Srinagar, Aug 9: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the Pujan of Chhari Mubarak, the silver mace of swami Amarnath at Mahadev Gir Dashnami Akhada in Srinagar on Friday.

The Pujan was led by the Mahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of Charri Mubarak, on the auspicious occasion of Shravan Shukla Panchami, at Dashnami Akhada temple.

The Lt Governor sought the blessings of Lord Shiva and prayed for the peace, progress, and well-being of all.

“Chhari Mubarak” the Silver Mace, one depicting Lord Shiva and another Goddess Parvati has been kept in the Dashnami Akhada in Srinagar for Darshan of devotees and tourists till August 14 before it leaves for the main course of pilgrimage.

The Chhari-Pujan is an auspicious ritual prior to the culmination of the annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnathji Shrine.

The holy Mace will be taken to the Shri Amarnathji cave following the traditional practice of Chhari Mubarak Yatra.

The annual Amarnath Yatra began on June 29 from the twin routes of Baltal Ganderbal and Nunwan in Pahalgam and will culminate on August 19 coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan day.

More than 5 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath so far.

Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Sh Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and other senior officers also participated in the Chhari-Pujan.

UNI