With the annual 57-day Amarnath Yatra set to commence on July 3, several sadhus and spiritual seekers have begun arriving and staying at the Ram Mandir in the old city, a major transit centre before they embark on the pilgrimage.Weeks before the official start of the yatra, the temple has been witnessing a steady influx of ascetics who spend their time in prayer, religious discourse, and service while preparing for the trek to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas.
Hymns reverberate in the air and chants of “Bam Bam Bhole" invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva at the temple.
Amar Dass, a Sadhu from Ayodhya, said he arrived one and a half months before the pilgrimage to serve fellow saints staying at the temple. "I serve the saints and devotees of God, and I also help manage all the kitchen and food service activities," he told said.
Dass, who has been trekking the Amarnath Yatra since 2014, said serving saints and pilgrims at the Ram Mandir brings him immense joy. He suffered paralysis last year.
"I prayed to Mahadev, 'Please grant me one last opportunity to have your darshan.' Despite doctors advising against it, I completed the pilgrimage and served at several community kitchens," he said.
Ganesh Puri of Himachal Pradesh said he has been coming for the yatra for more than three decades.
"This year, with strong security arrangements and everyone's cooperation, the pilgrimage is expected to be very successful. There will be no shortage of facilities, no major difficulties, and no reason for fear," he said, adding, "We pray that everyone's pilgrimage may be auspicious, and that no one faces any obstacles, hardships, or difficulties along the way." Brespati Giri, a Sadhvi from Chhattisgarh, said this is her first Amarnath pilgrimage. "It is only by God's grace and his call that I have been able to come," she said.
Bramchari Parth Dev said he was travelling across India, and felt spiritually inspired to undertake the Amarnath pilgrimage.
"When Lord Shiva is with us, there is no fear or anxiety of any kind. Saints and holy men do not live in fear," he said.
The sadhu said they pray for the well-being of all living beings, wishing that everyone remains happy, healthy, and free from suffering.
He said their prayers are for peace, prosperity, and harmony for all people, animals, and other creatures.
Among those staying at Ram Mandir is Bhairav from Tamil Nadu, who described the pilgrimage as a source of immense joy.
"Everything is excellent, wonderful, and filled with joy. Having the opportunity to visit Baba Amarnath is a truly blissful experience," he said.
Bhairav said he begins his pilgrimage journey months in advance, covering several major religious destinations before arriving in Jammu.
"I complete the Char Dham pilgrimage, visited Kashi, Ayodhya, the Ganga, Shiv Khori and Vaishno Devi before reaching here," he said.
The temple has traditionally served as a key base for sadhus arriving from different parts of the country ahead of the Amarnath Yatra.