Pahalgam ): Special worship of the sacred mace of Lord Shiva, popularly known as Chhadi Mubarak, was performed at Pahalgam, the traditional base camp of the Amarnath Yatra.
As per the age-old tradition, rituals namely 'Bhoomi-Pujan', 'Navgrah Pujan', and 'Dhawajarohan' connected with the traditional commencement of the annual pilgrimage of Chhadi-Mubarak Swami Amarnath were performed at Pahalgam on the auspicious occasion of 'Ashad-Purnima' (Vyas-Purnima) on Sunday.
The Holy Mace, or Chhadi Mubarak was taken by Mahant Dipendiri Giri, custodian of the Holy Mace of Shri Amarnath Ji, along with a group of sadhus and devotees to Pahalgam in district Anantnag temple for special prayer.
While talking to reporters, Mahant Depender Giri said, "We performed pooja at the temple and prayed for peace and prosperity for the country. Local Kashmiri Pandit devotees also participated in this Pooja at Pahalgam and they prayed for peace and communal harmony in the country."
This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in the number of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
This year, the yatra started on June 29 and will end on August 19, lasting 52 days. Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the Kashmir Himalayas.