The traditional Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva and the most revered symbol of the annual Amarnath Yatra, was ceremonially taken out from the historic Dashnami Akhada at Maisuma here on Wednesday, marking the beginning of its sacred journey to the Amarnath cave shrine.
Amid the chanting of Vedic hymns, a group of sadhus led by Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy mace, departed for the Gauri Shankar Temple in Pahalgam, where the Bhoomi Pujan of the Chhari Mubarak will be conducted.
The holy mace would follow the traditional pilgrimage route via Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni before reaching the holy cave shrine on August 28 on the auspicious occasion of Shravan Purnima.
Giri said around 4.25 lakh pilgrims had so far undertaken the Amarnath Yatra this year, describing the turnout as a very pleasant aspect of the pilgrimage despite adverse weather conditions.
“Despite the fact that the weather was bad, at an average around 17,000-18,000 pilgrims had darshan,” he said, adding that with Shravan month about to begin, more devotees are expected to undertake the pilgrimage.
He said during the holy journey he would seeks happiness, good health and well-being for all.
“And when we go on the main journey, may our state and country be peaceful and prosperous,” Giri said.
