Jammu, June 5: Departing from tradition, the holy mace of Lord Shiva will be airlifted to the cave shrine of Amarnath to mark the conclusion of the annual pilgrimage as there would be no formal yatra this year due to the Covid pandemic.
The yatra, which was to begin on June 23 as per the original calendar announced by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), will not commence as per the schedule due to the devastating impact of the pandemic. The number of coronavirus cases is inching toward 3,000 in the Union Territory, with more than 30 persons having died so far.
“Alternatively, we have thought , there would be ritualistic puja (prayers) at the base camp of Chandanwari and Pannchtarni and the holy mace (better known as Charri Mubarak), symbol of Lord Shiva, will be airlifted on August 3 to perform the final prayers of this year at the shrine. The cave shrine is located at a height of 13,500 feet above sea level, where an ice stalagmite, believed to be Lord Shiva’s representation, is the main attraction for the devotees. The scheduled concluding date is August 3.
Earlier, the mace and the accompanying devotees, starting their journey from Srinagar to the cave shrine, would take almost a fortnight to cover the distance.
He explained that there were practical problems in organising the yatra this year because of the pandemic. Who all will come and how will they be screened and tested and quarantine? These are the questions that the shrine board, headed by Lt-Governor GC Murmu, is faced with. Then, there are the issues of setting up of health centres, community kitchens and, above all, the deployment of forces.
Till this time, the track, which is filled with heavy snow up to 8 feet, has not been cleared. There is no hope of the work of clearing the snow starting anytime soon.
Earlier, these arrangements would be set in motion in early March. This used to happen during Governor NN Vohra’s time. He was also the chairman of SASB for 11 years (2008-2018, both years included).
“The unprecedented situation this year had made the shrine board to announce the cancellation of the yatra before it modified its order saying, “the possibilities of the yatra would be explored after a few weeks”. But the shrine board was of the clear view that holding a formal yatra would not be possible this year due to the havoc caused by the pandemic.
Sources said the review might take place mid-June, but making arrangements on the pattern of previous years looks very, very difficult. The chances of organising the formal yatra of any duration look remote, sources said.
