Srinagar, Aug 22 (JKNS): The Chhari Mubarak, the sacred mace of Lord Shiva and a revered symbol of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, on Saturday left the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar for Pahalgam after traditional prayers and rituals, marking the beginning of its onward journey to the holy cave.
As per news agency JKNS, Custodian of Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Deependra Giri, said the sacred mace would follow the traditional pilgrimage route, with religious rituals and prayers being performed at designated stopovers along the way.
“We are setting out on the main pilgrimage from the Dashnami Akhara. Today, August 22, we will rest in Pahalgam after performing symbolic prayers at the traditional stopovers along the way,” Mahant Deependra Giri said.
He said the Chhari Mubarak would halt at Chandanwari on August 24 and Sheshnag on August 25, before proceeding towards Panchtarni.
“We will stay at Panchtarni on the nights of the 26th and 27th. Then, on the morning of the 28th, on Raksha Bandhan, we will take the holy Chhari Mubarak to the holy cave,” he said.
Mahant Giri said the sacred mace would be taken inside the holy cave amid traditional religious ceremonies, Vedic chanting and prayers.
“This is the very place where, at the behest of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva narrated the tale that liberates the soul from the cycle of birth and death; the Chhari Mubarak will be installed there amidst traditional prayers and Vedic chanting,” he said.
Following the rituals at the holy cave, the Chhari Mubarak will return to Panchtarni for the night halt on August 28.
On the morning of August 29, it will proceed back via Sheshnag and Chandanwari to Pahalgam, where another night halt will be observed.
The traditional pilgrimage will culminate on August 30 with prayers and Visarjan of the Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Giri said. (JKNS)
