Srinagar: 'Chhari Mubarak' taken to ancient Sharika-Bhawani temple
What's the story
'Chhari Mubarak', the saffron-robed holy mace of Lord Shiva, was taken to ancient 'Sharika-Bhawani' temple on Hari Parbat hillock in Srinagar's downtown area for offering special prayers as per the age-old customs related to Amarnath Yatra.
Carried by its custodian Mahant Deependra Giri, the holy mace was taken to temple to pay obeisance to the Goddess on the occasion of 'Shravan Shukla Paksha Pradipada'.
Peace prayers
Sadhus prayed for everlasting peace for Jammu and Kashmir
A spokesman of the 'True Trust', founded by Giri in 2004, said, Goddess 'Sharika-Bhawani', popularly known as 'Tripursundari' amongst the mystics, is believed to be 'Isht Devi' (Presiding Deity) of the Srinagar city who manifested herself in a figure of 'Shila' (holy rock) at Hari-Parbat.
Sadhus, who participated in the pujan, prayed for everlasting peace for Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesman said.
Chhari Pujan
Traditional 'Chhari-Pujan' would be performed on August 15: Spokesman
The spokesman said rituals connected with 'Chhari-Sthapana' would be performed tomorrow at Shri Amareshwar Temple Akhara Building, Budshah Chowk.
After performing the rituals, the holy mace would be kept in the temple for 'Darshan' till it leaves for the main course of pilgrimage.
Traditional 'Chhari-Pujan' would be performed on the occasion of 'Nag-Panchami', that falls on August 15, the spokesman added.
Final destination
'Chhari-Mubarak' will reach Amarnath cave shrine on August 26
The spokesman said the 'Chhari-Mubarak' will begin its journey from Srinagar to the 3,880-meter high cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas on August 20 with night halts at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarani along the traditional 46km Pahalgam cave route.
It will reach the cave shrine on the auspicious day of 'Shravan-Purnima' that falls on 26 August, the spokesman said.