‘Chhari Mubarak’ taken to Shankaracharya temple

Srinagar, August 11

The holy mace of Lord Shiva or ‘Chhari Mubarak’ was taken in a procession led by Mahant Deependra Giri to the historic Shankaracharya temple here on Saturday morning on the occasion of ‘Haryali-Amavasya’ as per the age-old customs.

A large number of sadhus and pilgrims, who had come from across the country, participated in the prayers that lasted for more than two hours. Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity in the state.

The holy mace would be taken to Sharika Bhawani temple at Hari Parbat here on Sunday to pay obeisance at the shrine, according to Mahant Giri, who is custodian of the holy mace.

‘The True Trust’, founded by the Mahant in 2004, would be making necessary arrangements of food, accommodation and transport for sadhus and public coming from across the country to join ‘Chhari-Mubarak’ procession, the Mahant said.

On July 27, ‘Bhoomi-Pujan’ was performed at Pahalgam on the occasion of Ashad Purnima as per the tradition. Further, ‘Chhari Pujan’ would be held at Dashnami Akhari on August 15, a day before the holy mace would be carried to the Amarnath cave shrine. The holy mace would be carried from its abode — Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar — on August 16 to the Amarnath holy cave shrine in the upper reaches of Pahalgam. It would reach there on August 26. The annual Amarnath yatra would conclude on August 26, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. — TNS