Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Aug 6: ‘Chhari-Mubarak’, Silver Mace of Lord Shiva, left for holy Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir on the final leg of the annual yatra from Rameshwar Temple at Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar early this morning under unprecedented security arrangements.
A large number of devotees, including Sadhus, joined the final yatra led by Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy mace. As the Chhari-Mubarak left the Dashnami Akhara ‘Bum Bum Bolay and Har Har Mahadev’ rent the air.
The authorities had made unprecedented security arrangements for the holy mace enroute which was taken into a vehicle.
“We will pray for world peace, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, at the cave shrine,” Mahant Giri said shortly before leaving from the shrine, where large number of devotees, including Central Government officials, members of Kashmiri Pandit community and security force personnel were present to have a glimpse of the mace, which will reach the cave shrine on August 10 on the occasion of Rakshabandhan coinciding with Sawan Purnima falling on August 10.
He thanked everybody, particularly the people of Kashmir and said without their cooperation, yatra would not have been successful.
As per age old tradition, on July 31, ‘Chhari-Sthapana and Dhwajardon’ was conducted on the occasion of ‘ Tritiya’ at Dashnami Akhara.
Mahant said Pujan was being held in the morning at 0500 hrs and at 2000 hrs in the night every day. The Silver Mace commenced its final journey of yatra-2014 to holy cave today at 0800 hrs today.
The holy mace reached Pahalgam in the evening after organising pujan on way at Durga Nag, Sureshwar temple, Shiv temple Pampore, Shiv temple Bijbehara, Martand-Tirth Mattan, Ganesh temple across river Lidder at Ganeshbal.
A large number of Kashmiri Pandits and other pilgrims had assembled at Mattan Shrine to receive holy mace. They accorded a rousing reception to Chhari-Mubarak and participated in the pooja. The devotees were also served Prasad at Mattan shrine.
Mahant Ji said Chhari will leave on August 7 for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on traditional route after night halt at Pahalgam on the occasion of ‘ Ekadashi-Dwadashi’. On August 8 on the occasion of ‘ Dwadashi-Tryodashi.’ Chhari will leave from Chandanwari, for Sheshnaag for a night halt there.
He said on August 9 on the occasion of ‘ Tryodashi-Chaturdashi’ Chhari will leave Sheshnag for a night halt at Panchtarni.
Finally the Chhari will be taken to holy cave shrine in the morning of August 10 from Panchtarni for a final Pujan, marking the end of annual 45-day-long pilgrimage this year on the occasion of Sharavan Purnima.
Mahant Giri said the Chhari will return to its abode at Dashnami Akhara on August 12 after traditional pujan and other rituals on way back from holy cave.
It may be recalled that prior to turmoil in Kashmir Chhari Mubarak was taken on foot to holy cave right from Dashnami Akhora with night haltage at Durga Naag temple, Pampore temple, Awantipora, Bijbehara temple, Nagbal Anatnag, Sun temple Mattan, Gopalpora temple across river Lidder in Pahalgam.
Meanwhile, 1,461 pilgrims paid obeisance at holy cave on 40th day of darshan today. With this the total number of pilgrims paying obeisance at holy cave since the 45 day long yatra started on June 28 has touched 3,68,868.
According to an official spokesman, 570 pilgrims left the shortest Baltal track for holy cave today. They included 188 pilgrims who left by chopper.
The spokesman said 356 pilgrims left from Nunwan -Pahalgam base camp to holy cave early this morning under tight security.
He said the yatris camping at Sheshnag and Panchtarni camps also left for their onwards sojourn this morning.
The spokesman said the weather to holy cave tracks was plesant and yatra proceeded smoothly.
He said a fresh batch of 141 pilgrims also left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here in three vehicles for holy cave early this morning under tight security.
All these yatris had reached their respective destinations in Kashmir valley when last reports came in wherefrom they will leave for holy cave early tomorrow morning.
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