Srinagar, August 6, 2013: 'Chhari-Mubarak', the saffron-robed holy mace of Lord Shiva, was today taken to historic Shankaracharya temple on a hillock here and offered prayers as per the age-old customs related to annual Amarnath yatra. 

Carried by its custodian Mahant Deependra Giri and accompanied by a group of sadhus and devotees, the holy mace was taken out from its abode at Dashnami Akhara in Budshah Chowk area of the city and offered special prayers at Shankaracharya temple. 

The sound of conch shell reverberated and charged the whole atmosphere during the one-hour prayers in which a sizable number of Sadhus and pilgrims participated, a spokesman of the 'True Trust', founded by Giri in 2004, said. 

He said collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of the Jammu and Kashmir. 

The spokesman said the Chhari-Mubarak will be taken to 'Sharika-Bhawani' Temple at Hari Parbat in downtown Srinagar to pay obeisance to the goddess tomorrow and will join the Amarnath yatra on August 16. 

On July 22, Chhari Mubarak was 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. 

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 marking the conclusion of the 55-day Amarnath yatra. 

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 along the traditional 46-km Pahalgam-cave route. 

The Amarnath yatra commenced on June 28 and so far over 3.45 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the cave shrine. 

A total of 13 persons - 11 pilgrims including a sadhu and two 'sevadars' (community kitchen helpers) - died of natural causes during the yatra till date.

Source: Business Standard, August 6, 2013