Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Aug 8: In connection with annual Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage, Chhari-Mubarak (holy mace) of Lord Shiva led by Mahant Deependra Giri was taken to historic Shankaracharya temple, Srinagar located at Gopadri Hills today for prayers on the occasion of ‘Haryali-Amavasya’ (Shravan Amavasya) as per the age-old customs and tradition.
On the occasion, Puja was performed in a traditional way by the Mahant Ji and Sadhus accompanying the holy mace. Pujan was performed by chanting of Vedic hymns. Due to COVID Pandemic, selected number of Sadhus accompanied holy mace and participated in the prayers.
The Sadhus prayed to Lord Shiva to relieve the mankind of dreaded pandemic and prosperity of the people on the occasion. Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir. Click here to watch video
The sound of conch shell charged and reverberated the whole atmosphere. The summit of the hill is crowned with a picturesque edifice. Mahant Ji while throwing light on the history Shankaracharya hill said this hill was earlier called Jetha Larak and afterwards it was named Gopadari Hill. Some historians are of the opinion that the temple at the top was originally built by King Sandiman (2629-2564 BC), he added.
He said the Shankaracharya temple was, earlier, known as Jyeshteshwara or Jyoteshwara temple. But after Adi Shankracharya Ji visited this temple, since then it is popularly known as Shri Shankracharya Temple.
He said Chhari-Mubarak will be taken to ‘Sharika-Bhawani’ Temple, Hari Parvat, Srinagar to pay obeisance to the Goddess tomorrow and later it will return to its abode Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar.
Mahant Ji, while talking to Excelsior said that as the annual yatra was cancelled for second consecutive year by the Government due to COVID-19 pandemic, holy mace will take aerial route to cave shrine of Shri Amarnath this year too on the occasion of Shravan Purnima falling on August 22.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always welcomed, assisted and helped the Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims coming for annual pilgrimage from across the country demonstrating that it is liberal pluralistic society and upholding communal harmony since times immemorial.
He appealed the people to keep this tradition up and said that he will pray for the peace and prosperity of the people of J&K at the holy cave also. He said let us hope that from next year onwards there would be smooth and hassle from yatra as per old age practice with participation of thousands of pilgrims across the country daily.
Earlier Bhoomi Pujan, Navgreh Pujan and Chhari Pujan were performed at Pahalgam on July 24 on the occasion of Ashad Purnima known as Guru Purnima also. The Puja was also performed at the ancient Martand temple in Mattan Anantnag on the same day by Sadhus and devotees in a traditional way.
However, this is for the second time when the holy mace will not be taken to cave shrine via its traditional Pahalgam track touching the shrines and temples of Durga Nag, Bijbehara, Mattan, Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni where the Sadhus used to stay for night haltage.
It may be recalled that the Government had earlier decided to allow pilgrimage via Baltal track which was opened for yatra and snow was cleared on this track. However, with the alarming rise in COVID pandemic the authorities decided to cancel the yatra this year too.
The decision was opposed by Shri Aamrnath Barfani Langer Organisation (SABLO). However, Mahant Deependra Giri Ji the sole custodian of the holy mace endorsed the decision saying that it was an appropriate step in view of the alarming rise in COVID pandemic. He had also appealed the people across the country to support the decision and cooperate with the Government and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) in this regard.
Last year also owing to dreaded COVID pandemic the annual pilgrimage to holy cave was cancelled by the Government.
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