The traditional rituals for 'Chhari-Mubarak', the holy mace of Lord Shiva, were performed today at Pahalgam on the occasion of 'Vyas-Purnima' that marks the beginning of the Amarnath Yatra.
"'Bhoomi-Pujan', 'Navgrah-Pujan', 'Chhari-Pujan' and 'Dhwajarohan' ceremonies were performed amidst chanting of Vedic hymns today at Pahalgam on the occasion of 'Vyas-Purnima' that marks the commencement of annual pilgrimage of Amarnath Ji, traditionally," Mahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of the holy mace, said here.
He said these were important rituals prior to main course of annual pilgrimage.
"The sound of conch shell reverberated the whole atmosphere. Large number of sadhus and pilgrims were present on the occasion and also participated in the Pujan," he said, adding prayers were also offered at the historic Martand Temple in Mattan in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
Giri said people of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion, have been cooperating, assisting and encouraging the pilgrims and sadhus who have come here from across the country and even abroad.
On the annual yatra, he said it was a pilgrimage and suggested that it should be arranged and undertaken in that perspective only and pilgrims should follow the tradition laid down in the scriptures.
Giri expressed satisfaction after performing these important rituals at Pahalgam and thanked the state administration for making arrangements for the event.
