Baltal, which is shorter but more challenging. Base camps, medical facilities, food, and security arrangements are provided at several locations during the yatra. This year as well, special preparations have been made by the government and the army for the safety and convenience of the pilgrims.
Security Arrangements for Devotees
Special security arrangements have been made during the Amarnath Yatra this year with the cooperation of the central and state governments. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, ITBP, BSF, and the army are deployed along the entire route. The yatra routes are being monitored using drones and CCTV cameras. Furthermore, special monitoring is being done for weather information so that immediate relief can be provided in any emergency.
This Yatra is Filled with Spiritual Experience
The Amarnath Yatra is not just a pilgrimage; it is a spiritual experience. Pilgrims who undertake this challenging journey with full devotion and resolve experience inner satisfaction and a sense of divinity. This journey fills the mind and soul with a unique power, which is difficult to express in words.
Enthusiasm of Devotees is Increasing Every Year
In recent years, the number of devotees participating in the Amarnath Yatra has consistently increased. Facilities such as helicopter services, medical check-ups, and online registration provided by the government have made the yatra more accessible.
