Srinagar, July 13, 2025 – The sacred Amarnath Yatra 2025 has achieved a significant milestone, with over 2 lakh devotees completing the pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine in just 10 days, as announced by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. This annual Hindu pilgrimage, revered for its spiritual significance, continues to draw thousands of devotees from across India to witness the naturally formed ice Shivling, symbolizing Lord Shiva, at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the South Kashmir Himalayas.The Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3, 2025, has seen an unprecedented influx of pilgrims along the twin routes of Pahalgam (48 km) and Baltal (14 km). On July 12 alone, 19,020 devotees performed darshan at the holy cave, pushing the cumulative count to 1,82,746, with the total crossing 2 lakh on July 13, as per official reports. The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has ensured seamless arrangements, with robust security measures under ‘Operation SHIVA 2025,’ involving over 8,500 troops, advanced surveillance, and medical support.Enhanced Infrastructure and Security
Despite challenges posed by a terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, the pilgrimage has proceeded smoothly with a multi-tier security cover, including 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Devotees have praised the arrangements, “The government has made very good arrangements this year. Everything from security to basic facilities like food and medical support is well-managed.”The SASB has also introduced modern facilities, such as the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra mobile app, downloaded by over 54 lakh users, enabling devotees to participate in live darshan and aarti from anywhere. Additionally, over 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered online, with daily on-spot registration counters increased to manage the crowd, issuing 5,000 tokens daily.Spiritual Significance and Challenges
The Amarnath Yatra is a cornerstone of Hindu faith, with devotees believing the ice stalagmite in the cave represents Lord Shiva’s divine powers. Legend holds that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of eternal life to Mata Parvati in this sacred cave. However, this year, some pilgrims expressed disappointment as the ice Shivling melted prematurely before the holy month of Shravan, attributed to environmental factors.Pilgrim Experiences and Tourism Boost
Devotees , on their 13th Yatra, described the journey as “spiritually transformative,” while newcomer Siddharth Agrawal lauded the security forces for ensuring safety.
The pilgrimage has also sparked hopes for a revival of Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism, with the Chenab rail bridge and Vande Bharat Express adding to the region’s appeal.The 38-day Yatra, set to conclude on August 9, 2025, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, continues to attract devotees chanting “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev.” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha welcomed pilgrims, stating, “This is a sacred journey of a lifetime, and I invite all devotees to experience the divinity.”
