Shri Budha Amarnath Yatra 2025: Annual Pilgrimage to Commence 10-day Religious Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir

The first batch of devotees for the Shri Budha Amarnath Yatra departed from Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar in the early hours of July 28, marking the commencement of the annual Budha Amarnath Yatra that will continue till August 7, 2025. The Budha Amarnath pilgrimage leads devotees to the revered Shri Budha Amarnathji temple located in Poonch district, situated at the confluence of Nallah Gagri and Pulsta Nadi. The ancient Baba Budha Amarnath Ji mandir features four doorways and houses a natural white Shivlinga, considered to be Swayambhu (self-manifested).

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, addressing the media, confirmed that more than 1,000 pilgrims commenced their religious journey on the opening day. "Pilgrims from across the country are participating in this sacred journey. Adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure their safety, and I am thankful to the Jammu and Kashmir administration for making dedicated efforts for the convenience of the devotees," Sinha stated.

The Jammu pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees annually from across the nation, culminating in the celebration of the Budha Amarnath Ji Mela, a significant annual festival. The yatra concludes with the Mela Swami Budha Amarnath Ji festival, which coincides with Raksha Bandhan celebrations.

Furthermore, during the inaugural session held at Abhinav Theatre in Jammu on Sunday, Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasized the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage. "The sacred pilgrimage to the Budha Amarnath Ji Temple at Poonch has great spiritual significance. I welcome devotees from across the country to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva," he remarked.

For a contextual fact, the Budha Amarnath yatra was initiated in 2005 by Bajrang Dal as an initiative to boost the morale of the Hindu community in the region. The pilgrimage was established during a period of heightened terrorism, when the Hindu community was migrating from areas including Rajouri, Mendhar, and Poonch. What began as a community initiative has evolved into a pilgrimage of considerable religious significance. The Amarnath Yatra base camp is established at the Amarnath Yatri Niwas in Bhagwati Nagar, serving as the departure point for pilgrims undertaking this spiritual journey in Jammu and Kashmir. The 10-day Shri Budha Amarnath Yatra 2025 is expected to witness significant participation from devotees seeking to offer prayers at one of the region's most revered religious sites.