Srinagar, Jul 24: As part of a spiritual ceremony steeped in tradition, the holy mace believed to be of Lord Shiva, ‘Chhari Mubarak’, was taken to the historic Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar on Thursday as part of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
Led by Mahant (priest) Deependra Giri, the saffron-clothed mace was carried from its base at Dashnami Akhara near Lal Chowk to the hilltop shrine on Gopadari Hills for special prayers on the occasion of “Haryali Amavasya”.
Speaking to Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Mahant Giri said the pujan (prayer), was held in accordance with centuries-old customs, with the air resonating with the sound of chanting of Vedic hymns.
“The sadhus (priests), accompanying the Chhari Mubarak, also joined the rituals and collective prayers were offered for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Additionally, as per the schedule, the holy mace will be taken to ‘Sharika Bhawani Temple’ at Hari Parbat on Friday to seek the blessings of the goddess.
On Sunday, the ritual of Chhari-Sthapana will be performed at Amareshwar temple Dashnami Akhara located at Budshah Chowk; a religious site particularly known for the Chhari-Sthapana ceremony for the Amarnath Yatra, followed by Chhari-Pujan on Nag Panchami on Tuesday.
It is worth mentioning, the final journey of the Chhari Mubarak to the Amarnath cave shrine will begin with night halts at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarani. In the meanwhile, the Mahant will perform puja inside the cave on Shravan Purnima, marking the culmination of the annual pilgrimage.
Notably, the pilgrimage will conclude with the “visarjan” (immersion) of the mace in the Lidder River at Pahalgam.
