Srinagar: The annual pilgrimage to Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas concluded on Monday when Chhari-Mubarak, holy Silver Mace of Lord Shiva was taken there by air after government cancelled the yatra due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy Mace—one depicting Lord Shiva and another Shakti Goddess Parvati–, led the puja and other traditional rituals at the cave, where only selected number of Sadhus were present.
The holy Mace carried by Mahant Giri left Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar, this morning and was taken to holy cave by air on the occasion of Shravan Purnima (Rakshabandan).
Traditional rituals and Pujan were performed chanting Vedic Hymn at Holy Shrine wherein Lord Shiva recounted ‘Amar-Katha’ to Goddess. Selected number of Sadhus accompanied Holy Mace due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Collective prayers were offered for early eradication of the pandemic.
Mahant Giri appealed to one and all to make collective effort carrying out their social responsibility by wearing mask, keeping social distance and frequently sanitizing hands so that pandemic is wiped out and we all once again can have our natural and normal life back without any restrictions.
Chhari-Mubarak has reached Pahalgam this evening. Pujan and Visarjan ceremony shall be performed on the bank of river Lidder tomorrow.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Chief of the Army, Lt Governor G C Murmu and Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh were among those who visited the cave shrine and paid obeisance this year.
