Srinagar, Aug. 22 -- The sacred Chhari Mubarak of Lord Shiva left the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar on Saturday after traditional prayers and rituals, beginning its journey towards Pahalgam as part of the annual Amarnath pilgrimage.

The Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, will halt at traditional stopovers during the pilgrimage, with further religious rituals and ceremonies scheduled along the route. Custodian of Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Deependra Giri, said the holy mace would reach Pahalgam after symbolic prayers at traditional stopovers.

"We are setting out on the main pilgrimage from the Dashnami Akhara. Today, we will rest in Pahalgam after performing symbolic prayers at the traditional stopovers along the way," Giri said.

He s...