Over 9400 pay obeisance at cave shrine
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, July 24: The holy mace (Chhari Mubarak) of Shri Amarnath Ji led by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji, its sole custodian was taken to historic Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar located at Gopadri hills for prayers on the occasion of ‘Haryali-Amavasya’ (Shravan Amavasya) as per the age-old customs while 9482 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave today.
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As the holy mace reached the Shankaracharya temple the sound of conch shell charged the whole atmosphere. Pujan was performed chanting Vedic hymn in a traditional way. Shri Amrit Dass Ji, Mahant Shri Chander, Chinar Mandir Srinagar, Shri Kameshwar Dass Ji, Mahant Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir Srinagar and Sadhus who accompanied holy mace participated in the prayers that lasted for about 90 minutes. Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of the Jammu & Kashmir and the country as a whole.
The summit of the hill is crowned with a picturesque edifice. This hill was called Jetha Larak and afterwards it was named Gopadari Hill.
Talking to reporters, Mahant Ji said Chhari-Mubarak will be taken to ‘Sharika-Bhawani’ Temple, Hari Parvat, Srinagar to pay obeisance to the Goddess tomorrow,
He said that historians are of the opinion that the temple at the top was originally built by King Sandiman (2629-2564 BC). Mahant Ji also explicated the significance of Chhari-Mubarak Swami Amarnath Ji.
-Excelsior/Sajad Dar
He said this temple was, earlier, known as Jyeshteshwara or Jyoteshwara temple. But after Adi Shankaracharya Ji visited this temple, it is, now, popularly known as Shri Shankaracharya Temple.
Officials said that on 22nd day of pilgrimage, 9482 pilgrims paid obeisance at cave shrine situated at the height of 3880 meters from twin tracks of Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam today.
With this, the total number of pilgrims visiting holy cave in last 22 days has touched 3,52,139. Among the 9482 pilgrims who performed darshan today included 6805 males, 2130 females, 137 childrens, 73 Sadhoos, three Sadhvis, four transgender and 330 security personnel.
Officials aid all the pilgrims after performing darshan have started their return journey towards Domail and Panchtarni camp for night halt.
Meanwhile nine foreign devotees from six nations including US and Germany are also on way to holy cave to perform darshan.
Also, a fresh batch of 3,500 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here on Thursday to offer prayers at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in the Anantnag district, officials said.
The 22nd batch of pilgrims, comprising 2,704 men, 675 women, 12 children and 109 Sadhus and Sadhvis left the base camp in two convoys of 140 vehicles for Pahalgam and Baltal under tight security.
While 2,668 pilgrims left for Pahalgam in a convoy of 95 vehicles, 832 pilgrims proceeded in a convoy of 45 vehicles via the Baltal route.
With this, 1,33,878 pilgrims have departed from the Jammu base camp for Kashmir since July 2, when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch.
Last year, over 5.10 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine.
The pilgrimage will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
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