Jammu Mirror
Annual Amarnath Yatra Culminates on Raksha Bandhan as Chhari Mubarak Reaches Holy Cave for Special Rituals
Srinagar: Marking the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the 57-day annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas formally culminated on Friday following the arrival of the revered ‘Chhari-Mubarak’ and the performance of special religious rituals.
The saffron-robed holy mace of Lord Shiva reached the cave shrine, situated at an elevation of 3,880 metres, during the early hours of Friday. Led by its custodian, Mahant Dipendra Giri, a contingent of sadhus completed the final leg of the trek from the Sheshnag transit camp to offer traditional prayers before the naturally formed ice-Shivlingam.
Key Yatra Facts
- Total Pilgrims: Over 4.80 lakh devotees paid obeisance during this year’s pilgrimage cycle.
- Spiritual Route: The holy mace undertook a 42-kilometre trek from Pahalgam, halting at Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarani.
- Early Suspension: General yatri movement was halted earlier on August 9 owing to adverse weather and trail damages.
The pilgrimage, which had officially commenced on July 3, drew massive participation this year, with total registrations and footfall surpassing 4.80 lakh devotees. However, general track access for regular pilgrims had been suspended on August 9 due to rough weather conditions and subsequent damage along the high-altitude tracks.
Following the culmination of special prayers at the sanctum sanctorum, the ‘Chhari-Mubarak’ commenced its return journey. Officials confirmed that traditional ‘pujan’ and ‘visarjan’ (immersion) ceremonies will be conducted along the banks of the Lidder River in Pahalgam on Sunday before the holy mace is safely escorted back to its permanent seat at the Amareshwar Temple within Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar.
