A Pilgrim’s Pedal of Faith: Sheetal Kumar Sharma’s Spiritual Cycle Yatra to Amarnath Ji

“Nagendra Haraya, Tirochanaya, Bhasma Raghaya Maheshwaraya…” — these sacred verses resonate through the soul of a devotee who lives and breathes the name of Lord Shiva. Among those rare few is Sheetal Kumar Sharma, a true symbol of unwavering devotion and determination, who has embarked on a unique spiritual journey across India on a bicycle, carrying not only his belongings but also his deep-rooted faith in every turn of the pedal. Sharma has taken a vow — to travel the entire length and breadth of India on his bicycle, visiting holy sites and spiritual centres. His journey began from Meerut, and his first destination was the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. From there, he cycled to Banaras, Ayodhya, Naimisharanya, Kolkata, Gangasagar, Mathura, and Vrindavan, embracing every sacred place with devotion and joy. Now, for the first time, he has arrived at the Amarnath Cave, the revered shrine of Baba Barfani, high in the Himalayas. His words reflect the power of belief: “Baba is in our hearts, with us in every particle, even riding with us on our cycle.” He describes his experience at Amarnath Ji as divine and fulfilling, free from fear, and full of spiritual satisfaction. Despite being told by some to fear the journey, Sharma shares how safe, peaceful, and welcoming the yatra has been. “There is nothing to be afraid of,” he says, crediting the Army and the Jammu & Kashmir Police for their constant support and seamless arrangements. “They have provided us with emergency contacts and made sure that no pilgrim feels unsafe.” His yatra is not just a physical challenge but a spiritual odyssey. With daily distances of 70–80 km in the mountains and 150–200 km in the plains, he rides with no fixed plans. “Wherever we feel peace, we rest. If we want chai, we stop. We are bound by no restrictions. This is true freedom, with only Baba in our hearts.” Looking ahead, he plans to travel from Jammu to Pathankot, and from there, continue his pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi (Nau Devi Yatra) — a journey guided entirely by faith, spontaneity, and inner calling. Through this Yatra, Sheetal Kumar Sharma exemplifies the soul of India — a nation where devotion is a way of life, and where faith transcends all boundaries. His message is clear: “Don’t fear the unknown, trust in your devotion, and Baba will take care of the rest.”