The sacred ice Shivling at Amarnath Cave melted more than 90 percent within four days of the yatra's start.
The naturally formed ice Shivling in Amarnath Cave stood 12 feet tall on June 29. The yatra began on July 3 and by July 6 it had shrunk to less than one foot.
The pilgrimage was scheduled to run for 57 days. In past years the Shivling also melted early such as in 29 days in 2018 and one week in 2024.
Officials and pilgrims cited rising temperatures and development works as reasons. These include path widening and a ropeway project.
