The annual Budha Amarnath Yatra commenced today, August 17, 2023, attracting devotees from across India. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched the pilgrimage from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, emphasizing its spiritual importance while ensuring robust security measures for the journey. This year’s yatra will continue until August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
During the ceremonial flag-off at 6.30 am, Sinha expressed gratitude for being part of such a sacred journey, reflecting on the pilgrimage’s transformative nature. “Blessed to flag off the sacred Shri Budha Amarnath Ji yatra today. This divine pilgrimage is a transformative experience for devotees,” Sinha stated on his social media handle.
The yatra unfolds over 12 days, covering a distance of 230 kilometres to reach the revered Baba Budha Amarnath temple in Rajpura of Mandi tehsil. The LG prayed for a safe and spiritually enriching journey for the pilgrims, encouraging them with the exhortation, “Har Har Mahadev!”
In light of past incidents, authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements. Police escort each pilgrim convoy while central armed police forces are present along the entire Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch route. Various multi-tier security measures are active in the districts of Rajouri and Poonch, where special operations group personnel conduct verification operations to ensure safety.
[Security forces] remain vigilant, with patrols along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway and search operations at various points. “The yatra is not merely a physical journey but a profound inward journey towards self-realization and Lord Shiva’s eternal consciousness,” said Sinha, highlighting the pilgrimage’s deeper meaning.
As devotees from states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, and Maharashtra gather, the enthusiasm is palpable. Many raise slogans of devotion, chanting “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Jai Bholenath.”
Rita Devi, a pilgrim from Rajasthan, shared her excitement: “We are extremely excited to undertake the Budha Amarnath Yatra. We are proud to be part of this religious journey.” Another devotee, Devrattan from Karnataka, expressed his attachment to the yatra’s cultural significance, especially as it resumes following previous disruptions due to security concerns.
Traffic police have issued advisories, establishing mandatory cut-off timings for registered pilgrim convoys on the Jammu-Poonch route to facilitate smooth travel from August 17 to August 28. Furthermore, the local administration has set up langars and reception counters at key points, including Sunderbani, Nowshera, and Rajal, to support pilgrims during their journey.
Additionally, the Poonch district administration launched a dedicated portal for advance registration of pilgrims, enhancing convenience for visitors arriving from all parts of India.
The Budha Amarnath shrine, perched 4,600 feet above sea level, features a self-manifested white stone Shivling, drawing thousands of devotees every year. Followers often partake in a holy dip in the Pulastya River, believed to be named after the sage Pulastya, before entering the shrine to offer their prayers.
