The traditional rituals associated with the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra commenced on Wednesday with the ceremonial beginning of the Chhari Mubarak, the revered silver mace of Lord Shiva, marking the start of the final religious ceremonies linked to the pilgrimage.
Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy mace, said the saffron-clad Chhari Mubarak was taken from its abode at Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar to Pahalgam in Anantnag district for the bhoomi pujan ceremony.
Led by Mahant Giri, a group of sadhus carrying the holy mace departed amid the chanting of Vedic hymns for the Gauri Shankar Temple in Pahalgam, where the bhoomi pujan ritual was scheduled to be performed.He said the holy mace would halt at the historic Martand Temple in the Mattan area on its return journey to Srinagar later in the day for the customary holy bath.
Mahant Giri also expressed satisfaction over the response to this year’s pilgrimage, stating that more than 4.25 lakh devotees have undertaken the Shri Amarnath Yatra so far.The annual pilgrimage began on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
The sacred Chhari Mubarak, associated with the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, reached Mattan in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday amid elaborate security arrangements.
The holy mace was escorted under multi-layered security cover, with security personnel deployed along the route to ensure a smooth and peaceful procession. Checkpoints, area domination and continuous surveillance were maintained at key locations.Devotees and local residents warmly welcomed the Chhari Mubarak and offered prayers as the sacred procession reached Mattan.
The traditional procession holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva and remains an important ritual of the annual Amarnath pilgrimage.Authorities said security arrangements have been strengthened to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful movement of devotees and the successful conduct of the pilgrimage.
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