Mahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of the Chhari Mubarak or the holy Mace of Lord Shiva, has announced the programme for the Amarnath Yatra 2023 for the pilgrims. The annual pilgrimage will commence on July 1 from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
This year’s pilgrimage has greater significance as there are two ‘Shravan’ months, and an extraordinary astronomical event has taken place after 19 years. As per the age-old tradition, rituals of Bhoomi-Pujan, Navgrah Pujan, and Dhawajarohan, connected with the traditional commencement of the annual pilgrimage of Chhari-Mubarak Swami Amarnath Ji, will be performed at Pahalgam on the auspicious occasion of Ashad-Purnima or Vyas-Purnima on Monday, July 3, 2023.
The Mahant said that the Chhari-Mubarak shall be taken to the historic Shankracharya Temple on August 16 and Sharika Bhawani Temple on August 17 before performing rituals for Chhari-Sthapana at Shri Amareshwar Temple Dashnami Akhara Srinagar on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
After performing Chhari-Pujan at Dashnami Akhara Srinagar on the auspicious occasion of Nag-Panchami on August 21, Mahant Deependra Giri ji shall carry the Holy Mace to the Holy Shrine of Swami Amarnath Ji to perform Pujan and have Darshan on early morning of Shravan-Purnima, August 31, after having night halts at Pahalgam on August 26 and 27, Chandanwari on August 28, Sheshnag on August 29, and Panchtarani on August 30, respectively.
Mahant Deependra Giri ji has advised sadhus and members of civil society who intend to join Chhari-Mubarak to register themselves. Only registered sadhus and pilgrims with valid Yatra Permit shall be allowed to accompany Chhari-Mubarak during the pilgrimage.
The Mahadev Gir Dashnami Akhara Trust, Srinagar, has made all the arrangements for Sadhus coming from across the country for the annual pilgrimage of Swami Amarnath Ji. The Sadhus will be provided with food and a comfortable stay at Akhara Building, Budshah Chowk, Srinagar.
The annual 62-day-long Amarnath Yatra attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, who endure treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions in the Himalayas to pay their respects at the Holy Shrine of Swami Amarnath Ji. The pilgrimage holds immense importance for the Hindus, who consider it one of the most holy shrines in the world.
The authorities have taken adequate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, as the pandemic still poses a high risk to public health. The yatra has been opened up with strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines and protocols, including negative RTPCR test reports and vaccination certificates, to prevent the spread of the virus.
In conclusion, the announcement of the Amarnath Yatra 2023 programme by Mahant Deependra Giri has brought joy and hope to the pilgrims, who can look forward to paying their respects at the Holy Shrine of Swami Amarnath Ji. The authorities have taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims amid the ongoing pandemic.
