Chhari Mubarak Reaches Sharika Bhawani Temple Amid Amarnath Yatra Festivities

Amid the throng of pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra, a saffron‑draped staff known as Chhari Mubarak arrived at the historic Sharika Bhawani Temple on Thursday for a solemn ceremony. The event, attended by scores of sadhus and devotees, underscored the deep‑rooted link between the Amarnath pilgrimage and the worship of the goddess Tripurasundari.

Details

The ceremony featured a traditional puja that highlighted several milestones in the 57‑day pilgrimage schedule:

• Thursday – Chhari Mubarak, symbolising Lord Shiva, was escorted to Sharika Bhawani Temple for a special worship.
• Saturday – A staff‑installation ceremony is slated at Shri Amreshwar Temple Akhada building in Budshah Chowk.
• 17 August – Traditional Chhari Puja will be performed on Naga Panchami.
• 22 August – The staff departs for the main pilgrimage leg, heading toward the Amarnath cave.
• 28 August – On Shravana Purnima, Chhari Mubarak will be worshipped inside the sacred Amarnath cavern.
• Rest stops include Pahalgam (22‑23 Aug), Chandwanadi (24 Aug), Sheshnag (25 Aug), and Panch Tarni (26‑27 Aug).

Quotes

Mahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of Chhari Mubarak, explained the ritual’s significance: “According to ancient traditions, on Shravana Shukla Pratipada the Chhari Mubarak is taken to Sharika Bhawani Temple on Hari Parvat to express devotion to goddess Tripurasundari.” He added that a large number of sadhus and devotees participated in the puja, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for the pilgrimage.

Background

Sharika Bhawani, revered as the city’s favoured deity, is believed to have manifested as a stone on Hari Parvat. The temple, located in the Budshah Chowk area of Srinagar, has long been a focal point for pilgrims who seek the goddess’s blessings before embarking on the arduous trek to Amarnath. The Amarnath Yatra, a 57‑day annual pilgrimage that began on 3 July this year, culminates on 28 August 2026 with the final worship at the holy cave.

Conclusion

The arrival of Chhari Mubarak at Sharika Bhawani Temple not only fulfills a centuries‑old ritual but also reinforces the spiritual continuity between Kashmir’s iconic shrines. As the staff moves toward Amarnath, devotees anticipate a seamless blend of tradition and devotion that defines the pilgrimage’s enduring appeal.