At least four on-the-spot registration counters to set up in Jammu for pilgrims aspiring to undertake Amarnath yatra

Jammu, April 26: Taking a step ahead in a bid to attract more pilgrims for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, the shrine board has decided to set up at least four on-the-spot registration counters. Notably, this year’s Amarnath Yatra will begin on June 28 and will end on Raksha Bandhan day on August 26.

 

Umang Narula, who is a Chief Executive Officer of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board on Wednesday said "On-spot registration facility during the Yatra period will be available at four places at Jammu." He also added that these facilities will be set up at Vaishnavi Dham, Saraswati Dham, Jammu Haat and Geeta Bhawan-Ram Mandir.

Umang Narula further apprised that advance registration of pilgrims has already started through various branches of the Punjab National Bank, the J&K Bank and YES Bank across the country. Narula, in the end, stressed the need for all agencies concerned to enforce sustained close watch and maintain effective co-ordination to ensure smooth conduct of yatra.

Over one lakh pilgrims have already been registered so far across the country and advance online booking of helicopter tickets for the Amarnath pilgrimage will commence on April 27. The 60-day long annual yatra to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir Himalayas will commence on June 28 via both Baltal and Pahalgam routes and will last till August 26 of this year. This year's yatra will be longer by 20 days against last year's 40 days which has brought a joy to the devotees.

BACKGROUND:

Over 7 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine last year. The cave shrine is situated at a height of 3,888 metres above sea level and has two routes leading to it, one from Pahalgam, about 100 km from Srinagar, and another from Baltal, 110 km from Srinagar.

The pilgrimage routes pass through high mountains and glaciers, involving a steep climb, and most of the track, despite clearance of snow, is slippery and full of slush, making it difficult for the pilgrims to negotiate the tortuous terrain.

A naturally made stalagmite of snow considered to be an ice "lingam" or icon of Lord Shiva is the main attraction of the cave shrine. It is believed that Lord Shiva had narrated the tale of immortality to his consort, the Goddess Parvati at the cave. Thus, it is known as "Amarnath", which when translated means "Lord of immortality".