Srinagar, Aug 4: ‘Charri Mubarak, the Silver mace of Swami Amarnath, was taken to historic Shankaracharya Temple Srinagar for prayers on the occasion of ‘Haryali-Amavasya’ (Sharavan Amavasya) on Sunday.

Led by Mahant Deepandra Giri, the custodian of the ‘Charri Mubrak’ the silver mace of the Swami Amarnath was taken to the historic Shankaracharya temple located at Gopadri hills on Sunday as per the age-old customs.

The 52-day-long Amarnath yatra began from the twin routes of Baltal Ganderbal and NunWan in Pahalgam on June 29 and so far 4,90,540 devotees paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas will culminate on August 19, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan day.

The sound of conch shells charged the whole atmosphere at the Shankaracharya temple and Puja was performed chanting Vedic hymn.

Sadhus who accompanied Holy Mace participated in the prayers that lasted for more than two hours.

Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir.

The summit of the hill is crowned with a picturesque edifice. This hill was called Jetha Larak and afterwards, it was named Gopadari Hill.

Mahant Giri said that historians believe the temple at the top was originally built by King Sandiman (2629-2564 BC).

“This temple was, earlier, known as Jyeshteshwara or Jyoteshwara temple. But he said that after Adi Shankracharya Ji visited this temple, it is now popularly known as Shri Shankracharya Temple”, he said.

Chhari-Mubarak shall be taken to ‘Sharika-Bhawani’ Temple, Hari Parvat, Srinagar to pay obeisance to the Goddess on Monday, August 5, 2024, he added.

UNI