Ahead of the 2026 Annual Amarnath Yatra, sadhus from across the country have begun arriving in Jammu and are staying at the Ram Mandir in the old city, awaiting the spiritual journey, which is set to commence on July 3.
Nearly two-and-a-half weeks before the official start of the Yatra, the temple has been witnessing a steady influx of ascetics. They spend their time in prayer, religious discourse and service while preparing for the trek to the cave shrine in the South Kashmir Himalayas. Hymns reverberate in the air and chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva at the temple.
One of the sadhus from Ayodhya said he had arrived nearly one-and-a-half months before the pilgrimage to serve fellow sadhus staying at the temple.
“I prayed to Mahadev, saying, ‘Please grant me one last opportunity to have your darshan.’ Despite doctors advising against it, I completed the pilgrimage and served at several community kitchens,” he said.
Another sadhu from Himachal Pradesh said he has been undertaking the Amarnath Yatra for the past three decades. “This year, with strong security arrangements and everyone’s cooperation, the pilgrimage is expected to be very successful. There will be no shortage of facilities, no major difficulties, and no reason for fear,” he said.
Among those staying at the Ram Mandir is Bhairav from Tamil Nadu, who described the pilgrimage as a source of immense pleasure. “Everything is excellent, wonderful, and filled with joy. Having the opportunity to visit Baba Amarnath is a truly blissful experience,” he said.
“I have completed the Char Dham Yatra and visited Kashi, Ayodhya, the Ganga, Shiv Khori and Vaishno Devi before reaching here,” he added. The Ram Mandir in Jammu serves as a key base for sadhus arriving from different parts of the country ahead of the much-awaited Amarnath Yatra.
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