Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, July 27: Chanting Vedic hymn, ‘Bhoomi-Pujan’, ‘Navgreh-Pujan’, ‘Chhari-Pujan’ and ‘Dhawajarohan’ ceremonies of holy mace of Lord Shiva were performed at Pahalgam on the banks of river Lidder today on the occasion of Vyas Purnima coinciding with the beginning of annual yatra of Swami Amarnath Ji, as per tradition.
Earlier the Chhari yatra was taken to Pahalgam from its abode at Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji, the sole custodian of holy mace accompanied by a large number of Sadhus and other devotees. The pooja -archana in a traditional way was also performed at Dashnami Akhara by Mahant Ji and other devotees by reciting the Vedic hymns and ringing of quench shells which, reverberated the atmosphere.
Besides, recitation of Vedic hymns at Pahalgam, a Hawan was also performed on the occasion by Mahant Ji and the devotees. A large number of devotees attended the function.
Mahant Deependra Giri said that these are important rituals prior to main course of annual pilgrimage of Swami Amarnath Ji. In addition to the Sadhus and pilgrims, Ashok Sidha president, Martand Purohit Sabha along with many Pandit families from Martand and other places were present on the occasion and participated in the Pujan that lasted for about 3 hours.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahant Deependra Giri Ji, said, “until 25th of July, it was in news daily that pilgrims for Swami Amarnath Ji have departed from Jammu and Hajis from Srinagar have departed for Holy Mecca -Madina simultaneously. It establishes the diversity and communal harmony of our State and country.” Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of the State on the occasion.
Prayers were also offered at historic Martand Temple, Mattan (Anantnag) where the traditional Ashnan (bath) of holy mace was also performed.
Mahant Deependra Giri Ji expressed his satisfaction after performing these important rituals at Pahalgam and complimented the State administration for making arrangements for the event.
The event was organized by ‘The True Trust’ founded by Mahant Deependra Giri ji in year 2004.
Earlier talking to media persons at Srinagar, Mahant Deependra Giri said that the annual yatra as per tradition started every year on Vyas Purnima which is known as Guru Purnima also with the performing of Bhoomi Poojan, Navgrah poojan and Dhawajarohan at Pahalgam on the bank of river Lidder.
He said this year the yatra has got a good response in comparison to last year and the people of Valley maintaining their age old tradition also welcomed the yatra and fully cooperated with the pilgrims.
He said it is a good sign that during the first month of yatra, the number has crossed 2.50 lakh and in the coming month it will also continue with the same zeal.
He said that the increasing number of pilgrims to holy cave is an indication that though people of India are familiar to Kashmir situation but being associated with the holy yatra from times immemorial they still want to come for pilgrimage keeping in view the cooperation rendered by the people of Valley to them over the years.
In his message to the people, the Mahant Ji said that they must cooperate with yatra and maintain the age old secular values of the State.
Meanwhile, one impersonator was arrested by Pahalgam police, who was issuing forged registration slips to pilgrims late last night. The police has also recovered the documents from him and registered a case against him.
Admitting that one person was arrested in this regard, SHO Pahalgam Shabir Ahmed, however, did not disclose his name. He said the investigation has been initiated in this regard.
On the 30th day of darshan today, 2,776 pilgrims paid obeisance at holy cave of Lord Shiva situated at an altitude of 3880 meters from sea level in the deep Himalayas in South Kashmir district of Anantnag.
According to an officer on Yatra duty till date the number of yatris who had the darshan at cave shrine has reached 2,51,996.
The officer said the weather remained cloudy and it rained for some time during the day but the yatra proceeded smoothly.
He said 2245 pilgrims left Nunwan-Pahalgam base camp via traditional Chandanwari track for holy cave this morning while 440 yatris reached Nunwan base camp from Jammu by this evening. He said the yatris staying at transit camps of Sheshnag and Panjtarni also started their onwards sojourn this morning.
The officer said 944 pilgrims left from Baltal base camp to holy cave early this morning by foot while 492 left by air. He said 4266 pilgrims are staying at Baltal for night.
Yatra Nodal Officer, Jammu, Arun Manhas said 782 pilgrims left for holy cave early this morning from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas for twin base camps of Nunwan -Pahalgam and Baltal under tight security measures. Besides, 528 pilgrims including 43 Sadhus were registered at three registration counters at Jammu today.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
