The annual Budha Amarnath Yatra commenced on Monday, August 17, 2023, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first group of pilgrims in Jammu. The pilgrimage to the ancient shrine in Poonch district runs until August 28 and draws devotees from all over India.
Following an early morning pooja, Sinha launched the first convoy of pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at approximately 6:30 am. The significant spiritual journey covers a distance of 230 kilometers to the Baba Budha Amarnath temple located in Rajpura, Mandi tehsil.
“Blessed to flag off the sacred Shri Budha Amarnath Ji yatra today. This divine pilgrimage is a transformative experience for devotees,” Sinha stated on social media platform X. He prayed for a safe journey for all pilgrims, urging them to experience the essence of Lord Shiva.
The administration has implemented extensive security measures for the yatris. Pilgrim convoys will travel under police escort, and additional central armed police forces will monitor the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch route, ensuring the safety of the devotees.
A multi-tier security system includes surveillance throughout Rajouri and Poonch districts, with special operations groups conducting thorough search operations at various locations, including lodging sites like Dashnami Akhara.
“This yatra is not merely a physical journey but an inward exploration towards self-realization and the eternal awareness of Lord Shiva,” Sinha remarked during the event inaugurating the yatra.
Scenes of joy and reverence spread across Jammu as thousands of devotees from states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat flocked to participate in the yatra, chanting slogans like “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Jai Bholenath.”
Pilgrim Rita Devi from Rajasthan expressed her excitement, saying, “We are extremely excited to undertake the Budha Amarnath Yatra. We are proud to be part of this religious journey.”
Devrattan, a devotee from Karnataka, emphasized the yatra’s cultural and spiritual significance, expressing relief at its return after disruptions due to past events.
The Traffic Police have issued advisories to regulate the registered pilgrim convoys on the Jammu-Poonch route, with specific cut-off timings between August 17 and 28 to ensure a smooth flow.
To assist devotees, langars and reception counters have been set up at key locations such as Sunderbani, Nowshera, and Rajal in Rajouri district. Additionally, the Poonch district administration has introduced a dedicated online portal for the advance registration of pilgrims arriving from across the country.
Perched approximately 4,600 feet above sea level, the Budha Amarnath shrine is revered for its self-manifested white stone Shivling. As a customary practice, devotees partake in a holy dip in the Pulastya River before offering prayers at the temple.
