Jammu, 5 August (H.S.): The silver mace of Lord Shiva (Chhari Mubarak) left for Himalayan cave from its abode Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar early this morning amid tight security measures.
Led by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji and accompanied by Sadhoos and other devotees earlier Puja was performed at Dashnami Akhara in a traditional way before the holy mace left for cave shrine. As the holy mace left the Dashnami Akhara, Bum Bum Bhole rent the air.
Speaking on the occasion Mahant Deependra Giri highlighted the religious significance of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra since the Puranic period. He appealed the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and Government to ensure that in future the devotees be allowed to perform darshan on the festival of Shravan Purnima at cave shrine as this is an auspicious day on which pilgrims used to visit cave shrine from times immemorial. He said since 2022 the yatra is suspended about 10 days ahead of Shravan Purnima and this way the feelings and sentiments of the devotees intending to visit holy cave on this auspicious day get hurt.
He said in case future Government intends to suspend yatra in advance people through print and electronic media across the country be apprised of the decision over a week earlier so that pilgrims cancel their schedule visit. Pilgrims who had already reached Kashmir are put to hardships by suspending yatra suddenly, he added.
Mahant Ji said they will pray for universal peace and brotherhood at cave shrine. He said enroute the holy mace will pay obeisance at Sidheshwar temple, Srinagar, Shiv temples, Pampore, Awantipora, Bijbehara, Anantnag, Mattan and Ganeshpora today. The holy mace will reach Pahalgam in the evening and have a two night halt there. On August 6 it will leave for Chandanwari while on August 7 it will leave from Chandanwari to Sheshnag. On August 8 it will reach Panchtarni from Sheshnag and in the wee hours of August 9 that coincides with Shravan Purnima the holy mace will reach cave shrine and perform religious rituals and Puja in a traditional way there. In the evening of August 9 it will return towards Panchtarni on way to Pahalgam, he added.
Mahant Deependra Giri and Sadhus performed Puja at Shiv temple Pampore and local Hindus of Pampore and adjoining areas led by Ravi Ji Bhat welcomed the Chhari Mubarak there.
He also visited Laleshwari Peeth at Pampore and expressed his happiness over reconstruction of Laleshwari Peeth and termed it a good development. Earlier Mahant Ji, Sadhus and other devotees performed Puja in the temple. Later the Chhari Pujan was held in Shiv temple Bijbehara followed by Puja at ancient Sun temple Martand, Mattan in Anantnag district. The holy mace at Mattan was received by a large number of devotees led by president of Tirath Raj Mattan, A K Sidha. The Sadhus were served Prashad there.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
