As the annual 57-day Amarnath Yatra prepares to commence on July 3, a significant number of ascetics and spiritual seekers have begun converging in Jammu. These devotees are making the Ram Mandir in the old city their temporary abode, utilizing it as a crucial transit point before embarking on their arduous pilgrimage to the sacred cave shrine nestled in the south Kashmir Himalayas at an altitude of 3,880 meters.
Weeks prior to the official inauguration of the yatra, the Ram Mandir has been experiencing a consistent influx of ascetics. These individuals dedicate their time to prayer, engaging in religious discourse, and performing acts of service as they ready themselves for the demanding trek. The air within the temple complex is filled with the resonant echoes of hymns and the fervent chants of “Bam Bam Bhole,” invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Amar Dass, an ascetic hailing from Ayodhya, shared that he arrived a month and a half before the pilgrimage commenced, driven by a desire to serve his fellow saints residing at the temple. “I serve the saints and devotees of God, and I also help manage all the kitchen and food service activities,” he stated, as reported by The Tribune. Dass, who has been undertaking the Amarnath Yatra since 2014, expressed that assisting saints and pilgrims at the Ram Mandir brings him profound joy. He recounted a personal challenge from the previous year, where he suffered paralysis. “I prayed to Mahadev, ‘Please grant me one last opportunity to have your darshan.’ Despite doctors advising against it, I completed the pilgrimage and served at several community kitchens,” he said.
Ganesh Puri, a participant from Himachal Pradesh, noted that he has been making the pilgrimage for over three decades. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that Puri expressed optimism for the upcoming yatra, stating, “This year, with strong security arrangements and everyone’s cooperation, the pilgrimage is expected to be very successful. There will be no shortage of facilities, no major difficulties, and no reason for fear.” He further conveyed his prayers for the pilgrims, adding, “We pray that everyone’s pilgrimage may be auspicious, and that no one faces any obstacles, hardships, or difficulties along the way.”
Brespati Giri, a Sadhvi from Chhattisgarh, is embarking on her inaugural Amarnath pilgrimage. She attributed her ability to undertake the journey to divine intervention, saying, “It is only by God’s grace and his call that I have been able to come.” Bramchari Parth Dev, another ascetic, explained that he was traveling across India when he felt a spiritual calling to undertake the Amarnath pilgrimage. “When Lord Shiva is with us, there is no fear or anxiety of any kind. Saints and holy men do not live in fear,” he remarked. The ascetics, according to Dev, offer prayers for the universal well-being of all living beings, wishing for happiness, health, and freedom from suffering for everyone. Their supplications are focused on fostering peace, prosperity, and harmony among all people, animals, and other creatures.
Among the devotees currently staying at the Ram Mandir is Bhairav from Tamil Nadu, who described the pilgrimage as an experience of immense joy. “Everything is excellent, wonderful, and filled with joy. Having the opportunity to visit Baba Amarnath is a truly blissful experience,” he shared. Bhairav elaborated that he typically begins his spiritual journey months in advance, visiting several major religious destinations before arriving in Jammu. His pre-yatra itinerary includes completing the Char Dham pilgrimage, visiting Kashi and Ayodhya, paying homage at the Ganga River, and making stops at Shiv Khori and Vaishno Devi before reaching the base in Jammu.
The Ram Mandir has historically served as a pivotal base for ascetics arriving from various corners of the country in anticipation of the Amarnath Yatra. This year’s preparations are underscored by robust security measures, aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage for all participants. The spiritual fervor is palpable, with devotees engaging in devotional practices and communal services, all in preparation for the sacred journey to the revered Amarnath cave.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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