SRINAGAR, August 4, 2013: A new batch of 774 pilgrims left Baltal and Nunwan base camps for holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, where about 3.50 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage on June 28.
Meanwhile, Chhari Mubarak, Holy Silver Mace of Lord Shiva will be taken to Shankeracharya temple on August 6 from Dashnami Akhara.
After offering prayers, which will be led by Mahant Deepender Giri, custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, the Holy Mace will be brought back to Dashnami Akhara in the evening.
A yatra official said the pilgrimage was going on smoothly as the weather on both tracks was pleasent.
He said 418 pilgrims, including women and sadhus, left Baltal base camp this morning for the Holy Cave. Similarly those who had night halt at Cave also started their return journey to Baltal.
He said 356 pilgrims also left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for the cave shrine this morning. However, they will have night halt at Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on the traditional route.

Source: Daily Excelsior, DT. August 4, 2013.