Record number of pilgrims visit Shri Amarnath Shrine

Jammu, July 8: A record 1.8 lakh pilgrims have paid their obeisance to the holy ''ice shivlingam'' at Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas so far, official sources said.

As of now 1,79,989 pilgrims have visited the shrine and 5000 pilgrims are on their way to the holy cave, sources added.

The pilgrimage, which began on June 10, remained suspended from June 11 to 13 due to snow and rain which triggered landslides that blocked the route.

The number of pilgrims would have been more but for the grenade attacks on tourists in Srinagar and to a certain extent, the controversy over the formation of the ''Shivlingam'', sources said.

Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 2206 pilgrims, including 471 women, 21 children and 242 hermits left today for the shrine in 80 buses including light vehiles from here despite inclement weather. The rain at some places on National Highway and piercing cold conditions enroute to the cave shrine have not dampened the spirit of the pilgrims, sources added.

UNI