Chota Amarnath Yatra Revived with Local Enthusiasm
TAUSEEF AHMAD
BANDIPORA, Aug 31: After a ten-year hiatus, the Chota Amarnath Yatra, a one-day religious journey, returned to the Bandipora district of northern Kashmir. A group of 130 yatris embarked on the pilgrimage, greeted warmly by local residents in the serene Dardpora area at dawn.
Nestled within the lush forests atop the Himalayan mountains in Dardpora Valley, the Maha Daneshwar temple, known as ‘Chhota Amarnath,’ houses a naturally formed ice lingam. Droplets of water gently cascade onto the lingam, creating a sacred sight. The pilgrimage, confined to a single day, accommodates a mere 7 to 8 people within its narrow confines.
Traditionally held on ‘Sharvani Purnima,’ the yatra includes paying respects at the Maha Dnyaneshwar temple near the cave. Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmad, flagged off the devotees at 5 am from the Kaloosa village temple. They embarked on a trek to the cave shrine deep in the Shamthan forests of Arin village.
Dr. Owais Ahmad, speaking to Kashmir Despatch, stated that the Chota Amarnath Yatra has resumed after a decade, with devotees undertaking the one-day pilgrimage. He credited the success of the yatra to comprehensive arrangements and the active involvement of local residents and PRIs from Shamthan.
The DC highlighted the collaborative efforts of the police, army, and civil departments in ensuring the smooth progress of the yatra. He expressed optimism that it would transform into a regular event in the coming years. Meanwhile, in Dardpora village, locals warmly welcomed the yatris and accompanied them on their journey.
“It’s a joyful moment to witness the yatra’s return. We hope this becomes an annual tradition, and authorities enhance Dardpora’s infrastructure to accommodate more pilgrims,” expressed Gulam Ahmad, a local resident.
The yatris shared their enthusiasm for the yatra’s revival and appreciated the administration’s permission for this year’s operation. “We hope the yatra continues regularly, allowing more individuals to pay their respects at the cave shrine in the future,” said a yatri.
Supervised by Tehsildar Bandipora, Sheikh Tariq, the pilgrimage saw 130 devotees and numerous locals volunteering for assistance. The peaceful conclusion of the yatra left Sheikh Tariq satisfied.”
