Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Aug 14: In connection with annual yatra of Shri Amarnathji, Chhari-Mubarak (holy mace) of Lord Shiva led by Mahant Deependra Giri was taken to historic Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar today for prayers on the occasion of ‘Haryali-Amavasya’ (Shravan Amavasya) as per the age-old customs and traditions today.
The sound of conch shells reverberated and charged the whole atmosphere on the occasion. Puja was performed by chanting Vedic hymn. Sizable number of Sadhus and pilgrims participated in the prayers that lasted for more than two hours. Prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of the State.
The True Trust, founded by Mahant Deependra Giri in year 2004, has made all arrangements like yester years like food, boarding and lodging as well as transportation for Sadhus and general public coming from across the country to join Chhari-Mubarak of Shri Amarnathji Yatra during the pilgrimage.
Chhari-Mubarak will be taken to ‘Sharika-Bhawani’ Temple, Hari Parvat, Srinagar to pay obeisance to the Goddess tomorrow.
This was stated by Mahant Deependra Giri. The holy mace will leave for cave shrine from Srinagar on August 25 to perform darshan on Shravan Purnima falling on August 29 the last day of two month long Amarnath yatra.
Meanwhile, on the 44th day of ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 658 pilgrims performed darshan at holy cave in Lidder Valley in South Kashmir’s district of Anantnag today. This is the lowest number of pilgrims performing darshan in holy cave since the first day of darshan on July 2. With this the total number of pilgrims paying obeisance in holy cave since the two month long yatra started from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas touched 3,46,228.
According to an official spokesman, 261 pilgrims left from Baltal to holy cave today. Out of them 118 left by foot while 143 by chopper. He said 207 pilgrims left from Nunwan-Pahalgam base camp to holy cave while pilgrims having night halt at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni also started their onwards journey to holy cave this morning.
He said 387 pilgrims returned from holy cave to Baltal after performing darshan today. Out of them 101 returned by chopper and 286 by foot.
He said one bus carrying 34 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Jammu Yatri Niwas for holy cave under tight security arrangements early this morning.
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