JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday attended the inaugural function of the Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra and said the pilgrimage represents devotion, discipline and unity while reflecting the country’s rich spiritual traditions.
Addressing devotees, Sinha said the yatra was not merely a physical journey but also a spiritual one centred on self-realisation and devotion to Lord Shiva. He described the pilgrimage as a symbol of India’s unity in diversity, bringing together devotees from different parts of the country.
Referring to the religious significance of the shrine, the Lieutenant Governor spoke about its association with Maharishi Pulastya and the region’s spiritual heritage linked to Pulast Ganga and the historical traditions of Pulast Nagari, now Poonch.
Sinha said the teachings of Lord Shiva emphasise truth, duty, discipline and compassion. Drawing on the mythological account of Samudra Manthan, he urged pilgrims to imbibe the values of patience, sacrifice and service to others.
He also called upon devotees to follow the path of dharma and truth in their daily lives and said the worship of Lord Shiva serves as a unifying force across the country, linking major pilgrimage centres from Kedarnath and Somnath to Rameshwaram and Tarakeshwar.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the efforts of the Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas and volunteers associated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal for organising the pilgrimage.
The yatra will commence from Bhagwati Nagar on Monday with a flag-off ceremony. Sinha extended his wishes for a safe and successful pilgrimage.
Among those present were Swami Dinesh Bharti, Vishva Hindu Parishad Organising General Secretary Milind Parande, Bajrang Dal National Convenor Kishan Prajapat, Vishva Hindu Parishad J&K president Rajesh Gupta, Inspector General of Police Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and other officials and dignitaries.
