15 June,2026 01:24 PM IST | Jammu | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
As preparations gather pace for the annual Amarnath Yatra, saints, ascetics and spiritual seekers from across the country have started arriving in Jammu weeks before the pilgrimage officially begins on July 3, reported PTI.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas, remains one of the most significant religious journeys for Hindu devotees. Ahead of the yatra, many sadhus have taken up temporary residence at the historic Ram Mandir in Jammu's old city, which traditionally serves as an important transit centre for pilgrims travelling to the shrine.
The temple has witnessed a growing number of arrivals in recent weeks as saints and devotees prepare themselves spiritually and physically for the arduous trek to the cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Religious chants, devotional songs and prayers have become a regular feature at the temple premises, creating an atmosphere of spiritual devotion. Many of the visiting sadhus spend their time participating in religious discussions, meditation and community service while waiting for the pilgrimage to commence, reported PTI.
The Ram Mandir has long served as a gathering point for ascetics arriving from different parts of India before they proceed towards the Kashmir Valley.
Among those staying at the temple is Amar Dass, a sadhu from Ayodhya, who arrived more than a month before the yatra. He said he spends his time serving fellow saints and assisting in food preparation and other arrangements at the temple, reported PTI.
A regular participant in the Amarnath Yatra since 2014, Dass described service to pilgrims and saints as an important part of his spiritual journey. He recalled overcoming health challenges, including paralysis, to continue undertaking the pilgrimage and participating in community service activities.
For many devotees, the period before the yatra is not only about travel preparations but also about engaging in prayer, reflection and voluntary service.
Several sadhus expressed optimism about the arrangements being made for this year's pilgrimage.
Ganesh Puri, who hails from Himachal Pradesh and has been participating in the Amarnath Yatra for more than three decades, said he expects the pilgrimage to proceed smoothly. He expressed confidence in the security and logistical arrangements being put in place and hoped devotees would be able to complete the yatra without major difficulties, reported PTI.
Pilgrims and religious leaders have also offered prayers for the safety, well-being and successful completion of the pilgrimage by all participants.
For some devotees, this year's yatra will mark their first visit to the revered shrine.
Brespati Giri, a sadhvi from Chhattisgarh, said she considers the opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage a blessing and an important spiritual milestone, reported PTI.
Others have travelled extensively across the country before arriving in Jammu. Brahmachari Parth Dev, who has been on a spiritual journey through several states, said he felt inspired to undertake the Amarnath pilgrimage as part of his broader quest for spiritual growth, reported PTI.
He emphasised that saints pray not only for themselves but also for peace, prosperity and harmony for all living beings.
The gathering at Ram Mandir reflects the nationwide appeal of the Amarnath Yatra. Among the devotees preparing for the journey is Bhairav from Tamil Nadu, who described the pilgrimage as a deeply fulfilling spiritual experience.
He said his preparations begin months in advance and include visits to several major religious destinations across the country before eventually reaching Jammu.
The Amarnath Yatra continues to draw pilgrims from diverse regions and backgrounds, united by faith and devotion. As the official start date approaches, Jammu is witnessing a gradual rise in pilgrim activity, signalling the beginning of another busy pilgrimage season in the Union Territory.
Authorities have been making extensive preparations to facilitate the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Security arrangements, transportation facilities, medical services and accommodation infrastructure are being reviewed ahead of the arrival of thousands of devotees expected to participate in the yatra over the coming weeks.
With pilgrims already beginning to assemble in Jammu, the city is once again emerging as the gateway to one of India's most significant religious pilgrimages.
(With inputs from PTI)
