The annual Budha Amarnath Yatra began on August 17, 2023, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu. The ceremony commenced at 6.30 am amidst heightened security measures to ensure the safety of devotees traveling towards the shrine located in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Following a traditional pooja, Sinha expressed his blessings for the sacred journey, stating, “Blessed to flag off the sacred Shri Budha Amarnath Ji yatra today. This divine pilgrimage is a transformative experience for devotees.” The Yatra will run for 12 days and culminate on Raksha Bandhan, August 28, renowned for its spiritual significance.
The pilgrimage route stretches approximately 230 kilometers, leading the devotees through scenic landscapes under police escort and with the deployment of additional central armed police forces. Authorities have implemented multi-tier security measures across the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch corridor.
Sinha highlighted the Yatra’s significance, stating it is “not merely a physical journey but a profound inward journey towards self-realisation and the eternal consciousness of Lord Shiva.” This year, the pilgrimage has attracted participants from various states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
The atmosphere in Jammu is vibrant, resonating with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Bholenath”, as thousands of devotees gather to embark on the sacred trip. Rita Devi, a pilgrim from Rajasthan expressed enthusiasm stating, “We are extremely excited to undertake the Budha Amarnath Yatra and are proud to be part of this religious journey.”
Another devotee, Devrattan from Karnataka, underscored the Yatra’s immense cultural and religious significance. He expressed satisfaction over the large-scale resumption of the event after prior disruptions linked to security issues.
To manage the influx of participants, Jammu Traffic Police issued advisories detailing cut-off timings for the registered pilgrim convoys along the Jammu-Poonch route from August 17 to 28. This initiative aims to ensure a smooth travel experience for all attendees.
Langars (community kitchens) and reception counters have been established at key transit points, including Sunderbani, Nowshera, and Rajal in Rajouri District, to serve the pilgrims during their journey. Additionally, the Poonch district administration has launched a dedicated online portal for advance registration, enhancing efficiency for arriving devotees.
The Budha Amarnath shrine, perched around 4,600 feet above sea level, is famed for housing a self-manifested white stone Shivling. Tradition dictates that devotees take a holy dip in the nearby Pulastya River, named after the revered sage Pulastya, prior to entering the temple for prayer.
This year’s yatra reaffirms faith and devotion while underlining the importance of maintaining safety and security for participants. Community camaraderie amplifies the spiritual essence of this enriching pilgrimage, making it a memorable experience for all involved.
