As part of the Amarnath Yatra 2025, the holy Chhari-Mubarak or the silver mace of Lord Shiva was taken to the historic Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar today.
The temple, located on Gopadri Hills, hosted special prayers on the occasion of ‘Haryali Amavasya’ (Shravan Amavasya), as per the age-old tradition, by Mahant Deependra Giri. the custodian of the mace said.
The Chhari Mubarak Swami Amarnath Ji was led by Mahant Giri.
The sound of conch shell charged the whole atmosphere. Pujan was performed chanting Vedic hymn, he said. The sadhus who accompanied holy mace participated in the prayers that lasted for about ninety minutes.
Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of the Jammu & Kashmir and the country at whole, he said.
The summit of the hill is crowned with a picturesque edifice. This hill was called Jetha Larak and afterwards it was named Gopadari Hill, Mahant Giri said.
Talking to reporters, Mahant 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.
This temple was, earlier, known as Jyeshteshwara or Jyoteshwara temple. But after Adi Shankracharya Ji visited this temple, it is, now, popularly known as Shri Shankracharya Temple.
Chhari-Mubarak shall be taken to ‘Sharika-Bhawani’ Temple, Hari Parvat, Srinagar to pay obeisance to the Goddess tomorrow, he said
Traditional holy chhari-Pujan shall be performed at Dashnami Akhara Srinagar on July 29 on the auspicious occasion of ‘Nag-Panchami’.
Embarking on the main course of pilgrimage on August 4, Mahant Deependra Giri would carry the holy mace to Holy Shrine of Swami Amarnath Ji to perform Pujan and have ‘Darshan’ on auspicious occasion of ‘Shravan-Purnima’ on the August 9 after having night halts at Pahalgam on 4 and 5, Chandanwari on 6, Sheshnag on 7th and Panchtarani on 8th of August, respectively.
