Amarnath Yatra 2014 begins

The Amarnath Yatra for this year began on Friday from Jammu and Kashmir with 1160 pilgrims. The yatra will officially start from tomorrow when the pilgrims begin their journey towards one of the holiest places for Hindus in the first batch.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Amarnath temple situated in a cave where 20-feet Shiva Linga is formed by natural snow. As per the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva imparted immortality to his wife Parvati in this Amarnath Cave.

The Amarnath Yatra opens only once a year in the months of during fall season. This 45kms trek to Amarnath Caves surrounded by snow capped mountains is challenging but every year people visit the shrine to pay their homage to Lord Shiva.

This year the pilgrims will face trouble in the traditional trek through Pahalgam route as the heavy snowfall led to the roads to cover with snow. The pilgrims have to take the route through the Baltal which is more risky and dangerous. While Baltal to Holy Cave takes only one day but this route is considered to be one of the dangerous route in the trekking world. And Panjtarni-Sheshnag-Chandanwari-Pahalgam route although takes 3 days to rich the holy cave, is popular and considerably safe route for the pilgrims.

“There is 4 to 5 feet deep snow in some stretches especially at the Mahagunus top and Sheeshnag. There are some 300 men who are working at clearing the road. We will review the position after three days of the yatra,” RK Gupta, CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board said.

“The Baltal-Holy Cave (16-km) track is largely clear. The final stretch of about a kilometre up to the shrine is still fully covered with snow, and, as in the past years, on this stretch the pilgrims would have to walk on the frozen path,” he added.

More than 2 lakh pilgrims have registered for this year’s Amarnath yatra.

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About Manpreet

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go.” I believe in the above saying from the time I was introduced to the term “Library”. Reading books is not just my Hobby but also my passion. Social Media Specialist by profession, Books are my first love. A total Workaholic by nature, Books are my source of rejuvenation I need a book with me every night and every weekend. My love for books goes back to school time, when books were my companion in Summer Vacations. Started with Nacy Drew and now Reading Elif Shafaq-the passion grew over years. I always wanted to write reviews for books, but never got a chance, but now here I am, reviewing my favorite books for all the readers. Join me in my world of Books, as I give you an insight of my favorite books! Stay Connected Stay Blessed.