 "Buddha Amarnath yatra begins from Jammu")
The pilgrimage to Buddha Amarnath in the mountainous belt of border district of Poonch began from Jammu on Tuesday with the first batch of 1,088 pilgrims leaving for the shrine.
"The pilgrimage to Buddha Amarnath shrine in Poonch hills has begun from Jammu. First batch has left Jammu for shrine this morning", a police officer said.
A batch of 1088 pilgrims comprising 642 men, 405 women and 41 children left in 33 vehicles from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here for the shrine amid tight security, he said.
The first batch of the yatra was flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh from the base camp early this morning.
The temple of Baba Buddha Amarnath dedicated to Lord Shiva, is also known as "Chattani Baba Amarnath temple" and is located 290 kilometers North-West of Jammu.
Standing 4600 feet above sea level, the shrine is located amid picturesque surroundings.
The yatra will culminate on August 18 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.