Jammu, 27 August (H.S.): Annual Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Chhari Yatra under tight security arrangements, reached at Shri Budha Amnarnath Ji Shrine at Rajpura, Mandi in district Poonch.

Led by Shri Shri 1008 Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishavatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, the religious procession commenced from the Dashnami Akhara Mandir in Poonch, making its way to the sacred Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Shrine at Rajpura, Mandi.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, MLA Kalakote Thakur Randhir Singh, former MLC Vibodh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Sandeep Wazir besides other officers of the civil administration and police were present. Heads of several religious organizations including Sanatan Dharam Sabha, VHP, Bajrang Dal and many other prominent persons were also present on the occasion.

The Chhari Mubarak Yatra was preceded by a special Puja and Havan, amid the resounding chants of Vedic Mantras, at the Akhara Mandir Poonch. Swami Vishavatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, along with numerous religious dignitaries, pilgrims and locals congregated for this auspicious occasion.

Following the Puja, a guard of honour was accorded to the holy mace and the Yatra to Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Ji temple was started amidst the participation of hundreds of devotees from across the nation, who offered prayers and chanted slogans in reverence to Lord Shiva.

Subsequently, a grand religious gathering was held at a nearby hall, where Swami Ji and other dignitaries delivered enlightening speeches on communal harmony, brotherhood and peace in the region.

The Chhari Yatra spanned a distance of 22 kilometers, with pilgrims making halts at various stalls arranged by the locals, providing food and refreshments.

The ancient Shrine of Lord Shiva, situated in the mountains of Pir Panjal, holds great significance as it is believed to be the place where Rishi Pulatsya, the grandfather of King Ravana of Lanka, engaged in worship for several decades. The Pulast River, flowing from the Loran-Mandi mountains of Pir Panjal to Poonch, derives its name from this revered saint.

The holy mace was welcomed at Mandi with immense enthusiasm and spiritual zeal, as people from all faiths joined together in celebrating the procession. With resounding chants of Lord Shiva’s name, the sacred Chari Mubarak was carried to the Baba Budha Amarnath Ji Temple, where special prayers were conducted, encompassing the entire place in divine spirituality.

The Chhari Mubarak will remain in the temple for two days and it will be brought back on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. With this, the ten-day-long Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra reached a formal conclusion, leaving behind a trail of devotion and blessings.

Pertinent to mention that administration had made elaborate security arrangements during the Chhari Yatra from Poonch to Mandi. Senior civil and police officers also accompanied the Chhari Mubarak Yatra which concludes at the shrine.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar