Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/KEDARNATH
Sri Kedarnath Dham, the 11th Jyotirlinga and one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines, doors opened today at 7:00 AM amidst Vedic chants. Entire Kedar valley was echoing with sound of “Har Har Mahadev” and devotional tunes played by the Army’s Grenadier Regiment band.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with his wife Geeta Dhami was present to witness the auspicious moment and offered prayers at the shrine, seeking blessings from Baba Kedarnath for peace, prosperity, and well-being in the state. As per tradition, the first worship inside the sanctum sanctorum was performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting his deep spiritual bond with Kedarnath.
The temple was magnificently adorned with over 108 quintals of flowers, and a floral shower from a helicopter marked the grand occasion, delighting the thousands of devotees who had gathered in the snow-clad temple complex.
CM Dhami extended his heartfelt greetings to the nation and highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of Kedarnath Dham. He noted that the growing number of devotees each year reflects the deep faith of the people and expressed confidence that the 2025 Char Dham Yatra would set new records.
He emphasized that under the guidance of PM Modi, reconstruction and development work in Kedarnath has transformed the temple town into a symbol of resilience and divinity following the 2013 disaster. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring a safe and seamless yatra experience with robust arrangements for transportation, healthcare, security, and hospitality.
The Panchmukhi Utsav Doli of Baba Kedarnath arrived at the shrine after its traditional journey from Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, via Gaurikund. The ceremonial rituals began at 5:00 AM, and the temple was opened to devotees at exactly 7:00 AM.
Ahead of the opening, the Panchmukhi Chal Vigraha (five-faced idol) of Baba Kedarnath had reached the temple premises, and special rituals were performed under the guidance of the temple’s Chief Priest (Rawal) Bhima Shankar Ling Shivacharya. The shrine, adorned with 108 quintals of flowers arranged by the Pushp Samiti from Rishikesh and Gujarat, presented a divine and majestic sight to devotees.
In line with his directions, elaborate preparations have been made by the district administration to ensure safety, sanitation, and convenience for the pilgrims. Medical teams, security personnel, and disaster response forces have been deployed in the region.
This year, record footfall is expected at Kedarnath, with pilgrims arriving from all corners of the country and abroad. The opening marks not just a religious event but a moment of spiritual unity and cultural pride for Uttarakhand.
