4 lakh pilgrims have visited Amarnath cave shrine: J&K Lt Governor

Last year, 5.1 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the shrine. The 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 9, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.

The number of pilgrims to have paid obeisance at the ice lingam of Lord Shiva at the 3,880-metre high Amarnath cave shrine since the 38-day pilgrimage began from the Kashmir Valley on July 3 crossed the four lakh mark on Thursday.

A soldier standing guard in Pahalgam in Anantnag district as pilgrims head for the Amarnath cave shrine as part of the annual pilgrimage. (PTI Photo)

“Baba Amarnath makes the impossible possible. With his blessings, the holy yatra today crossed the 4 lakh figure. I bow to Lord Shiva for this miracle and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making the holy pilgrimage a divine experience for devotees,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said in a series of posts on X.

Sinha said the high number of pilgrims was testament to India’s unity and its resolve to overcome all challenges.

“The record number of darshans and arrival of devotees from across the country and the globe is a testament to India’s unity and its resolve to overcome the challenges. I am truly thankful to the devotees, who have shown immense faith and strengthened our priceless spiritual heritage,” he said.

“This godly expedition is incomparable not because it’s arduous and challenging but because it’s an inimitable journey into pure bliss. It’s a spiritual experience and gives an opportunity to devotees to know themselves and offers deep trust and fills their hearts with infinite gratitude,” he added.

Last year, more than 5.1 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine.

The pilgrimage is scheduled to end on August 9, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.