SRINAGAR: Amid chanting of religious hymns, “Chhari-Mubarak”, Silver Mace of Lord Shiva commenced its final journey to holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas from Amreshwar temple Deshnami Akhara near here amidst tight security arrangements.
More than 3.51 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine since the commencement of the 59-day-long pilgrimage from July 2 from both Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam camps.
“Bam Bam Bolay and Har Har Mahadev” reverberated in the air when the Chhari Mubarak was taken out from the Amreshwar temple at 0730 hrs by Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the Silver Mace.
Large number of devotees, including security force personnel, Kashmiri pandits and sadhus were present to have the glimpse of the Chhari Mubarak before it was taken in a vehicle for the holy cave.
Mahant Giri said Chhari will be taken to Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on the traditional 45-km-long yatra route before starting the foot journey towards the cave shrine, where final puja will be held on August 29 on the occasion of Shravan Purnima.
He said the Chhari will be taken to Durga Nag temple and Sureshwar Temple in Srinagar, Shiv temple at Pampore, Shiv Temple at Bijbehara, Martand Tirth Mattan for offering Pujan before a night halt at Pahalgam. Puja will also be held at Ganesh temple across the Lidder river at Pahalgam this evening, he said.
However, before the eruption of militancy in 90s, Chhari Mubarak was leaving Deshnami Akhara immediately after sunset to reach Pahalgam next day after offering pujan at several Shiv temples on way from Srinagar.
But for security reasons, the Chhari is now being taken in a vehicle to Pahalgam and later upto Chandanwari before starting foot journey from there.
Mahant Giri said on “Ekadeshi-Dwadashi” falling on August 26, the Chhari Mubarak shall leave Pahalgam at 1400 hrs for a night halt at Chandanwari and on August 27 “Dwadashi and Tryodashi, Chhari shall leave Chandanwari at 0700 hrs for a night halt at Sheshnag.
On Chaturdashi on August 28, the Chhari Mubarak will leave Sheshnag for Panjtarni the last halting station before the cave shrine on the traditional route.
Mahant Giri said at 0700 hrs on “Sharavan-Purnima”, Chhari Mubarak will leave for the holy Cave shrine, where traditional rituals shall be peformed and prayers offered entire day on August 29.
However, before dusk, Chhari Mubarak shall leave holy cave for a night halt at Panjtarni and on August 30 chhari will reach Pahalgam on “Pratipada” for a night halt.
At Pahalgam, “Pujan and Yisarjan” ceremonies shall be performed at 0915 hrs on the banks of river Lidder, he said, adding that thereafter traditional ‘Kari Pakuri’ Bhandara shall be organised for sadhus.
With this last ritual, annual pilgrimage will culminate and Chhari Muabarak will return to its abode Deshnami Akhara here on August 31. (AGENCIES)
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