Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his heartfelt wishes to devotees embarking on the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, praying for a safe, secure and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
Marking the commencement of the sacred journey to the Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said, “Shri Amarnath Yatra, associated with the darshan of Baba Barfani, is an eternal chapter of our spiritual tradition and cultural unity. It is my sincere wish that this pilgrimage for all devotees of Lord Shiva is safe, secure, and auspicious in every possible way! On this sacred occasion, here is my letter to the pilgrims, centered around five sacred resolutions (Sankalps).”
He also shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam, extending his blessings to devotees and praying that Baba Barfani bless everyone with happiness, prosperity, good fortune and good health.
Pilgrimage a Great Privilege: PM Modi
In an open letter addressed to devotees of Lord Shiva, PM Modi said participating in the Amarnath Yatra is a matter of great privilege.
“Dear Devotees, Har Har Mahadev! Jai Baba Barfani! Participating in the holy Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir is, in itself, a profound privilege. Every year, this opportunity to witness Baba Barfani proves to be a deeply auspicious and unforgettable experience for lakhs of Shiva devotees. I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all Shiva devotees on the occasion of this year’s pilgrimage,” he said.
Calling the Yatra an integral part of India’s spiritual legacy, the Prime Minister said, “This pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Baba Amarnath represents an eternal chapter in India’s spiritual tradition. Every year, lakhs of devotees who cherish Sanatan culture arrive in Jammu and Kashmir from across the globe to participate in this journey. People from diverse regions, speaking different languages and following varied traditions, undertake this pilgrimage with the solemn resolve to seek the divine presence of Mahadev.”
Salutes Security Forces and Volunteers
PM Modi praised the efforts of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the security forces for ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
“For several decades, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have managed the pilgrimage with great efficiency and a spirit of service. Furthermore, our administration and security forces play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and successful conduct of the Yatra. This year too, thousands of personnel are dedicatedly fulfilling this responsibility,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, ITBP, BSF, NDRF, doctors, healthcare workers, administrative officials, sanitation workers and volunteers for their dedicated service.
“During these two months, the holy abode of Baba Barfani offers a magnificent glimpse of India’s ‘Unity in Diversity’. At every stage of the journey, thousands of local citizens of Jammu and Kashmir warmly welcome the pilgrims, while countless devotees from across the country organise Bhandaras along the pilgrimage route. This spirit of selfless service is a living embodiment of our Sanatan culture and the ideal of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’,” he said.
PM Modi Calls for Five ‘Sankalps’
The Prime Minister urged devotees to undertake five resolutions during this year’s pilgrimage to make the Yatra safer, cleaner and more meaningful.
The first resolve calls upon pilgrims to maintain cleanliness throughout the Yatra.
“Let us adhere to cleanliness norms during the Amarnath Yatra and contribute to maintaining hygiene along the entire pilgrimage route,” he said.
The second resolve urges devotees to strictly follow all administrative instructions, traffic regulations and security guidelines while remaining cautious of slippery terrain and adverse weather conditions.
“Let us follow all orders of the administration, traffic rules and safety directives with complete dedication,” the Prime Minister said.
Under the third resolve, PM Modi appealed to pilgrims to support the local economy through the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.
“Embracing the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’, let us spend at least 10 per cent of our pilgrimage budget on purchasing local products. This will strengthen the livelihoods of families and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The fourth resolve links the conclusion of the Yatra, which coincides with Raksha Bandhan, with environmental conservation.
“On the concluding day of the Baba Amarnath Yatra – which coincides with Raksha Bandhan – let us gift a sapling to our brother or sister and carry forward the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign,” he urged.
The fifth resolve focuses on nation-building.
“Let us perform our duties honestly throughout the year with a ‘Nation First’ spirit and actively contribute to building a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” the Prime Minister said.
‘May Baba Barfani Bless Everyone’
Expressing confidence in the success of this year’s pilgrimage, PM Modi said the Amarnath Yatra would continue to showcase India’s spiritual traditions, cultural unity and spirit of service.
“I am confident that the pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Baba Amarnath will culminate as a grand celebration of Sanatan faith, India’s cultural unity and the tradition of service. It is my prayer that the boundless grace of Baba Amarnath remains upon us all. May your journey be safe and auspicious, and may it infuse your life with new energy, new consciousness and new spiritual strength,” he said.
Concluding his message, the Prime Minister added, “May Baba Barfani inspire us all to be even more dedicated to our duties, so that together we can realise the resolve of a developed India. My heartfelt best wishes to you all for the Amarnath Yatra.”
(With agency inputs)
