Manigam: For the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva who intend to trek towards the Amarnath cave, there is disappointing news that the icy lingam has just melted away, nearly one month after it appeared.
However, the Shrine board remains tight lipped over it.
The icy lingam was the biggest stalagmite formation since last twelve years. It stood tall at 12 and a half feet and was expected to last two months of the yatra period, however, it melted within one month only.
Pilgrims blame it on sultry weather and unregulated pilgrim flow. Besides, frequent chopper services to and fro to the cave could also be a reason for early melting, according to pilgrims.
“We tend to get disheartened that after traveling from so far, you can’t see the lingam,” says a Shiv devotee.
On the other hand, some devotees feel that the visit to the holy place is enough to get God’s blessings.
Though the Sen Gupta Committee strictly recommended that only 10,000 pilgrims each day should pay darshan, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) allowed more than 30,000 people, which clearly flouted the Committee report. The state authorities too did not try to stop pilgrims since it is a matter of faith.
“I believe in Lord Shiva ad that is why I am going to the place where the Lingam forms every year,” says another devotee. “We will still go to visit the place. So what, if there is no lingam, Lord Shiva is still there,” says a Lord Shiv devotee.
It has not been entirely a disappointing story for Amaranth pilgrims this year. Nearly five lakh pilgrims who have had darshan at the holy cave have returned home happily and the for those who are on their way have a strong belief that they will embark on the religious journey no matter whether there is lingam or no lingam.
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