By IANS,
Jammu : The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board is against the idea of installing an artificial Shivling at the cave shrine if and when the naturally made stalagmite of ice melts.
The melting usually happens by July 15 both because of summer heat and the huge rush of pilgrims.
An idea was floated some years ago that a Shivling made of milky white marble be installed for the sake of pilgrims who trek long distances but are often disappointed.
But the board, according to informed sources, is not in favour of anything artificial.
“People visit the (Amarnath) shrine for a glimpse of the natural Shivling, not an artificial one. God wants natural things, why should we interfere,” a board official told IANS.
The temple is located at a height of 13,500 feet above sea level. Temple officials say this year’s Shivling is 11 feet high.
The Amarnath pilgrimage is to start June 29 and conclude Aug 13.