Amarnath Yatra 2026: Chhari Mubarak Reaches Pahalgam, Sacred Rituals Begin
The traditional rituals associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra officially commenced on Wednesday with the ceremonial journey of the 'Chhari Mubarak', the sacred silver mace of Lord Shiva, to Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
The saffron-clad holy mace was carried from its traditional abode at Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar to Gauri Shankar Temple in Pahalgam, where the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony will be performed as part of the centuries-old pilgrimage traditions.
A procession of sadhus, led by Mahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, departed amid the chanting of Vedic hymns and devotional prayers. The annual rituals mark an important spiritual milestone in the ongoing Amarnath pilgrimage.
Mahant Giri said the sacred mace will halt at the historic Martand Temple in Mattan on its return journey for a ceremonial holy bath before reaching its abode in Srinagar later in the day.
#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, begins sacred journey from Dashnami Akhada at Maisuma in Srinagar to Amarnath cave shrine.
— ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2026
Custodian of Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Deependra Giri, says, “By the grace of Swami Amarnath, just like every year, we are… pic.twitter.com/bF0LNiWvQE
Expressing satisfaction over this year's pilgrimage, Mahant Giri said that more than 4.25 lakh devotees have already undertaken the Amarnath Yatra. The pilgrimage, which began on July 3, will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. ALSO READ: 'Baba Barfani' in Fridge? Viral Agra Video of Shivling-Like Ice Sparks Frenzy; Crowds Rush for Darshan (VIDEO)
