Srinagar, July 24 – The sacred Chhari Mubarak, the saffron-clad holy mace of Lord Shiva, was ceremoniously taken to the revered Shankaracharya Temple atop Gopadri Hills in Srinagar on the auspicious occasion of Haryali Amavasya (Shravan Amavasya). This significant ritual is an integral part of the annual Amarnath Yatra, followed by devotees and saints with deep religious fervor.
Led by Mahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of the holy mace, the procession began from its traditional abode at Dashnami Akhara near Lal Chowk. Upon arrival at the temple, a pujan was performed amid the chanting of Vedic hymns and the resonating sounds of conch shells, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. Accompanying sadhus and devotees joined in offering prayers for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chhari Mubarak is scheduled to visit Sharika Bhawani Temple at Hari Parbat on Friday to pay obeisance to the goddess. Key rituals for Chhari-Sthapana will take place at Shri Amareshwar Temple, Dashnami Akhara, on Sunday, followed by Chhari-Pujan on the sacred occasion of Nag Panchami on Tuesday.
On August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima, Mahant Deependra Giri will lead the final journey of the holy mace to the Amarnath cave shrine, performing traditional pujan and seeking darshan after halts at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. The pilgrimage will conclude with the symbolic visarjan of the holy mace in the Lidder River at Pahalgam the following day.
This ancient tradition continues to be a cornerstone of spiritual and cultural identity for devotees of Lord Shiva and remains an essential part of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir.
