SRINAGAR: The traditional rituals associated with the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra commenced on Wednesday with the ceremonial beginning of the Chhari Mubarak, the revered silver mace of Lord Shiva, marking the start of the final religious ceremonies linked to the pilgrimage.
Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy mace, said the saffron-clad Chhari Mubarak was taken from its abode at Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar to Pahalgam in Anantnag district for the bhoomi pujan ceremony.
Led by Mahant Giri, a group of sadhus carrying the holy mace departed amid the chanting of Vedic hymns for the Gauri Shankar Temple in Pahalgam, where the bhoomi pujan ritual was scheduled to be performed.
He said the holy mace would halt at the historic Martand Temple in the Mattan area on its return journey to Srinagar later in the day for the customary holy bath.
Mahant Giri also expressed satisfaction over the response to this year’s pilgrimage, stating that more than 4.25 lakh devotees have undertaken the Shri Amarnath Yatra so far.
The annual pilgrimage began on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
