Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, July 12: Amid chanting of ‘Bum Bum Bholay and Har Har Mahadev’, the Bhoomi Pujan and Dhawajarohan (flag hoisting) was performed at Pahalgam, the base camp of holy Amarnath pilgrimage on the occasion of Vyas Purnima, which is also known as Guru Purnima today, by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji Maharaj custodian of Chhari Mubarak (holy mace) of Swami Amarnath Ji.
A large number of Sadhus and hundreds of devotees participated in Bhoomi Pujan, which was performed in a traditional way. A hawan was also performed on the occasion by Mahant Ji.
Earlier ‘ Chhari Mubarak’, the silver Mace of Lord Shiva left Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar early this morning for Pahalgam for ‘Bhoomi Pujan.
Mahant Deependra Giri, led the devotees, carrying the Chhari Mubarak. He said as per age old traditions and rituals “Bhoomi Pujan, Navgrah Pujan and Dhawajarohan,” connected with the commencement of annual yatra was performed at Pahalgam on the auspicious occasion of ‘Ashad Purnima (Vyas Purnima) today.
The Chhari Mubarak was accompanied by a large number of Sadhus and devotees to Pahalgam.
After performing the rituals, the Chhari Mubarak returned to Dashnami Akhara this evening.
The puja was also performed at the historic Martand Temple of Mattan, on way to Srinagar from Pahalgam.
Mahant Deependra Giri said that holy mace will reach cave shrine early in the morning of Sawan Purnima and not today as reported by a section of press. He termed the statement totally misleading.
Meanwhile, on day 15th of yatra today, 16,180 pilgrims performed darshan at holy cave. According to an official spokesman, the rush of devotees was huge on the auspicious day of Vyas Purnima today.
He said with this the total number of pilgrims performing darshan of cave shrine in deep Himalayas has touched 1,96,440 since the 45 day yatra started on June 28.
He said 7045 pilgrims left from Nunwan Base camp to holy cave early this morning while 7664 pilgrims left from Baltal Base camp.
He said a fresh batch of 2148 pilgrims left Jammu Yatri Niwas for holy cave today which included 1637 male, 357 female, 10 children and 144 Sadhus. They left in a cavalcade of 65 vehicles under tight security.
All the pilgrims had reached to their respective destination i.e Nunwan Base camp (Pahalgam) in South Kashmir district of Anantnag and Manigam camp in Central Kashmir district of Ganderbal where from they will leave to holy cave early in the morning tomorrow.
Meanwhile, reports coming from Kathua said that no facilities have been provided by the Government and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) for pilgrims at Lakhanpur and the two transit camps for pilgrims one at Kathua and another at Samba are locked. A park was to be constructed at Palli on National Highway Kathua was not constructed till date.
The people of Kathua town and surrounding areas have alleged that basic facilities including opening of transit camps and installation of banners and welcome gates for pilgrims have not been provided at Lakhanpur being the gateway of J&K.
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