Jammu, August 7, 2013: Amid chanting of Vedic mantras and Bam Bam Bhole, the Chhari-Mubarak,  the holy silver mace of Lord Shiva, was taken to historic Shankaracharya temple by Mahant Deependra Giri custodian of Chhari Mubarak from Dashnami Akhara where Puja was held on the occasion of Amavasya in Srinagar, today.
Mahant Ji was joined by a large number of devotees, including Sadhus, when the Chhari Mubarak was taken out from the Dashnami Akhara at Budshah Chowk this morning.
Chanting Bam Bam Bhole and vedic  mantras, Mahant Deepender Giri holding the holy mace left for Shankaracharya, where puja was held on the occasion of Amavasya.
A sizable number of Sadhus and pilgrims participated in the prayers that lasted for more than one hour. Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of the State.
The holy mace later returned to its abode-the Dashnami Akhara.
The Chhari-Mubarak will tomorrow be taken to Sharika Bhawani Temple on the hill of Hari Parbhat.   After puja on the occasion of Pratipada, the holy mace will return to Dashnami Akhara.
On August 9, Chhari Sthapana and Dhwajardhan will be held in Dashnami Akhara.   On the occasion of Nagpanchami, which falls on August 11, Chhari Pujan will be held at Dashnami Akhara at 1700 hrs.
On August 16, on the occasion of Dashmi, the Chhari will start journey from Dashnami Akhara to Holy Cave shrine in South Kashmir, where the final darshan will be held on August 21 on the occasion of Shravan-Purnima the coinciding with Rakshabandan.
The holy mace will begin its journey from Srinagar to Amarnath Ji  cave shrine on August 16 with night halts at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni along the traditional 46 kilometre Pahalgam cave route.
It may be recalled that the annual Amarnath yatra had started on June 28 and so far over 3.45 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the cave shrine.
A total number of 13 persons including 11 pilgrims, a Sadhu and two sevadars (community kitchen helpers) died of natural causes during the yatra till date.
Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 172 pilgrims left for holy cave from Yatri Niwas Jammu early this morning in six vehicles under tight security arrangements. This was the 39th batch of pilgrims which left for holy cave since the yatra was flagged off on July 27.
According to an official spokesman 309 pilgrims left from Nunwan Pahalgam base camp to cave shrine this morning via traditional Chandanwari track.
Besides 388 pilgrims left by foot via Baltal while 298 left by air, the spokesman added.
He said 1,251 pilgrims performed darshan in holy cave today and with it the total number of pilgrims performing darshan in cave shrine has touched 3,46, 288. Till yesterday 3,45,037 pilgrims had performed darshan in holy cave, he added.

Source: Daily Excelsior.com