Srinagar, Aug 21 (IANS): 'Chhari Mubarak' (lord Shiva's mace) reached south Kashmir's Mattan town on Monday on way to the cave shrine.

Swami Deepinder Giri, the custodian of the Chhari Mubarak along with other priests, carried it to Mattan ahead of Pahalgam town for prayers.

Mattan town is near the Martand ruins near Anantnag. World's only sun temple whose dome is still intact is located at Martand.

Mattan town has a Shiva temple and a holy spring. Prayers are held in the temple and the spring before Chhari's onward passage to Pahalgam town.

"Praying at Mattan gives me special joy as local Muslims and members of the Sikh community always welcome us and identity with the sanctity of the Chhari's journey," says Deepinder Giri, custodian of the holy mace.

"Such examples prove that the roots of amity, tolerance and communal harmony are so deep and historic that nobody can uproot this great legacy," Giri added.

Chhari Mubarak will reach the cave shrine on August 26 after completing its journey through Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni.

Over 2.82 lakh pilgrims have so far performed this year's Amarnath Yatra.