Fresh batch of pilgrims leave base camp for holy cave

The last batch of pilgrims left Bagwati Nagar, Jammu base camp for Baltal base camp early this morning under tight security arrangements.

The Chhari Mubarak, the holy Silver Mace of Lord Shiva left Chandanwari for Sheshnag, where it will have night halt on way to the holy cave.

Pilgrimage to holy cave was progressing smoothly and the weather is pleasant.

So far about 2.60 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine since the commencement of the 40-day-long yatra from June 29 from both shortest Baltal and traditional Pahalgam tracks, a yatra official told UNI.

On the 37th day of the 40-day-long Yatra yesterday over 800 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave.

Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of Chhari Mubarak, said the final pujan will be held in the cave shrine on August 7.

Pilgrims, who had night halt at Panjterni also left for the holy shrine early this morning.

With this a total of about 2.60 lakh yatris, including women and sadhus from different parts of the country had darshan of the self-made Ice-Shivlingm at the cave shrine so far.

The official said a fresh batch of pilgrims also left Baltal base camp for the cave shrine early this morning. The pilgrims are expected to reach the cave shrine, situated at 14,000 feet, in the afternoon after covering 14 km hilly terrain on foot.

Majority pilgrims who took traditional Pahalgam track to reach the cave shrine are also returning via shortest Baltal track.

Similarly, fresh batch of pilgrims, who had a night halt at Nunwan Pahalgam base camp, have left for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on the traditional track. Pilgrims, who had night halt at different halting stations on the traditional route, have also started their foot journey towards the cave shrine this morning.