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Amarnath Yatra 2025: All you need to know about the holy pilgrimage

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath, from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu.

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The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages, dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also referred to as 'Baba Barfani' due to the naturally formed ice lingam in the Amarnath Cave.
1/11 Image Source : PTI (File)
The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages, dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also referred to as 'Baba Barfani' due to the naturally formed ice lingam in the Amarnath Cave.
This year, the annual pilgrimage of the Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 and will conclude on August 9.
2/11 Image Source : PTI
This year, the annual pilgrimage of the Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 and will conclude on August 9.
Lakhs of devotees from across India undertake this religious journey every year. This cave is one of the major pilgrimage sites of Lord Shiva, where every year from Ashadh Purnima to Shravan Purnima (Rakshabandhan).
3/11 Image Source : India TV
Lakhs of devotees from across India undertake this religious journey every year. This cave is one of the major pilgrimage sites of Lord Shiva, where every year from Ashadh Purnima to Shravan Purnima (Rakshabandhan).
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The Amarnath cave temple is located at an altitude of 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) above sea level in the Pahalgam tehsil of Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
4/11 Image Source : India TV
The Amarnath cave temple is located at an altitude of 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) above sea level in the Pahalgam tehsil of Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The naturally formed Shivlinga of ice (believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva) in the cave increases and decreases with the phases of the moon, which makes it even more miraculous.
5/11 Image Source : PTI (File)
The naturally formed Shivlinga of ice (believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva) in the cave increases and decreases with the phases of the moon, which makes it even more miraculous.
According to mythology, it is believed that Amarnath Cave is the place where Lord Shiva narrated the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Goddess Parvati, after listening to which a living being becomes immortal. This divine revelation is what gave the site its name—Amarnath, meaning
6/11 Image Source : PTI (File)
According to mythology, it is believed that Amarnath Cave is the place where Lord Shiva narrated the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Goddess Parvati, after listening to which a living being becomes immortal. This divine revelation is what gave the site its name—Amarnath, meaning "the Lord of Immortality."
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There are two routes: The traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan–Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
7/11 Image Source : PTI
There are two routes: The traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan–Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The Pahalgam route covers 36 km and typically takes 3 to 5 days, making it ideal for pilgrims seeking a scenic and gradual trek. In contrast, the Baltal route is 14 km, but much steeper, completed in 1 to 2 days, and best suited for those who are physically fit or have limited time for the yatra.
8/11 Image Source : PTI (File)
The Pahalgam route covers 36 km and typically takes 3 to 5 days, making it ideal for pilgrims seeking a scenic and gradual trek. In contrast, the Baltal route is 14 km, but much steeper, completed in 1 to 2 days, and best suited for those who are physically fit or have limited time for the yatra.
The Amarnath Yatra is challenging due to its high-altitude terrain, unpredictable weather, steep climbs, and limited infrastructure, making it a test of both physical endurance and spiritual devotion.
9/11 Image Source : PTI (File)
The Amarnath Yatra is challenging due to its high-altitude terrain, unpredictable weather, steep climbs, and limited infrastructure, making it a test of both physical endurance and spiritual devotion.
The age limit for the Amarnath Yatra is 13 to 70 years. Additionally, pregnant women beyond 6 weeks of pregnancy, those with serious health issues related to the heart, lungs, or other conditions, are advised not to undertake this journey.
10/11 Image Source : PTI (File)
The age limit for the Amarnath Yatra is 13 to 70 years. Additionally, pregnant women beyond 6 weeks of pregnancy, those with serious health issues related to the heart, lungs, or other conditions, are advised not to undertake this journey.
As described in the Puranas, having a darshan (glimpse) of Baba Barfani at Amarnath is said to grant spiritual merit ten times greater than visiting Lord Shiva in Kashi and a hundred times more than seeing him in Prayag. According to Hindu beliefs, witnessing Baba Barfani in this holy cave bestows the devotee with 'moksha' -- liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
11/11 Image Source : PTI (File)
As described in the Puranas, having a darshan (glimpse) of Baba Barfani at Amarnath is said to grant spiritual merit ten times greater than visiting Lord Shiva in Kashi and a hundred times more than seeing him in Prayag. According to Hindu beliefs, witnessing Baba Barfani in this holy cave bestows the devotee with 'moksha' -- liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
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