Mool Raj
Amarnathji Yatra is the soul of Kashmir as it represents our heritage and the roots of our civilization. Amarnathji Yatra symbolizes the age old rich tradition of Kashmir. The Yatra represents the highest spiritual and mystic values that Kashmir possesses. Amarnathji Shrine is the solace of our spiritual ethos and dimensions.
Amarnathji Yatra is one among the four major pilgrimages of India. Flocks of devotees daily trek through the Himalayas in South Kashmir to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji every year during the yatra.The temple is opened for devotees only during summer, in the month of July to August.
The UT Administration is determined to provide comfortable and high class facilities to Amarnathji Yatris.
The most praiseworthy efforts for the Amarnathji Yatra have been made under the command of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The LG flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnathji Yatra from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp on 30 June, 2023. The 62-day-long pilgrimage commenced from Kashmir on Saturday on the twin tracks – the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steep 14-km-long Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Holy Amarnathji cave open for short period during summer. The shrine represents an important part of Hinduism. The cave, located in Sind valley, is surrounded by glaciers, snowy mountains and is covered with snow most of the year. It is open for pilgrims only for a short period in the summer. Fascinating view of the holy shrine illuminates the entire Kashmir with its ethos.
Earlier, the Mountain Rescue Teams of Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted mock exercises on both routes-Pahalgam and Baltal axis, in preparation for the yatra.
The Amarnathji Yatra is exceptional in terms of the geo-climatic challenges, especially the issues pertaining to high altitude. As directed by Union Health Minister, the Ministry of Health is assisting the UT Govt. of J&K with the health care arrangements for the Yatra in an effort to enhance and anticipate adequate health requirements.
Medical facilities have been set up by the Union Health Ministry at the base camp and en route with required infrastructure.
Security of the Yatris is the top concern for UT Administration. Lakhs of tourists from various parts of India and abroad undertake the pilgrimage to see the ice image of Lord Shiva that is formed in the shape of a Lingam.T he image incredibly waxes and wanes with the sight of Moon. Hindus consider this religious journey as one of the major tasks of their life that can fairly show them the path to heaven.
Establishment of 100 bedded hospitals at Baltal, Chandanwari MoHFW has fully funded and supported the establishment of two 100 bedded hospitals by DRDO at two axis routes Baltal and Chandanwari, which have been operationalised. These hospitals will include the accommodation facilities of staff deputed for Yatra. These hospitals would have all facilities for diagnosis and treatment including lab facilities, radio diagnosis, gynaecological, ICUs, hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
These hospitals would be functioning 24×7 and would be manned by specialist doctors with an independent trauma unit also.
Earlier, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, took stock of food and lodging of the pilgrims, security, functioning of Joint Control Room, Langar stalls, registration counters, power and water supply, health facilities, sanitation, transportation, deployment of health and sanitation staff, installation of mobile toilets, fire tenders and emergency services on Thursday.
The Lt Governor directed the officials to increase the manpower for health, sanitation and other essential services. He welcomed pilgrims from across the country who have arrived at Yatri Niwas for Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage.
While showing utmost alertness, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has detected fake registration permits of more than 430 pilgrims undertaking the Amarnathji Yatra in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts, officials said, as reported by the news agency PTI. They further said that cases have been registered and a probe launched into the matter. According to PTI, 365 people were found carrying fake registration documents in Jammu and Lakhanpur entry points in Kathua district respectively, while 68 were intercepted with such fake documents in Samba district.
In order to ensure full safety of Amarnathji Yatris, multiple rings of security have been thrown around the Amarnathji shrine in Kashmir. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags have been provided to pilgrims for their tracking.
Round-the-clock healthcare facilities
Keeping in view the sensitivity of route and tough terrain, the best health facilities are being provided. The makeshift state-of-the-art hospital, built by DRDO at Chandanwari, will help in providing better and round-the-clock healthcare facilities to the pilgrims of Amarnathji Yatra and those engaged in the management of the pilgrimage.
The prayer on ground zero in Kashmir is that blessings of Amarnathji Yatra make the entire place shine with spirituality and tranquility. It is hoped that bonds of peace and prosperity get further strengthened in this part of the world.
We also need to praise the efforts of the civilians and public representatives for creating an atmosphere of brotherhood, communal harmony and peace in J&K. The peaceful conduct of the holy Amarnathji Yatra will add to the tourism potential of J&K as these Yatris are the ambassadors for our tourism and social image out of J&K.
(The author is a columnist and works as Lecturer of Environmental Sciences from Doda).
