The revered Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, reached Pahalgam on Saturday, August 9, 2025, marking the start of traditional rituals associated with the Amarnath Yatra.
The mace, accompanied by head priest Mahant Deependra Giri, began its journey from the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar on Monday, August 4, 2025, and reached the Chhari Vishram Sthal in Pahalgam.
As part of the day's religious observances, devotees participated in a bhoomi pujan, Navgrah Pujan (prayers to the nine celestial deities), and the symbolic hoisting of the religious flag, signifying divine blessings and the readiness for the coming stages of the pilgrimage.
These rituals mark an important spiritual milestone, setting the tone for the final leg of the journey to the Amarnath cave shrine.
Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff
Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff