Another batch of pilgrims left Jammu on Sunday for theValley as over 1.73 lakh Yatris performed the ongoing Amarnath Yatra during thelast 13 days.

Officials said 1,73,978 Yatris had Darshan inside the holyCave shrine during the last 13 days since the Yatra started on July 1 thisyear.

Police said another batch of 7,993 Yatris left BhagwatiNagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys for the Valley today."Ofthese, 2,723 are going to Baltal base camp while 5,270 are going to Pahalgambase camp," police said.Situated 3,888 metres above the sea-level inKashmir Himalayas, the Cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure thatsymbolises mythical powers of Lo rd Shiva according to the devotees.The icestalagmite structure waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.Pilgrimsapproach the Cave shrine either from the shorter 14-Kms long Baltal trek orthrough the longer 45-Kms long Pahalgam trek.

Helicopter services are also available for pilgrims at boththe base camps.Local Muslims have always lent a helping hand to ensure thattheir Hindu brethren are able to perform the Yatra with ease and convenience.Acknowledgingthis, state governor, Satya Pal Malik said the smooth and peaceful conduct ofthe Amarnath Yatra has been possible because of the support and activeengagement of the local Muslims.The Cave shrine was discovered in 1,850 by aMuslim Shepherd, Buta Malik. Legend says a Sufi saint rewarded the shepherdwith a bag of charcoal that turned out to be gold.

Descendants of the shepherd have received a portion of theofferings at the Cave shrine for over 150 years.This year's Amarnath Yatra willend on August 15 coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.