On November 3, on the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj, the revered Kedarnath Temple closed its doors for winter. The ceremonial closure at 8:30 AM was conducted with Vedic chants, fervent prayers, and a musical tribute by the Indian Army band, offering devotees a final glimpse of Lord Kedarnath for the season. Approximately 15,000 devotees, led by BKTC chairman Ajendra Ajay, participated in the ceremony, with the temple beautifully adorned with flowers since Diwali, enhancing the grandeur of the event.
The closure rituals began early at 5 AM with the presence of BKTC chairman. The priests and Acharyas conducted the Samadhi Puja of the self-manifested Shivling. Following this, Lord Kedarnath’s Panchmukhi Doli (five-faced palanquin) began its journey toward Rampur, accompanied by thousands of devotees on foot. Refreshments were organized along the route for the pilgrims, who braved cold weather with great enthusiasm.
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BKTC chairman Ajendra Ajay reported a record-breaking 1.65 million pilgrims visited Kedarnath this year, and expressed gratitude to BKTC personnel, police, administration, NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP for their contributions to the successful pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, the holy Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib and Lokpal Lakshman Temple had closed on October 10. The doors of Madmaheshwar, the second Kedarnath, will close on November 20, and Tungnath, the third Kedarnath, will close on November 4. The Rudranath Temple, the fourth Kedarnath, closed on October 17.
BKTC Media Incharge Dr. Harish Gaur informed that Baba Kedarnath’s Panchmukhi Doli will reach Rampur on November 3, Guptkashi on November 4, and Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar Temple on November 5, where winter worship will be performed.
In appreciation of his efforts for organized pilgrimage arrangements, the Hak-Hakookdhari Panchgai Committee of Ukhimath honored BKTC Chairman Ajendra Ajay. District Magistrate Dr. Saurabh Gaharwar and other officials were also recognized with ceremonial scarves for their contributions.
इस न्यूज़ को हिंदी में पढ़ें – केदारनाथ धाम के कपाट शीतकाल के लिए बंद, भव्य समापन समारोह का आयोजन
