SRINAGAR : Fresh batches of pilgrims left Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps early this morning for the holy Amarnath cave shrine, where more than 3.49 lakh yatris have paid obeisance since the commencement of the 59-day-long annual yatra from July 2.
Meanwhile, Chhari-Mubarak has been kept in Amreshwar temple near here for devotees to have the glimpse of the Silver Mace of Lord Shiva before leaving for final journey to holy cave on August 25. The yatra will conclude on August 29.
A Yatra Control Room (YCR) official told UNI that fresh batches of pilgrims left Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps for the holy cave shrine this morning as the weather was pleasant.
He said on 49th day yesterday, 620 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas. With this, a total of 3,49,242 pilgrims had paid obeisance at the cave shrine since July 2. The yatra is likely to cross 3.50 lakh mark this year. Majority of pilgrims had since returned to their homes while some visited tourist places.
Official said that weather is pleasant and the yatra is going on smoothly from both traditional Pahalgam and shortest Baltal tracks.
He said fresh batch of yatris, who had night halt at Baltal base camp left for the cave shrine early this morning, singing religious songs. The pilgrims are scheduled to reach the cave shrine to pay obeisance in the afternoon.
Pilgrims, who had night halt near cave shrine, have also started their return journey to base camp this morning. He said pilgrims, including women and sadhus left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on 45-km-long traditional yatra track. However, pilgrims who had night halt at Chandnawari and other halting station on the track have also started their journey towards the cave shrine early this morning.
Chhari-Mubarak, Silver Mace of Lord Shiva has been kept in Amreshwar temple at Akhara Building near here for devotees to have the glimpse of the Chhari.
Chhari-Mubarak’s custodian Mahant Deependra Giri said the Holy Mace will leave for Amarnath cave shrine on August 25 to have the final darshan in the shrine on August 29.
He said on way to Pahalgam on August 25, pujan would be performed at Sureshwar Temple, Shiv Temple Pampore, Shiv Temple Bijbehara, Martand-Tirth Mattan and Ganesh Temple across river Lidder, Ganeshbal.
After night halt at Pahalgam, on way to the Holy Cave, the Charri Mubarak will have another night halt at Chadanwari, the last motorable station on the traditional route.
From Chandanwari, it will have another night halt at Sheshnag (3352 Mtrs above sea level) and finally night halt at Panjtarani (4114 mtrs above sea level).
Traditional rituals and prayers shall be offered the whole day at Holy Cave. However, before dusk, Chhari-Mubarak shall leave for night halt at Panjtarani and another night halt at Pahalagam. Pujan and Visarjan ceremonies shall be performed on the bank of river Lidder. Thereafter, traditional Kari-Pakouri Bhandara shall be organised for saints.
With this last ritual, annual pilgrimage shall culminate and Chhari-Mubarak shall return to its Abode at Srinagar. Mahadev Gir Dashnami Akhara Trust announced that it has made all the arrangements for sadhus coming from across the country for annual pilgrimage for their food and comfortable stay at Akhara Building. (AGENCIES)
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