Amaranth yatra Chhari Mubarak to begin as per traditions, rituals today

Jammu: Amid the curbs imposed in the wake of ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the mace of Lord Shiva- Chhari Mubarak' –which will be symbolic this year shall commence on July 24 with prayers at the historic temples of Srinagar.
As per the traditions, rituals including ‘Bhoomi-Pujan’, ‘Navgrah Pujan’ and ‘Dhawajarohan’ that mark the commencement of annual Chhari-Mubarak Yatra shall be performed at Pahalgam on auspicious occasion of ‘Ashad-Purnima’ (Vyas- Purnima) that falls on July 24.
The annual pilgrimage of Amarnath Yatra was cancelled due to prevailing COVID-19 situation this year as well and it is being held symbolic only. However all the all age-old traditional rituals associated with the annual pilgrimage are being performed as per past practice this year. The Chhari Mubarak too will be performed symbolically this year.
For the Holy Mace, the Bhoomi Pujan, Navagraha Pujan and flag hoisting rituals will be performed at Pahalgam. In August, Chhadi Mubarak Yatra will also go to historical temples in Srinagar. The Holy Chhari Mubarak, Silver Mace of Lord Shiva, will be taken to Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas on August 22 via chopper for the final puja on Sharan Purnima (Rakshabandan).
Chhari-Mubarak shall be taken to historic Shankracharya Temple on August 8 and Sharika Bhawani Temple on August 9 before rituals are performed for Chhari-Sthapana at Shri Amareshwar Temple Dashnami Akhara Srinagar on August 11.
After performing Chhari-Pujan at Dashnami Akhara Srinagar on the occasion of ‘Nag-Panchami’ on August 13, he (Mahant Giri) with limited number of Sadhus shall carry the Holy Mace to Amarnath cave shrine, situated in Himalayas in South Kashmir at an altitude of 13500 feet to have ‘Darshan’ on ‘Shravan-Purnima’, August 22. This is the Holy Cave wherein Lord Shiva manifested into Ice Lingam and on the request of Goddess Parvati recounted the secret story by listening to which one gets rid of cycle of life and death.
On Shravan Purnima, traditional Pujan shall be performed chanting Vedic Hymns, collective prayers shall also be offered before Swami Amarnath Ji to eradicate and to wipe out the nasty corona pandemic at the earliest.
The 56-day yatra to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine of Lord Shiva located in the upper reaches of Himalayas, was supposed to start from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal on June 28 and culminate on August 22. The pilgrimage was also cancelled in 2020 as well due to the pandemic. Even online booking for the advance registration for yatra commenced on April 1, however in the wake of spurt in Cobvid-19 case, the registration was halted.
After the cancellation of the Yatra, all the traditional spiritual activities are being done by the Shrine Board.
For the pilgrims across the country and abroad, the Amarnath Shrine Board is live streaming the morning and evening Aarti from the holy Cave. An app specifically dedicated for the devotees has also been launched.
Updated On 7/23/2021 10:40:29 AM