Chhari-Mubarak pilgrimage culminates in Pahalgam

The pilgrimage of Chhari-Mubarak -- the holy mace of Lord Shiva -- ended today at south Kashmir's Pahalgam as special prayers were held, marking the traditional end to the Amarnath Yatra.
The annual pilgrimage of Chhari-Mubarak Swami Amarnath Ji culminated on today with its last rituals and 'visarjan', the custodian of the mace, Mahant Deependra Giri, said in a statement here.
The rituals were performed at the bank of Lidder river, he said.
A large number of seers and pilgrims, who had come from various parts of the country, attened the 'pujan' (rituals), the custodian said.
Later, the Karri-Pakouri Bhandara was organised and 'dakshina' was offered, Giri said.

The Chhari-Mubarak was taken to the holy cave shrine on August 7, on the occasion of Sharavan-Purnima, and 'pujan' was performed with vedic hymns, the statement said.

Collective prayers were offered for the peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir and the Valley in particular, he said.
On the July 10 attacks on pilgrims, Giri said, "People have given a loud and clear message by condemning and rejecting the attack."
He congratulated and thanked the state administration and security forces and all the agencies connected with making arrangements for the yatra.