This year, the holy Shiva Lingam at Amarnath has melted prematurely, halfway through the annual pilgrimage. Every year, the ice Lingam at the popular Hindu pilgrimage destination grows at this time. Pilgrims visit the 130ft high cave  to catch a glimpse of the stalagmite.

For reasons undetermined, the Lingam has melted completely a month before the pilgrimage ends on 21st August. On 28th June the pilgrimage started and until now about 2 lakh devotees visited the cave.

The size of the Lingam was reportedly smaller this year. Possible reasons for this include global warming or the presence of a large number of people inside. Amarnath is located at a height of 12,756 ft neat South Kashmir. Pilgrims trek over the dangerous Himalayan mountains to worship the Lingam.

With the ice melting inside the cave, it seems doubtful if the travelers would be able to catch a 'darshan' of the holy stalagmite or if many would drop their plans.

(AW: Sruthi)