The annual Amarnath Yatra, which began on June 29 and has seen nearly five lakh devotees pay their respects, will conclude on Monday after 52 days of peaceful proceedings. The Yatra, which is marked by high-security arrangements and the cooperation of local communities, has proceeded smoothly this year, thanks to the efforts of the police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), led by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.
The highlight of the final leg of the Yatra is the ceremonial procession of the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (the sacred mace of Lord Shiva) carried by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri. This morning, the Chhari Mubarak began its journey from Panchtarni, the last base camp, towards the holy cave shrine located at an elevation of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas.
Devotees and Sadhus have been accompanying the Chhari Mubarak, chanting sacred hymns and Vedic mantras. The shrine itself houses an ice stalagmite structure believed to embody the divine powers of Lord Shiva, which grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon.
The Yatra will conclude on the occasion of ‘Shravan Purnima,’ which coincides with Raksha Bandhan. On this day, traditional pujas and rituals will be performed, and prayers for global peace and the prosperity of mankind will be offered. After the ceremonies at the shrine, the Chhari Mubarak will return to Panchtarni and then proceed back to Pahalgam.
Swami Deependra Giri has praised the improved facilities and arrangements made for the pilgrims, including the widened tracks to the cave shrine. He highlighted the increase in pilgrim numbers as a positive outcome of these enhancements and noted that special prayers would be offered for the peace and prosperity of both the country and the J&K region.
