Devotees Embark on Pilgrimage to Shrine, Celebrating Interfaith Harmony
The Annual Chari Mubarak Yatra commenced on Saturday, marking the beginning of a significant religious pilgrimage in the Poonch region. Led by Acharya Shri Shri 1008 Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishavatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, the procession set off from the Dashnami Akhara Mandir complex in Poonch, destined for the revered Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Shrine in Rajpura, Mandi.
The journey began with a special Puja and Havan ceremony at the Akhara Mandir, attended by Swami Vishavatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj and other prominent religious figures. Following these rituals, Swami Ji addressed a grand religious congregation that drew participants from various communities, highlighting the region’s renowned interfaith harmony.
The ancient Shri Budha Amarnath Shrine, nestled in the Himalayas, holds profound historical and mythological significance. It is believed to be the site where Rishi Pulatsya, grandfather of the legendary King Ravana of Lanka, engaged in decades of worship. The nearby Pulast River, flowing from the Loran-Mandi mountains of the Pir Panjal range to Poonch and PoK, bears the name of this revered saint.
As the procession made its way from Poonch to Mandi, devotees were greeted by numerous food stalls set up by local societies and residents, exemplifying the community’s spirit of service and hospitality. The Chari Mubarak is scheduled to remain at the temple for two days before being returned on the day following Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims from across India expressed their delight at participating in the yatra, with many praising the region’s exceptional communal harmony. One devotee remarked, “The unity and peace we witness here is truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the power of faith in bringing people together.” This annual pilgrimage not only holds religious significance but also serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring traditions and interfaith cooperation that characterize the Poonch region.
