The naturally formed Amarnath Shivling inside the sacred cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has shrunk significantly since the beginning of the pilgrimage season, according to recent visuals and official observations. Images released in early July indicate that the ice formation has reduced to nearly one foot in height, compared with approximately seven feet recorded in late May.

Despite the change in the ice formation, the annual Amarnath Yatra has continued to draw large numbers of devotees from across the country.

Pilgrim Numbers Rise

Officials said more than 56,000 pilgrims offered prayers at the shrine during the first three days of the 57-day pilgrimage, which began on July 3. The turnout represents an increase of nearly 18.6 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year, when 47,972 devotees completed the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims are travelling through both authorised routes—the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route. The Yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 28.

Ice Formation Changes

According to photographs released by the Border Security Force (BSF), the naturally formed ice Shivling measured nearly seven feet on May 23. During the first puja on June 29, the formation remained above five feet.

Fresh visuals circulating on July 6 suggest the Shivling has now reduced to around one foot, indicating that nearly 90 per cent of the original ice structure has melted. Seasonal weather conditions, temperature variations and natural cave conditions typically influence the size of the ice formation each year.

Security And Facilities

Authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements along both pilgrimage routes to ensure the safety of devotees. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, BSF and other security agencies are conducting regular patrols, while Mountain Rescue Teams continue to provide emergency medical assistance, including oxygen support to pilgrims experiencing health issues at higher altitudes.

Community kitchens, medical camps and transportation facilities, including ponies and palanquins, remain operational to assist devotees throughout the pilgrimage.

Pilgrim Dies At Base Camp

In a separate incident, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh died after reportedly suffering a snakebite at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu early Sunday.

Officials identified the deceased as Amit Kumar, who was shifted to Government Medical College Hospital after the incident. Doctors later declared him dead during treatment. Authorities have not announced any additional safety measures following the incident.

Registration Advisory Issued

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has advised devotees without prior registration to postpone their travel after all available pilgrimage slots were filled until July 9.

Officials clarified that only registered pilgrims will be permitted to proceed through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Those arriving without valid registration will be stopped at designated checkpoints and allowed to continue only after fresh slots become available.

The administration has urged devotees to complete registration before travelling to avoid congestion and inconvenience at the base camps.

The annual pilgrimage remains one of India's most significant religious events, attracting lakhs of devotees every year despite challenging terrain and changing weather conditions. While the shrinking Amarnath Shivling has drawn attention, authorities have reiterated that the pilgrimage continues as scheduled under comprehensive security and logistical arrangements.