Srinagar: The natural ice Shivling, popularly known as Baba Barfani, at the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has reportedly melted completely within just five days of the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, leaving thousands of devotees disappointed and sparking concerns over environmental conditions and pilgrimage management.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. According to media reports, more than one lakh pilgrims had already visited the holy cave by July 7, when the naturally formed ice Shivling reportedly disappeared.
The development has triggered debate over the factors responsible for the unusually rapid melting of the ice formation. While officials associated with the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board have described the phenomenon as a natural process influenced by weather conditions, several environmental experts have pointed to increasing human activity and changing climatic conditions as possible contributing factors.
Experts believe that permitting a large number of pilgrims to visit the cave in a short span of time may have affected the fragile environment around the shrine. They argue that the combined heat generated by thousands of visitors, along with rising temperatures in the Himalayan region, could have accelerated the melting process. They have also stated that the measures adopted to preserve the ice Shivling were not sufficient to prevent its rapid disappearance.
The Amarnath ice Shivling is a naturally occurring formation created by the freezing of water droplets inside the cave. Its size varies every year depending on snowfall, temperature, humidity and other weather conditions. It typically grows during the winter and gradually melts as temperatures rise during the pilgrimage season.
According to media reports, the ice Shivling measured around seven feet on May 23. By June 29, it had reportedly reduced to approximately five feet before melting completely by July 7. Experts say that this is not an isolated incident, noting that similar occurrences have been recorded in previous years. In 2016, the ice Shivling melted within 10 days of the pilgrimage, while in 2013 it disappeared before the Yatra concluded.
Environmentalists have also linked the recurring phenomenon to global warming and changing climate patterns, which have led to rising temperatures even in high-altitude Himalayan regions. They stress the need for sustainable pilgrimage management and careful monitoring of visitor numbers to protect the shrine’s delicate ecosystem.
The Amarnath cave holds immense religious significance for Hindus. According to Hindu tradition, it was in this cave that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake the challenging pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani, believing that the sacred journey helps cleanse sins and grants spiritual liberation.
Despite the disappearance of the ice Shivling, the annual pilgrimage is continuing as scheduled under the supervision of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, with authorities maintaining necessary arrangements for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
