Amarnath Yatra 2026: Sadhus begin arriving in Jammu ahead of pilgrimage

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 PTIThe 57day pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine located at an altitude of 3880 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 Jammus old city which traditionally serves as an important transit centre for pilgrims travelling to the shrineRam Mandir witnesses steady influx of asceticsThe 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 ShivaReligious 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 PTIThe Ram Mandir has long served as a gathering point for ascetics arriving from different parts of India before they proceed towards the Kashmir ValleyDevotees dedicate time to service and spiritual preparationAmong 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 PTIA 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 activitiesFor many devotees the period before the yatra is not only about travel preparations but also about engaging in prayer reflection and voluntary servicePilgrims express confidence in arrangementsSeveral sadhus expressed optimism about the arrangements being made for this years pilgrimageGanesh 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 PTIPilgrims and religious leaders have also offered prayers for the safety wellbeing and successful completion of the pilgrimage by all participantsFirsttime pilgrims look forward to spiritual experienceFor some devotees this years yatra will mark their first visit to the revered shrineBrespati Giri a sadhvi from Chhattisgarh said she considers the opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage a blessing and an important spiritual milestone reported PTIOthers 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 PTIHe emphasised that saints pray not only for themselves but also for peace prosperity and harmony for all living beingsPilgrimage attracts devotees from across IndiaThe 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 experienceHe said his preparations begin months in advance and include visits to several major religious destinations across the country before eventually reaching JammuThe 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 TerritorySecurity and logistics in focus ahead of YatraAuthorities 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 weeksWith pilgrims already beginning to assemble in Jammu the city is once again emerging as the gateway to one of Indias most significant religious pilgrimagesWith inputs from PTI