Over 20,000 pilgrims pay obeisance at Kailash Kund

Doda, Sep 10 (UNI) More than 20,000 pilgrims from different parts of the country paid homage to Lord Shiva at the famous Kailash Kund in this district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The centuries-old traditional three-day Kailash Yatra commenced from September 8 at Bhaderwah with devotees taking a 'holy dip' in Vasuki Kund.

Pilgrims, including sadhus, women and children, were returning today after performing prayer and holy dip in Kailash Kund lake, located at a height of 14,500 ft from the sea level and 22 km from Bhaderwah town of the state, sources said.

''The theee-day pilgrimage concluded at Vasuki Kund, a big lake and the abode of Nag Raj Vasuki, this morning,'' Mahant Mastnath who headed the crowd of pilgrims told UNI over the phone from the pilgrimage.

More than 600 troops of the state police and Central Reserve Police Force and Rashtriya Rifles were deployed at the 22-km long route to ensure a terror-free yatra for the pilgrims.

People sang Bhajans and chanted holy mantras all the way.

Kailash Kund is described in the Vasuki Puran as one of the sacred places where Hindus from all over the country visit to take a dip in the holy kund for salvation.

UNI