Amarnath Shivling Melts: Amidst the Amarnath Yatra 2026, which started with great pomp and show with the enthusiasm, faith and devotion of countless devotees, a news has emerged which has increased the anxiety of lakhs of devotees. More than 90 percent of the naturally occurring snow in the holy Amarnath cave has melted within just five days of the start of the Shivlinga Yatra. Himalinga, which was about 7 feet high on May 23, was 5 feet on the day of the first puja, but now its size has reduced to about 1 feet. However, the administration has not yet given any official reason behind this. This incident has sparked a new debate regarding changing climate and rising temperatures.
Snow Shivling reduced from 7 feet to 1 feet
Every year, ice Shivalinga is naturally formed due to freezing of water drops in Amarnath cave. Whom the devotees worship as Baba Barfani. This time on May 23, the height of Him Shivalinga was recorded at about 7 feet. At the time of the first puja on June 29, it remained about 5 feet and within a few days after the start of the Yatra, its size reduced to about 1 feet. The latest pictures emerging from the cave have further increased the concern of the devotees.
The haste of devotees increased for darshan
More than 4 lakh devotees have registered for Amarnath Yatra this year. After the commencement of the Yatra from July 3, a large number of devotees are reaching Kashmir Valley. After the news of rapid melting of ice Shivalinga, many devotees are expressing their desire to reach the cave as soon as possible and have darshan of Baba Barfani. The crowd of devotees is continuously increasing on the Yatra route also.
After all, why is the ice Shivalinga melting?
The administration has not yet released any official reason for the rapid melting of the ice Shivalinga. However, experts believe that conditions like rising temperatures in high altitude Himalayan regions, changing weather patterns, less snowfall and changes in temperature inside the caves are affecting the natural ice formations.
Some environmental experts also believe that the movement of large number of devotees, artificial lighting and other human activities can also affect the micro climate of the cave. These reasons have not been officially confirmed yet.
How is the ice Shivalinga of Amarnath made?
Amarnath cave is situated at an altitude of about 3,880 meters above sea level. Water droplets dripping from the ceiling of the cave freeze in extreme cold and form columns of ice below. Which is called Him Shivalinga. This is a completely natural process and its size may vary every year depending on the season. Many times its size keeps increasing and decreasing even during travel.
The Himalayan has melted quickly before too.
This is not the first time that the ice Shivalinga of Amarnath has shrunk prematurely. Even in the last few years, due to hot weather and less snowfall, there have been incidents of early melting of ice Shivalinga. However, its position every year depends on the weather and natural conditions.
Yatra continues, administration appeals
Despite the Him Shivling being smaller, the Amarnath Yatra is continuing normally. Amidst security, health and other arrangements, the group of devotees is continuously moving towards the holy cave. The administration has appealed to the passengers not to pay attention to rumors and rely only on official information.
