POONCH: The Chari Mubarak Yatra was taken out in Poonch on Wednesday, marking the formal conclusion of the 10-day Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.
Led by Shri Shri 1008 Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishavatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, the procession began from the Dashnami Akhara Mandir in Poonch and proceeded to the Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Shrine at Rajpura in Mandi.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, MLA Kalakote Thakur Randhir Singh, former MLC Vibodh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rajouri-Poonch) Sandeep Wazir and other civil and police officers participated in the event.
The yatra was preceded by a special puja and havan at the Akhara Mandir. Following the rituals, a guard of honour was accorded to the holy mace before the procession commenced towards the shrine.
Hundreds of pilgrims from different parts of the country joined the 25-kilometre procession, offering prayers along the route. Local residents had arranged food and refreshment stalls for devotees at various points.
A religious gathering was also held during the occasion, where speakers highlighted the importance of communal harmony, brotherhood and peace.
The Budha Amarnath shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in the Pir Panjal region, is associated with the belief that Rishi Pulastya, grandfather of Ravana in Hindu mythology, worshipped there for several decades. The Pulast River is also believed to derive its name from the sage.
At Mandi, the Chari Mubarak was received by devotees before being taken to the shrine, where special prayers were offered.
Officials said the sacred mace will remain at the temple for two days before being brought back on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. With the conclusion of the Chari Mubarak procession, the annual Budha Amarnath Yatra formally came to an end.
