Budha Amarnath Yatra Begins with Tight Security in Jammu

The annual Budha Amarnath Yatra commenced on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu. This year’s pilgrimage is significant as it takes place amid heightened security amid religious fervour.

LG Sinha performed a pooja before officially sending off the pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at approximately 6:30 am. He expressed hope for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey for all devotees traveling from across India for this sacred event.

The yatra, lasting 12 days, is dedicated to the Baba Budha Amarnath temple in Rajpura of Mandi tehsil, and will culminate on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

“I feel blessed to flag off the sacred Shri Budha Amarnath Ji yatra today. This divine pilgrimage is a transformative experience for devotees across the nation,” Sinha shared on X, formally known as Twitter.

He further prayed for blessings from Lord Shiva for a smooth journey, remarking, “May Mahadev bless every step of your sacred yatra. Har Har Mahadev!”

To ensure the safety of the pilgrims, police escorted the convoy, with central armed police forces deployed along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch route. Multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place throughout Rajouri and Poonch.

Additionally, personnel from the special operations group conducted search and verification operations at various lodging sites, including Dashnami Akhara. Security forces actively monitored the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway, enhancing the safety of the pilgrimage.

During the inaugural function on Sunday, the LG emphasized that the yatra represents not just a physical journey, but a profound inward journey towards self-realization and eternal consciousness, aligning closely with the teachings of Lord Shiva.

Scenes at Jammu were filled with religious enthusiasm as pilgrims from various states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Gujarat, gathered to participate. Many raised slogans such as “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Jai Bholenath”, showcasing the cultural unification fostered by the yatra.

“We are extremely excited to undertake the Budha Amarnath Yatra. We have traveled from Rajasthan and feel proud to be part of this religious journey,” stated Rita Devi, a pilgrim arriving from Uttar Pradesh.

Similarly, Devrattan from Karnataka expressed joy over the massive participation this year, noting the yatra’s immense religious and cultural importance, especially after disruptions caused by terrorism in recent years.

Traffic authorities have issued advisories regarding mandatory cut-off timings for registered convoys traveling on the Jammu-Poonch route between August 17 and 28, ensuring orderly flow and safety for all pilgrims.

In addition, langars and reception counters have been established at key transit points, including Sunderbani, Nowshera, and Rajal in the Rajouri district. This initiative aims to provide support and sustenance to the vast number of pilgrims over the yatra’s duration.

The local administration in Poonch has also launched a dedicated portal for the advance registration of pilgrims, simplifying the process for those traveling to pay homage.

The Budha Amarnath shrine, located at an altitude of around 4,600 feet, is revered for its self-manifested white stone Shivling. Devotees traditionally engage in a holy dip in the nearby Pulastya River, named after the sage Pulastya, before entering the temple to offer prayers.