Srinagar, Aug 19: The Amarnath Yatra 2024 concluded on Monday with the Chhari Mubarak, the sacred mace of Lord Shiva, reaching the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, marking the end of the 52-day-long pilgrimage. The journey of the Chhari Mubarak, which is a vital part of the yatra’s tradition, culminated in the final pooja at the shrine, performed amidst traditional rituals and prayers, signifying the formal conclusion of this year’s pilgrimage.
Officials detailed that the Chhari Mubarak, accompanied by a group of sages, commenced its journey from Panchtarni towards the sacred cave on Thursday, eventually arriving at its destination on Monday. This final leg of the journey and the pooja at the cave shrine marked the official end of the yatra, which saw significant participation from devotees despite some challenges.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra witnessed around 5.1 lakh pilgrims visiting the holy cave, a slight increase from the 4.5 lakh visitors recorded last year. Although this figure is commendable, it still falls short of the over 6 lakh pilgrims who undertook the yatra in 2012. The yatra faced some disruptions, primarily due to road repairs and a reduced flow of pilgrims during the second week of August, yet the overall participation remained robust.
The Chhari Mubarak yatra, spanning a 145-kilometre journey, began from Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar. The sages leading the yatra performed hawans (rituals) at various significant locations along the route, including Pampore, Bijbehara, Anantnag, Mattan, Aishmuqam, and Pahalgam. The procession took a brief rest for two days at Pahalgam before continuing toward the Amarnath cave, where it stayed for two more nights at Chandanwari and Sheshnag.
On the auspicious occasion of Shravan-Punima, which fell on August 19, the Chhari Mubarak was ceremonially carried to the holy shrine before sunrise. The final pooja was conducted with the first rays of the sun illuminating the cave, adding to the sanctity and spiritual significance of the event. The pilgrimage concluded peacefully, with daylong prayers offered for the well-being and prosperity of all humanity.
Swami Deependra Giri, the custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and the union territory administration. Swami Giri noted that the improved facilities, particularly the widening of the track leading to the cave shrine, played a significant role in accommodating the increased number of pilgrims this year.
In his remarks, Swami Giri highlighted that special prayers were offered at the cave for the peace and prosperity of the entire country, with a specific focus on Jammu and Kashmir. Following the completion of the rituals, the Chhari Mubarak was ceremoniously returned to Panchtarni, thereby bringing the Amarnath Yatra 2024 to a close.
This year’s yatra, despite the challenges faced, upheld the deep spiritual and cultural significance that has been associated with the Amarnath pilgrimage for centuries. The successful conclusion of the yatra, with the Chhari Mubarak’s journey and final pooja, reaffirms the enduring devotion of the pilgrims and the meticulous planning by the authorities, ensuring a safe and fulfilling spiritual experience for all who participated.