Amarnath 2025: Baba Barfani’s First Darshan
The first glimpse of the sacred Amarnath Shivling for the year 2025 has finally been revealed, bringing immense joy and spiritual excitement among the devotees of Lord Shiva. Each year, the natural formation of the ice Shivling inside the holy Amarnath cave is considered a divine phenomenon, attracting lakhs of pilgrims from across the globe. With the fresh images now made public, the spiritual aura surrounding the Amarnath Yatra has reignited in full fervor.
The Amarnath Shivling, often called Baba Barfani, is a naturally formed ice stalagmite believed to symbolize the presence of Lord Shiva. It forms in the deep cave located at an altitude of approximately 12,756 feet in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. The first pictures of the Shivling this year show a well-formed, radiant ice structure, shining with calm and serene energy — a sight that invokes deep devotion in the hearts of believers.
This natural formation occurs due to the freezing of water droplets that fall from the roof of the cave. The process begins in the colder months and by the summer pilgrimage season, the Shivling takes full shape. Many regard this as a miracle of nature and a spiritual sign of Lord Shiva’s blessing. According to legend, this is the very cave where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Goddess Parvati.
The upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2025 is officially scheduled to begin on July 3 and will continue until August 9, spanning 38 days. Devotees from all over India and abroad undertake this strenuous yet spiritually enriching journey through rugged mountain paths, singing hymns of “Bam Bam Bhole” as they move closer to their goal — the divine darshan of the Shivling inside the cave.
Registration for the Yatra began on April 14, and is being managed through the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). Pilgrims are required to register in advance due to daily limits on the number of visitors allowed, and a mandatory health check-up is also required for each participant. The shrine board also offers helicopter services and improved facilities this year to make the yatra more accessible and safe.
As the first images circulate on social media and news outlets, a wave of devotion has already begun. Temples across India have started special prayers and bhajans in celebration. Many believe that witnessing the Shivling even in pictures brings spiritual upliftment and divine protection.
For countless devotees, the Amarnath Yatra is not just a pilgrimage — it’s a journey of faith, endurance, and deep connection with Lord Shiva. The revealing of the Shivling marks the beginning of this sacred season and offers a spiritual invitation to all who seek blessings from the Mahadev.
- Religion World Bureau
