5000 pilgrims leave for Kailash Kund under tight security

Bhaderwah, Sept 8 (UNI) A three km long convoy of more than five thousand pedestrian pilgrims, including sadhus, women and children from various corners of the country today left for Kailash Kund, located at a height of 14500 ft from sea level, to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva.

The centuries old traditional Kailash Yatra started from Bhaderwah to Kailash Kund, about 22 km away from the city this morning.

''Three days would conclude at Vasuki Kund, a big lake two Km in diameter at a height of 14500 ft. This is the abode of Nag Raj Vasuki and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year on the 14th day after Shravan Purnima,'' said Mahant Mastnath who is heading the crowd of pilgrims.

''More than 600 security personnel, including two hundred CRPF jawans have been deployed at the 22-km long route,'' Doda SSP Manohar Singh said adding that troops of Rashtriya Rifles were also assisting local police to provide a terror-free yatra fo the pilgrims.

The Kailash yatra will stay enroute at Haiyan and proceed for Kailash Kund the next morning. People numbering more than 20,000 from within and outside Jammu and Kashmir would visit Kailash Kund during the three days.

The Doda police have organised free 'tea langar' at three places Viz Bhaderwah, Hayan and Kailash Kund besides police help sites to facilitate yatris for the smooth conduct of the yatra, SSP said.

All kinds of assistance will be provided to the yatris apart from security.

UNI