STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: While the Amarnath Yatra is going on smoothly, traditional rituals related to ‘Chhari Mubarak’ started after the holy mace was taken to Pahalgam in south Kashmir for ‘pooja’ on Monday.
Custodian of the holy mace, Mahant Deependra Giri, said as per the age-old tradition, ‘Bhoomi-Pujan’, ‘Navgrah-Pujan’, ‘Chhari-Pujan’ and ‘Dhawajarohan’ are connected with the commencement of annual ‘Chhari Mubarak Swami Amarnathji Yatra’ were performed at Pahalgam on the auspicious occasion of ‘Ashad-Purnima’ (Vyas Purnima).
The sound of conch shell reverberated the whole atmosphere. Sizable number of Sadhus, pilgrims and numerous Kashmiri Pandit families from Martand were present on the occasion and participated in the Pujan. Hawan was also performed after Pujan. Langar was served to all present.
Chhari-Mubarak of Swami Amarnath Ji led by Mahant Deependra Giri ji started from Dashnami Akhara Srinagar at 7 in the morning for Pahalgam. District Administration received Chhari-Mubarak at Sangam and accompanied up to Pahalgam.
Speaking on the occasion Mahant Deependra Giri ji said, “This year’s pilgrimage brings greater significance as we have two ‘Shravan’ months, this year, and this extraordinary astronomical event has taken place after 19 years.”
Mahant Deependra Giri also said, “People of Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of their caste, creed or religion have been cooperating, assisting and encouraging the pilgrims and Sadhus who come here from across the country and even abroad for this annual pilgrimage”. Prayers were also offered at Historic Martand Temple, Mattan (Anantnag).
Mahant Deependra Giri expressed his satisfaction after performing these important rituals at Pahalgam and thanked the State Administration for making arrangements for the event.
The event was organized by ‘The True Trust’ founded by Mahant Deependra Giri ji in year 2004.
