Jammu, Aug 16: On the auspicious occasion of the commencement of the sacred Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Sunday graced the inaugural function.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor said that the yatra is not merely a physical journey but a profound inward journey towards self-realisation and the eternal consciousness of Shiva.
He emphasised that the pilgrimage to Baba Budha Amarnath is a sacred path of devotion, discipline, and unity.
The Lieutenant Governor reminded the gathering of the eternal teachings of Shiva- truth, duty, discipline, and compassion.
He recalled the spiritual significance of the shrine, where Maharishi Pulastya performed penance and received L Shiva’s blessings, ensuring that the site would remain a centre of faith and devotion for generations.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that 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. He underlined that the yatra is not only a religious pilgrimage but also a symbol of India’s unity in diversity, as thousands of devotees from across the nation walk together, chant together, and surrender together at the feet of Shiva.
“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 Shiva together. It is also a symbol of unity in diversity, strength through spirituality and peace through surrender to the Shiva, the supreme power,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Drawing upon the episode of Shiva consuming poison during the Samudra Manthan, the Lieutenant Governor 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. He remarked that discipline, when combined with devotion, illuminates the path for present and future generations.
The Lieutenant Governor prayed for the success of the yatra, wishing that Baba Budha Amarnath bless every pilgrim with strength, wisdom, courage, and peace. He 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 yatra will commence tomorrow 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.
Swami Dinesh Bharti Ji, Milind Parande, Organising General Secretary, Vishva Hindu Parishad; Kishan Prajapat, National Convenor, Bajrang Dal; Shri Rajesh Gupta, President Vishva Hindu Parishad, J&K; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; senior officials and prominent citizens from different walks of life were present.