Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 11: Shri Shiv Khori Shrine is fast emerging as one of the major Shrines after famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in District Reasi, as 9, 10, 600 pilgrims visited the Shrine this year till July 10.
This was stated by Mahesh Sharma, Executive Officer of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB). Elaborating more, he said that Shiv Khori Shrine is witnessing heavy rush of devotees every day during ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
“This year up to July 10, over nine lakh pilgrims visited the famous Shrine whereas during the same period in the corresponding year only 6,86,169 pilgrims visited the holy cave of Lord Shiva to pay obeisance, thus there is an increase of 2,24,431 pilgrims over last year”, he said, adding approximately 6000 to 7000 pilgrims are reaching the Shrine for darshan of Lord Shiva every day and on July 10, the Yatra figure touched 15,117 marks and we are expecting that the Yatra will cross 20,000 mark in coming days.
“Moreover, the Amarnath yatris are waiting at Jammu, due to suspension of Baba Amarnath Yatra because of three day Bandh call given by separatist in Kashmir, are turning up for this famous Shrine known for ‘Bhasmasur legend’ and natural ‘Aap-Shambu’ Lingam at Shivkhori”, Sharma further said.
The SSKSB officer further said that the Board entrusted for facilitation of pilgrims and overall development of this famous Shrine has taken all necessary steps for smooth conduct of yatra. He said that many facilities are being provided to the visiting pilgrims enroute 3.5 km track of the Shrine.