New Delhi/Srinagar, Jul 16, 2013: The unprecedented rush of pilgrims to Amarnath this year has contributed to the ice Shivlingam in the holy mountain cave completely melting away more than a month before the end of the pilgrimage. 

Amarnath yatra started on June 28 this year and was scheduled to end on August 21. Around 2 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine till date. It remains to be seen whether pilgrims will continue to flock to the holy shrine now that the lingam has melted away.  

Even before the beginning of the annual pilgrimage, almost 40 percent of the lingam had melted away - the lingam was only 8-feet tall this year.  

The premature melting of the ‘Shiv lingam’ is rumoured to be the effect of either global warming or due to the heavy presence of pilgrims and security personnel inside the Amarnath cave.  

The holy Shivling at the Amarnath cave melts.

Pilgrims start their journey to the 3880-metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas from both Baltal and Pahalgam base camps.  

Pilgrims defy natural hazards to pay their respect.

Amarnath yatra is held every year to pay homage to Lord Shiva and Maa.

Unsung Army's role in Amarnath Yatra.

The yatra ends on Shravan Purnima on August 13, which coincides with the Raksha Bandhan festival.

A view of Kailash where the adobe of Lord Shiva is situated.

The Army has undertaken various measures for smooth conduct of Yatra.

Devotees travel on foot, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam.

Army has installed medical camps at every stop from Phalgam to holy cave in order to provide medical care to Yatries.

Source: India TV, DT. July 16, 2013.