Srinagar, Aug 14 (KNO): The holy mace of Lord Shiva, Chhari Mubarak, on Monday left Srinagar for the sacred Amarnath cave, marking the final leg of the annual pilgrimage, which will conclude on August 09.
Led by Head Priest Deependra Giri, the procession started from Dashnami Akhara in Lal Chowk and reached Sureshwar Temple in Sonwar for special prayers before heading towards Pahalgam.
As per the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), around 30–35 sadhus and devotees accompanied the holy mace under tight security, including police and CRPF personnel vehicles.
The convoy is being supervised by senior officials.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Giri said the Chhari Mubarak will follow the traditional route and halt overnight at Pahalgam.
He said on August 06, it will stop at Chandanwari, followed by Sheshnag on August 07, and Panchtarni on August 08. He said on the final day at Shravan-Purnima, the mace will reach the holy cave before sunrise for the concluding rituals.
Pertinently, this year’s yatra began on June 29 and is scheduled to end on August 09 while past years have seen fluctuations in numbers; the current turnout indicates a strong devotion among yatris.
The Chhari Mubarak procession includes key halts for puja at Pampore, Bijbehara, Anantnag, Mattan, Aishmuqam and Pahalgam. Giri thanked the administration and health department for their support and said he would offer prayers for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the spiritual journey will formally end on August 09 after the final rituals at the Amarnath cave—(KNO)