Batch of 1,166 pilgrims leaves for Buddha Amarnath

Jammu: A fresh batch of 1,166 pilgrims today left for Buddha Amarnath from Yatri Niwas Bhawan here. The batch left the base camp in a convoy of 34 vehicles. The total devotees comprised of 812 males, 295 females and 59 children. Meanwhile, tight security arrangements were made for the pilgrims. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh flagged off first batch of the Buddha Amarnath Yatra.

Buddha Amarnath--dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva, is one of the oldest shrines of Jammu region. It is located in the village of Rajpura in tehsil Mandi of Poonch district. The river Pulasta, which flows by the temple, is considered to be sacred where pilgrims take bath before entering the temple. A mythological legend is associated with the river and it has been named after Rishi Pulasta, grandfather of Ravana.(UNI)