Jammu, Aug 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday inaugurated the sacred Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra, describing it as not merely a physical journey but a profound inward journey towards self-realisation and the eternal consciousness of Lord Shiva.
Addressing the inaugural function, the LG said the pilgrimage to Baba Budha Amarnath Ji is a sacred path of devotion, discipline, and unity, and called upon devotees to follow the path of dharma and truth in their daily lives, thereby strengthening the nation’s unity and spiritual fabric.
“The worship of Lord Shiva permeates the entire cultural and spiritual fabric of India. From Kedarnath in the north to the sacred Rameshwaram in the south, and from Somnath in the west to Tarakeshwar in the east, Lord Shiva embodies the unifying consciousness of our civilisation while binding this vast nation together in harmony amidst its diversity,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor reminded the gathering of the eternal teachings of Lord Shiva—truth, duty, discipline, and compassion. He recalled the spiritual significance of the shrine, where Maharishi Pulastya performed penance and received Lord Shiva’s blessings, ensuring that the site would remain a centre of faith and devotion for generations.
He said the sacred river flowing alongside the shrine, known as Pulast Ganga, and the historical traditions of ‘Pulast Nagari’ (now Poonch), reflect the deep spiritual heritage of the region.
“This Yatra holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. That is why thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country gather here every year and undertake the yatra together. They walk together and chant the name of lord Shiva together. It is also a symbol of unity in diversity, strength through spirituality and peace through surrender to the Lord Shiva, the supreme power,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Drawing upon the episode of Lord Shiva consuming poison during the Samudra Manthan, the LG stressed that true leadership and devotion lie in absorbing hardships for the welfare of others. He urged pilgrims to imbibe this lesson of patience, sacrifice, and spiritual strength during the yatra.
The Lieutenant Governor also commended the efforts of the Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas, along with the volunteers of Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, who have organised the yatra with devotion and discipline for over two decades.
The yatra will commence on Monday morning from Bhagwati Nagar with a flag-off ceremony. The Lieutenant Governor extended his heartfelt wishes for a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for all devotees.
The inaugural function was attended by Swami Dinesh Bharti Ji, Milind Parande (Organising General Secretary, Vishva Hindu Parishad), Kishan Prajapat (National Convenor, Bajrang Dal), Rajesh Gupta (President, Vishva Hindu Parishad, J&K), IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, senior officials, and prominent citizens.
