The annual Budha Amarnath Yatra commenced on August 17, 2023, from Jammu, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first group of pilgrims. The event marks a sacred journey to the Budha Amarnath shrine located in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. Thousands of devotees are embarking on this 230-km pilgrimage, which features extensive security measures to ensure safety and smooth transit.
At approximately 6:30 am, Sinha performed a pooja at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas before sending off the first batch of devotees. This year’s yatra is expected to last for 12 days, wrapping up on August 28, coinciding with the auspicious 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 all devotees,” Sinha stated on social media platform X. He extended his prayers for a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling journey for pilgrims arriving from across the nation.
The local police have taken extensive measures to ensure safety along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch route. The pilgrim convoys will travel under police escort, with additional central armed police forces assigned to the area. Enhanced security protocols are active across Rajouri and Poonch, where special operations groups perform searches aimed at ensuring the safety and comfort of all attendees.
Security personnel have set up checkpoints along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway, conducting thorough checks to enhance the security framework for the yatra. The LG, attending the inaugural function the day before, remarked that the yatra is not “merely a physical journey, but a profound inward journey towards self-realization and the eternal consciousness of Lord Shiva.” He emphasized that this pilgrimage signifies devotion and unity among the devotees.
Reports indicate a palpable sense of excitement and enthusiasm among pilgrims gathered from various Indian states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat. Many raise slogans celebrating their faith, chanting “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Jai Bholenath” as they comingle.
Rita Devi, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh, expressed her joy: “We are extremely excited to undertake the Budha Amarnath Yatra. We came from Rajasthan and are proud to be part of this religious journey.”
Devrattan, a devotee from Karnataka, emphasized the cultural significance of the yatra, expressing relief that it has resumed in large numbers after disruptions due to previous terror-related concerns.
In preparation for the influx of devotees, the Traffic Police issued advisories specifying mandatory cut-off timings for registered pilgrim convoys on the Jammu-Poonch route, from August 17 to 28. Langars (community kitchens) and reception counters are now available at pivotal transit points, including Sunderbani, Nowshera, and Rajal in the Rajouri district.
Furthermore, the Poonch district administration introduced a dedicated online portal for advance registration of pilgrims visiting from across the country, enhancing the organization of this significantly revered event.
The Budha Amarnath shrine, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,600 feet, is believed to house a self-manifested white stone Shivling, drawing spiritual seekers and devotees. Many opt to take a holy dip in the Pulastya River, named after the sage Pulastya, as part of their spiritual preparation before proceeding to offer prayers at the temple.
