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The annual yatra (pilgrimage) to Amarnath cave started in the year 1850
AD. The Yatra is organised every year by the Jammu and Kashmir Government
during the month of Sharavan ( July and August) and lasts for approximately
40 days. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), manages the shrine
and looks after the annual affairs of the pilgrimage and they make adequate
arrangements for the pilgrims at the Pahalgam and Batkal base camps and
the cave shrine, and several halting points in between. Due to terrorist
threats, the area is now under the control of the Indian Army and the
security is tight. Every pilgrim is examined and every piece of luggage
is inspected. Security men in bulletproof jackets line the road every
50 metres or so right from Jammu, checking every bush and culvert round
the clock. The nearby hills are also secured.
For the yatra, advance registration has to be done -about
a month ahead before commencing the journey and the pilgrims are given
a particular day on which he or she can have the darshan. Pilgrims can
register through the designated branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank across
the country. A medical certification is needed before registering as a
pilgrim. Children below 12 years are not allowed. |
Pilgrim Centers 
The
cave of Amarnath is dark inside and there is another small cave on the
left of the Linga from which a chalk-like substance is dug out. This substance
is given to the pilgrims as vibhuti (sacred ash) of Amarnath by the Mahomedans
of the Batkut village. On the bed of the stream called Amarganga which
is on the western side of the cave, there are huge quantities of this
white substance which pilgrims apply on their bodies to protect themselves
from severe cold after they have had their bath. 
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