The monthlong Amarnath Yatra entered its final phase on Thursday with 'charri mubarak'-- the mace of Lord Shiva -- being carried by a group of sadhus leaving Srinagar for the holy cave shrine in South Kashmir.

The mace was taken in a procession by the head priest of Dashmani Akhara trust, Mahant Deepinder Giri, along with the sadhus chanting in praise of Lord Shiva.

The mace will reach the cave shrine on 'shravan purnima', coinciding with 'raksha bandhan' on August 12 when the final darshan of the naturally formed ice lingam will be had.

Governor Lieutenant General (retired) S K Sinha participated in the puja held at Dashmani Akhara temple.

It was the first time in three decades that a head of state had visited Dashmani Akhara temple to perform puja.

The governor, who is also chairman of the Amarnath shrine board, expressed happiness over the conduct of the pilgrimage this year. "This year's pilgrimage has been peaceful so far and we expect to make better arrangements next year."

Official reports said 1,50,101 pilgrims had reached the valley by Thursday morning.

Of them, 1,48,000 pilgrims paid obeisance on Wednesday evening.