‘Chhari Mubarak’ prayers held in Srinagar

Srinagar, July 23

“Chhari Mubarak” -- the saffron robed holy mace of Lord Shiva -- was today taken to the historic Shankaracharya temple on a hillock here where special prayers were offered as per the age-old customs related to the annual Amarnath yatra.

Carried by its custodian Mahant Deependra Giri and accompanied by a group of sadhus and devotees, the holy mace was taken out from its abode at Dashnami Akhara in the Budshah Chowk area of the city and offered special prayers at the Shankaracharya temple on the occasion of Haryali Amavasya (Shravan Amavasya), a spokesman of the True Trust, founded by Giri in 2004, said.

He said collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of J&K.

The spokesman added that “Chhari Mubarak” would be taken to the Sharika Bhawani temple at Hari Parbat in downtown Srinagar to pay obeisance to the goddess tomorrow.

The holy mace will begin its journey from Srinagar to the 3,880- m-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath on August 2 with halts at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarani along the traditional 46-km Pahalgam cave route. -- PTI