Shri Amarnathji Yatra commences from Pahalgam route

Srinagar (Kashmir - J&K), July 02, 2014 - The Yatra to the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnathji, commenced today from the Pahalgam - Chandanwari route also and 4166 Yatris left from here to the Holy Cave. From the Baltal route 8922 Yatris left for the Holy cave. Today on the 5th day of the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 10,628 paid obeisance at the Holy Cave. Till date, 61,156 Yatris have had darshan of the Ice Lingam at the Holy cave.

Due to overcast sky and rains in the morning, Shri Amarnathji Yatra got delayed and the first batch of Yatris left from Baltal at 6:50 am and from Pahalgam - Chandanwari at 6:10 am. On a fair weather day the first batch of Yatris leaves from Baltal at 4:45am and from Pahalgam Chandanwari at 6:00am.

The Holy mace of Lord Shiva (Chhari Mubarak), will be carried to the Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji in south Kashmir Himalayas on July 12 through the traditional Pahalgam route. "Chhari Mubarak will leave for Pahalgam from Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar on July 12.

As per tradition and the rituals connected with the commencement of annual Chhari Mubarak, the 'Bhoomi Pujan', 'Navgrah Pujan' and 'Dhawajarohan' (flag hoisting) shall be performed at Pahalgam on auspicious occasion of 'Ashad-Purnima' (Vyas-Purnima). This was disclosed by Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the Holy mace.

Rituals will also be performed at the historic Martand Temple in Mattan area of Anantnag district on the way from Pahalgam to Srinagar. After performing the Chhari Pujan at Dashnami Akhara on 'Nag-Panchami' on August 1, Mahant Deependra Giri will carry the Holy mace to Shri Amarnathji shrine on 'Shravan-Purnima', on August 10.
The Chhari Mubarak will begin its journey from Srinagar to the Holy Shrine on August 6, with night halts at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarani; and would proceed for the holy cave for Pujan from Panchtarani at 5 AM on August 10, 'Shravan-Purnima' to have the 'Darshan'. Traditional rituals would be performed and prayers shall be offered the whole day at the Holy Cave.

On August 12, after the 'Puja' and 'Visarjan' ceremonies at the bank of river Lidder in Pahalgam, 'Chhari Mubarak' will return to Srinagar. And with these last rituals, the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra 2014 will culminate. Mahadev Gir Dashnami Akhara Trust, Srinagar has made all the arrangements, at Akhara Building here, for the sadhus coming from across the country for the pilgrimage.