JAMMU/ANANTNAG, June 11, 2025: The sacred Amarnath Yatra 2025 commenced with the traditional ‘Pratham Puja’ performed by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha at the holy Amarnath Cave in Anantnag district. The ceremonial worship, conducted amidst stringent security measures, marks the formal beginning of the annual pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Baba Barfani. The yatra is scheduled to run from July 3 to August 9, 2025, spanning 38 days, with pilgrims accessing the cave via the 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag or the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal.
The Lieutenant Governor, accompanied by senior officials, offered prayers at the Amarnath Cave, where the natural ice Shivling, revered as Baba Barfani, is believed to embody Lord Shiva’s divine presence. The puja was conducted with traditional rituals, seeking blessings for a safe and successful yatra. A post from the Lieutenant Governor’s office on X stated, “Har Har Mahadev! Offered prayers to Baba Barfani and performed ‘Pratham Puja’ at the holy cave, marking the formal start of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnath Ji shower divine blessings on all.”
The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, has prioritized comprehensive arrangements, including enhanced medical facilities, disaster management, and robust security following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. The administration has deployed 581 CAPF companies, drones, jammers, and K9 units to ensure pilgrim safety, particularly along the Pahalgam route, which passes near the site of the attack.
Pilgrim facilities have been upgraded, with Yatri Niwas complexes in Jammu and Kashmir, improved civic amenities, and a proposed ropeway from Baltal to the cave to ease access. Registration for the yatra began on April 14, 2025, with permits issued on a first-come, first-served basis. The administration aims to complete all preparations by June 25, 2025, to ensure a seamless experience for the expected lakhs of devotees.
The Amarnath Yatra holds profound spiritual significance, with devotees believing that visiting the cave, located 141 km from Srinagar at 12,756 feet, grants liberation from sins and moksha. The ice Shivling, which waxes and wanes with the lunar cycle, is seen as a divine manifestation of Lord Shiva’s eternal powers.
