SRINAGAR : The annual Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra commenced from Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu on Monday morning with a flag-off ceremony, marking the beginning of a sacred pilgrimage that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described as a symbol of devotion, discipline, and unity.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Lieutenant Governor, addressing the inaugural function on Sunday, emphasized the spiritual significance of the journey, calling it not just a physical undertaking but an inward path towards self-realisation and connection with the eternal consciousness of Lord Shiva.
Sinha highlighted the historical and spiritual importance of the shrine located in Poonch district. He referenced the penance performed by Maharishi Pulastya at the site, where he received the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Lieutenant Governor also pointed to the sacred Pulast Ganga flowing alongside the shrine and the historical association with ‘Pulast Nagari’, which is now known as Poonch.
The yatra attracts thousands of pilgrims annually from various parts of the country who undertake the pilgrimage together, Sinha noted. He stated that the pilgrimage embodies “unity in diversity, strength through spirituality and peace through surrender to Lord Shiva.” Drawing parallels with Lord Shiva’s act of consuming poison during Samudra Manthan to protect humanity, the Lieutenant Governor remarked that true leadership and devotion lie in enduring hardships for the well-being of others.
Devotees undertaking the pilgrimage were urged to cultivate values such as patience, sacrifice, and spiritual strength. The Lieutenant Governor also acknowledged the organisational efforts of the Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas, along with volunteers from the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, who have been involved in organizing the pilgrimage with dedication and discipline for over two decades.
Sinha further elaborated on the pervasive influence of the worship of Lord Shiva across India’s cultural and spiritual landscape. He mentioned that from Kedarnath in the north to Rameshwaram in the south, and from Somnath in the west to Tarakeshwar in the east, Lord Shiva represents the unifying consciousness of Indian civilisation, fostering harmony across the diverse nation.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Bhagwati Nagar, marked the official commencement of the journey. Lieutenant Governor Sinha extended his prayers for the successful and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, wishing all devotees a safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching experience.
Among those present at the function were Swami Dinesh Bharti, Vishva Hindu Parishad organising general secretary Milind Parande, Bajrang Dal national convenor Kishan Prajapat, VHP Jammu and Kashmir president Rajesh Gupta, Inspector General of Police Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, along with other senior officials and prominent citizens.
The Chenab Times News Desk