On the occasion of Ashad Purnima, the mace traditionally known as ‘Chhari Mubarak’ was ceremoniously taken to Pahalgam Anantnag on Thursday for the Bhoomi Pujan ritual, marking the formal commencement of the age-old traditions associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra.
Amid the chanting of vedic hymns, a group of Sadhus led by Swami Mahant Deependra Giri took the Chhari Mubarak from its abode in Srinagar.
The mace was then taken to Gauri Shankar Temple, Pahalgam, where the Bhoomi Pujan was performed with religious fervour.
The ceremony witnessed participation of a number of devotees reinforcing the composite cultural ethos of the region.
The Chhari will continue its traditional journey as per the religious calendar, culminating in the final darshan at the Amarnath cave.
Chhari-Mubarak shall be taken to Shankracharya temple on July 24 and Sharika Bhawani temple on July 25 before rituals are performed for Chhari-Sthapana at Shri Amareshwar Temple Dashnami Akhara Srinagar on July 27.
Traditional Chhari-Pujan will be performed at Dashnami Akhara Srinagar on July 29 on the auspicious occasion of ‘Nag-Panchami’.