July 22, 2013: 'Chhari Mubarak', the holy mace of Lord Shiva, was today taken to Pahalgam the traditional base camp en route to the 3,880 mt high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, marking the commencement of the ritual phase of the pilgrimage. 

Carried by its custodian Mahant Deependra Giri, the holy mace was received at Pahalgam, 100 km from here, by District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, Farooq Ahmad Lone and other senior civil and police officers. 

A large number of Sadhus and Kashmiri pandits accompanied the 'Chhari Mubarak' from its abode at Dashnami Akhara in the heart of Srinagar to the base camp where 'Bhoomi Pujan' and 'Dhwajarohan' (flag hoisting) ceremonies were performed at its resting place, officials said, adding the holy mace returned to its abode in Srinagar in the evening. 

Although the 55-day Amarnath yatra commenced on June 28, the presence of the holy mace at Pahalgam and the special prayers marked the commencement of the religious pilgrimage. Nearly three lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine so far. 

After performing Chhari-Pujan at Dashnami Akhara here on 'Nag Panchami' on August 11, Giri will carry the mace to the Amarnath shrine on Shravan-Purnima on August 21. 

The 'holy mace' will begin its journey from Srinagar to the Amarnath cave shrine on August 16 with night halts at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarani.

Source: Business Standard, DT. July 22, 2013.