Jammu (PTI): A record number of 43.55 lakh pilgrims from across the country have visited the Mata Vaishnovdevi cave shrine since January this year, officials said here on Wednesday.

While only 40.74 lakh devotees had visited the shrine during the corresponding period last year, thereby registering an increase of 2.82 lakh for the current year, they said.

During the month of July, as many as 5.21 lakh pilgrims paid their obeisance at the shrine despite disturbed conditions prevailing due to 'Amarnath land row' in the region, officials stated.

On an average 15,000 devotees were daily reaching the base camp at Katra for their pilgrimage to the shrine, located in Trikuta hills in Reasi district, they said.

Shri Mata Vaishnavdevi Shrine Board, along with local organisations is organising 'langar' (public feast) at various places in Katra they said adding, elaborate security arrangements have been made by the police department to ensure safe journey for the pilgrims.

Meanwhile, over 3.5 lakh pilgrims within and outside the state said to have visited the historic Shiv Khori cave shrine here.

The Shiv Khori, located in Sangar hills is 130 km from Jammu city and 80 km from Katra, is the second most visited shrine of the region.