Jammu, Aug 02: A record number of over 31 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine of Vaishnodevi during first seven months of 2003, officials said today.
During the corresponding period last year, about 23.7 lakh pilgrims had paid their obeisance at the cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
With an increase of 7.29 lakh pilgrims, this year's figure is a record, they said.
In July this year, about 5.87 lakh devotees reached Katra, the base camp, officials said adding 14,000 to 15,000 people are reaching Katra daily for their onward journey to the holy cave.
Besides other facilities, the Mata Vaishnodevi shrine board has constructed several shelter sheds on the track, where the pilgrims could take rest, they said.


Bureau Report