SRINAGAR, INDIA, August 21, 2004: In the run up to the final phase of the Amarnath Yatra, the Holy Mace (Chhari Mubarak), symbol of the Lord Siva, was offered worship by Mahant Deepinder Giri at a ceremony at the Dashanmi Akhara temple here this evening on the occasion of Nag Panchmi. Head priest of the Akhara Mahant Deepinder Giri offered puja to the Holy Mace amid Har Har Mahadev and chanting of Vedic hymns. A large number of sadhus and devotees attended the puja. According to Mahant Deepinder Giri, the Chhari Mubarak would leave for the final phase of the Yatra on August 25 along with Sadhus and devotees. It would perform puja at the Holy Cave of Swami Amarnath on August 30 on the occasion of Sharavan Purnima. With this, the 45-day-long Amarnath pilgrimage would come to an end.
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