Srinagar: The holy Silver Mace of Lord Shiva ‘Chhari-Mubarak’ was on Sunday taken to historic Shankaracharya temple in the summer capital, Srinagar, on the occasion of ‘Haryali-Amavasya’ as per the age-old customs associated with the annual pilgrimage to Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas.
The annual pilgrimage was cancelled for the second successive year due to COVID-19 pandemic though Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has made arrangements for live darshan.
The sound of conch shell charged the whole atmosphere at the temple, also known as the Jyeshteshwara temple, located on the hill top of Takhat-e-Suliman in the Zabarwan range in Srinagar for puja on the occasion of Haryali-Amavasya.
Pujan was performed chanting Vedic hymn. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, selected number of Sadhus led by Custodian of the Chhari-Mubarak accompanied Holy Mace and participated in the prayers that lasted for more than 90 minutes. Collective prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.
This temple was, earlier, known as Jyeshteshwara or Jyoteshwara temple. But after Adi Shankracharya visited this temple, it is, now, popularly known as Shankracharya Temple.
Chhari-Mubarak will be taken to ‘Sharika-Bhawani’ Temple, Hari Parvat, Srinagar, to pay obeisance to the Goddess on Monday. (UNI)