Pilgrims carry Chari Mubarak to Amarnath shrine

Srinagar, July 30 (ANI): Pilgrims bound for the holy Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir performed a traditional ritual of carrying 'Charri Mubarak' (the holy mace of Lord Shiva) from here on Saturday.

Charri Mubarak is the final ritual performed before the conclusion of annual Amarnath Yatra.

Mahant Deependra Giri, the head priest of the Shankaracharya Temple, performed the rituals amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns.

"Today is amavasya (the new moon) of the Shravan month and according to ritual, 'Charri Mubarak' was brought to this very old and historical shankracharya temple, where group prayers were offered in presence of all priests and pilgrims," said Giri.

Giri further said he was very happy with peaceful environment and would pray that the atmosphere remains the same in the near future as well.

"It looks very beautiful that after so many years, a happy atmosphere can be seen. I feel there are two main reasons behind this. Firstly, swami Amarnath himself wanted to stay in a sacred cave in the form of ice stalagmite for a whole month and around six lakhs of devotees have returned to their homes after seeking divine blessings. Second reason, which I feel is that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had a resolution that this year they would maintain peace in the valley at any cost," he added.

The annual pilgrimage that started in June will come to an end on the Raksha Bandhan, a traditional festival, in the third week of August, when the main rituals will be held inside the cave shrine.

During the two-month-long annual pilgrimage, devout Hindus either walk, or proceed astride on ponies, or in palanquins, to the cave shrine to pray at the ice stalagmite that forms every year, and is thought to represent Hindu God Shiva.

After this, the rituals at Amarnath, the 'Chhari Mubarak' will be brought back to the Shanakracharya Temple where it will remain till the pilgrimage next year. (ANI)