JAMMU: The holy Shivling at Amarnath has melted away as much as 40 per cent and has shrunk to half of its actual size just weeks before the much awaited Amarnath yatra begins on June 28. The melting away of the Shivling ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra has raised questions whether the pilgrims would be able to catch a glimpse of the holy Shivling or not.

It is to be noted thousands of pilgrims trek treacherous mountains every year to reach the holy cave during the Amarnath Yatra.

The large number of pilgrims inside the cave is bound to raise the temperature of the holy cave further and it is likely cause further damage to the stalagmite figure.

Rumours are abuzz that the premature melting of the holy figure could be a result of global warming. Experts have indicated that the reason could also be the presence of a large score of pilgrims and security personnel inside the cave.