Pictures of the naturally-formed ice Shiva Lingam at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir has been released. The Shiva lingam is formed every year inside the cave as water drips through cracks in the roof. It eventually freezes as temperature drops in the high altitude. The size of this year's Shiva Lingam is smaller compared to last year. Lesser snowfall due to rising temperature in Jammu and Kashmir is believed to be the reason.

Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to begin from June 26, 2018 onward in the valley. It will continue for the next 60 days. While the way to the cave is blocked due to snow, Amarnath Shrine Board expects to clear the route by next month. Pilgrims visiting the holy site climb the tough terrain to offer prayers to the Shiva Lingam. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m. As it is a snowy region, the shrine is opened to pilgrims only for a short period in summer.

Here is this year's Shiva Lingam at Amarnath cave:

Around four lakh pilgrims visited the Himalayan Shrine last year. According to religious beliefs, the lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon. Meanwhile, the central government is reviewing security for the Amarnath Yatra amid ongoing protests in Kathua.

To visit the pilgrimage site, one has to be registered with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). The pilgrims will move as part of an elaborate security convoy in the region. The CRPF deploys heavy security for the pilgrimage from June 28 to August 28.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2018 09:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).