The annual Budha Amarnath Yatra began on August 17, 2023, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first group of devotees from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas. This significant pilgrimage to the ancient shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district takes place amid heightened security and religious enthusiasm.
As the sun rose, Sinha performed a pooja before sending off the pilgrims around 6:30 am for the 230-kilometre journey to the shrine. The yatra, which is slated to last for 12 days, will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
“Blessed to flag off the sacred Shri Budha Amarnath Ji yatra today. This divine pilgrimage is a transformative experience for devotees,” Sinha remarked on social media. He extended his prayers to Lord Shiva, wishing for a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey for all those participating, stating, “Har Har Mahadev!”
In preparation for the influx of pilgrims, authorities have established comprehensive security measures. Police and additional central armed forces will escort the pilgrim convoys along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch route, ensuring their safety throughout the journey.
Multi-tier security arrangements are in place across Rajouri and Poonch, bolstered by special operations group personnel who are conducting search and verification operations at several locations, including lodgings such as Dashnami Akhara. Such extensive measures aim to ensure the safety of pilgrims and maintain order during this high-traffic period.
“This yatra is not just a physical journey but a profound inward exploration of self-realization and the eternal consciousness of Lord Shiva,” Sinha highlighted during the yatra’s inaugural function. He described the pilgrimage as a sacred path of devotion, discipline, and unity among believers.
The atmosphere in Jammu has come alive with the sounds of chanting devotees who have traveled from various states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Many express their excitement and reverence for the yatra, chanting slogans like “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Jai Bholenath.”
Rita Devi, a pilgrim from Rajasthan, shared her enthusiasm: “We are extremely excited to undertake the Budha Amarnath Yatra. We feel proud to be part of this religious journey.” Another participant, Devrattan from Karnataka, emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of the pilgrimage, noting the joy of its return after restrictions due to prior terror-related incidents.
Traffic police have issued advisories outlining mandatory cut-off times for registered pilgrim convoys traveling on the Jammu-Poonch route from August 17 to 28. Authorities have established langars and reception counters at key transit locations such as Sunderbani, Nowshera, and Rajal in Rajouri district, ensuring easy facilitation for pilgrims.
The Poonch district administration has also unveiled a dedicated online portal for the advance registration of pilgrims arriving from across the nation. This initiative seeks to enhance the convenience and safety of those undertaking the pilgrimage.
Located at an altitude of 4,600 feet above sea level, the Budha Amarnath shrine is renowned for housing a self-manifested white stone Shivling. Devotees customarily take a holy dip in the nearby Pulastya River before entering the temple to pay their respects.
