The holy site now draws 120,000 pilgrims annually.

Since then, the hill has been considered a holy site, casting its shadow across the patches of grasslands as well as the densely forested valley.

Travellers, such as pilgrims en route to a holy site, made use of professional cooks to avoid having to carry their provisions with them.

At each holy site on the line there are three stations.

Thousands of pilgrims have continued their devotions at the holy sites, although the mood was sombre yesterday.