Srinagar: The Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, was taken to the Shankaracharya temple in Dalgate area of the city on Wednesday for prayers on the occasion of ‘Haryali Amavasya’, an age old tradition of the Amarnath Yatra.
“In connection with Swami Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, Chhari-Mubarak Swami Amarnath Ji led by Mahant Deependra Giri ji was taken to historic Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar located at Gopadri Hills today for prayers on the occasion of ‘Haryali-Amavasya’ (Shravan Amavasya) as per the age-old customs,” a statement issued by Dashnami Akhara, the permanent abode of the holy mace, said.
“Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir and the country as a whole,” the statement read.
Talking to reporters, Mahant Giri said historians are of the opinion that the temple at the top was originally built by King Sandiman.
“This temple was, earlier, known as Jyeshteshwara or Jyoteshwara temple. But after Adi Guru Shankracharya Ji visited this temple, it is now popularly known as Shankracharya Temple,” he said.
The Chhari-Mubarak shall be taken to ‘Sharika-Bhawani’ Temple at Hari Parbat fort here to pay obeisance to the goddess on Thursday, August 13, he added.
The Amarnath Yatra was stopped on August 9, nearly three weeks ahead of schedule, for track repairs.
However, the ritualistic journey of Chhari Mubarak to the holy cave shrine will continue as per schedule and the Amarnath Yatra will end on August 28 as per the original schedule.
