'Chhari-Sthapana' ceremony was performed amid chanting of Vedic hymns at Shri Amareshwar Temple here today as the annual Amarnath yatra enters last quarter of the 44-day pilgrimage.
The 'Chhari-Sthapana' was performed by custodian of the Chhari Mubarak Mahant Deependri Giri at Shri Amareshwar Temple Akhara Building at Budhsah Chowk here.
The Chhari-Mubarak (Holy Mace), one depicting Lord Shiva and another Goddess Parvati, shall be kept in the Temple at Akhara Building for 'Darshan' till the commencement of ritual course of pilgrimage on August 6.
Traditional 'Chhari-Pujan' shall be performed at Dashnami Akhara on the occasion of 'Nag-Panchami' that falls on August 1.
More than 3.45 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the 3880-metre high cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice lingam since the pilgrimage began on June 28.
Over 40 pilgrims have died of various causes during this year's edition of the yatra, which will conclude on August 10 to coincide with Rakhsha Bandhan.
