Another batch of 5,486 pilgrims on Thursday left wintercapital Jammu to perform the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
Since it started on July 1, over 1.30 lakh pilgrims had’Darshan’ inside the Cave shrine situated 3,888 metres above the sea-level inKashmir Himalayas.
The Cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure thatsymbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva according to the devotees.
The ice stalagmite structure waxes and wanes with the phasesof the moon.
Police said here on Thursday another batch of 5,486 Yatrisleft Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today.
“Of these, 2,129 Yatris are going to Baltal base campwhile 3,357 are going to Pahalgam base camp,” police said.
Pilgrims approach the Cave shrine either from the shorter14-Kms long Baltal trek or through the longer 45-Kms long Pahalgam trek.
Helicopter services are also available for pilgrims at boththe base camps.
Local Muslims have always lent a helping hand to ensure thattheir Hindu brethren are able to perform the Yatra with ease and convenience.
Acknowledging this, state governor, Satya Pal Malik said thesmooth and peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra has been possible because ofthe support and active engagement of the local Muslims.
The Cave shrine was discovered in 1,850 by a MuslimShepherd, Buta Malik.
Legend says a Sufi saint rewarded the shepherd with a bag ofcharcoal that turned out to be gold.
Descendants of the shepherd have received a portion of theofferings at the Cave shrine for over 150 years.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra will end on August 15 coincidingwith the Shravan Purnima festival.