Tungnath/Guptkashi, Uttarakhand – On November 4, 2024, the doors of the revered Tungnath Temple, known as the third Kedar in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, were officially closed for the winter season. The closure took place at 11 AM during an auspicious ceremony attended by over 500 devotees, marking the end of a significant pilgrimage year that welcomed nearly 170,000 visitors.
The temple was beautifully adorned for the occasion, and after the rituals, the ceremonial doli (palanquin) of Lord Tungnath departed for its first stop in Chopta, accompanied by traditional music and chants celebrating Baba Tungnath. The ceremony followed a Yagna (sacred fire ritual) conducted on November 3, as part of the customs before the temple doors were closed.
The temple management, led by Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) president Ajendra Ajay and CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, extended their greetings and wishes to the devotees on this significant occasion. Ajendra noted that this year witnessed a remarkable turnout of pilgrims, further solidifying the temple’s importance among the Panch Kedar shrines.
The temple doors were opened early in the morning at 4:30 AM for the last darshan (viewing) of the deity. Following the morning prayers, the closing procedure commenced at 10 AM. The self-manifested Shiva Lingam of Lord Tungnath was ceremonially adorned and covered with local flowers and offerings. The temple priests, including Ramprasad Maithani and Balbeer Negi, oversaw the closure, ensuring that all rituals were meticulously followed.
After the closing ceremony, the temple staff and devotees performed a circumambulation of the temple before the doli proceeded to Chopta, marking a poignant moment in the yearly cycle of worship.
Kedarnath’s Panchmukhi Doli Journey
On the same day, the Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath made its way to the Shri Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi. The doli, which left Ramapur earlier in the day, was greeted enthusiastically by pilgrims along the route. Tomorrow, it will move to the winter seat at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where elaborate preparations are underway to welcome the deity.
The arrival of the doli in Guptkashi saw a significant turnout of devotees and officials from the Kedarnath temple management, celebrating the ongoing traditions and spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
