SRINAGAR : The 44-day-long annual pilgrimage to holy Amarnath Cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas concluded today as the Chhari-Mubarak, holy silver mace of Lord Shiva reached the cave shrine on the occasion of Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan).
‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Bam Bam Bhole echoed in the air when Chhari, carried by Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy mace, left Panjtarni for the cave shrine. About 300 devotees, including sadhus, accompanied by the Chhari, reached the cave shrine after covering 5-km-long track on foot from Panjtarni.
He said the Chhari Mubarak had reached Panjtarni yesterday and left for the cave shrine after a night halt there. Mahant Giri said on ‘ Raksha Bandhan’ Sharavan Punima day, Chhari-Mubarak proceeded to holy Cave for pujan at 0500 hrs from Panjtarni.
More than 3.75 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance before the self made ice-lingam in the cave shrine, situated at 12,000 feet above sea level this years.
Official sources said 41 pilgrims had died due to heart attack and other ailments besides, four died in accidents during the pilgrimage, which commenced from June 28 from Baltal and July 2 from Nunwan Pahalgam.
Mahant Giri, who led the devotees in the pujan inside the cave said he prayed for peace and prosperity in the country. Traditional rituals were performed and prayers will be offered the whole day at holy cave, he said adding that before dusk, Chhari-Mubarak shall leave the cave for night halt at Panchtarani.
Next morning at 0700 hrs ‘ Pratipada’ Chhari mubarak will leave Panchtarani for a night halt at Pahalgam. On the occasion of ‘ Dvitiya’ on August 12, Pujan and Visarjan ceremonies shall be performed at 0915 hrs on the bank of river Lidder at Pahalgam.
Thereafter, traditional Kari-Pakori Bhandara shall be organised for sadhus, Mahant Giri said adding with this last ritual, annual pilgrimage of will culminate and Chhari-Mubarak will return to its Abode at Srinagar.
(AGENCIES)
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