2,810 pilgrims leave Jammu for Amarnath

Jammu, Jun 22: A fifth batch of 2,810 pilgrims today left for the Amarnath cave shrine.

Amid tight security cover, Amarnath yatris, comprising 1952 men, 593 women, 158 children and 107 sadhus, left for the cave shrine at 0530 hrs, official sources said.

There were 54 buses and 45 light motor vehicles in the yatra caravan, sources said.

The two-month-long Amarnath yatra, which commenced on June 17 from here, was suspended on June 20 due to heavy rains near the cave shrine and en route.

The Amarnath shrine is famous for the annual forming of natural ice 'lingam' of Lord Shiva.

According to reports, a complete 12-foot-tall Lingam has formed at Amarnath cave shrine this year.

UNI