KL Report
SRINAGAR
Shivalingam at Amarnath cave in the mighty Himalayas has started melting since the commencement of the Yatra on June 28.
According to sources ‘Shivalingam,’ was 16 to 18 feet long when the Yatra started.
“After sixteen days, its size has come down by 12 to 14 feet. It is now only 4 feet long,” sources said.
They added that the thickness of the ‘lingam’ has also affected. “And if there would be no decrease in temperature, Shivalingam will melt completely within few days.”
Experts believe that the Amarnath cave region witnessed long spells of warmer temperature compared to previous years. “This could be one of the reasons for early melting of the ice lingam but another important factor is the ‘human induced temperature’ around the cave.”
Metrology officials believe that if there is no respite from the heat, many pilgrims would have to be satisfied with the trek and return without any ‘darshan’ of the Lingam.
