Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand set to open on May 2 |
Soon after the end of Maha Kumbh, the news of the opening of Shri Kedarnath Dham is here. One of holiest pilgrimage destinations in India, Kedarnath will open its doors to devotees on May 2 at 7 AM in the morning. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is a Jyotirlinga temple in the mountains holding immense spiritual significance for Hindus.
The opening of the temple will be done as per the Hindu lunar calendar during the Baishakh month. The occasion will be marked with several religious rituals and ceremonies. The temple marks the beginning of the annual pilgrimage season, which attracts thousands of devotees from across the country. In the days leading up to the grand opening, several traditional ceremonies will take place.
The program
Worship of Lord Bhairavnath ji : On April 27, a special puja will be performed for Lord Bhairavnath ji. It’s an important ritual before the pilgrimage begins.
Panch Mukhi Doli: On April 28, the ceremony of Panch Mukhi Doli (carrying the Baba Kedar’s statue), will be done from the Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. This procession is a significant event.
Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, CEO of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, has confirmed the details of the Panch Mukhi Doli’s journey. He also assured that the committee is committed to organizing a memorable and well-coordinated pilgrimage for all devotees.
Managing the pilgrims
To manage the crowd, the Uttarakhand government has taken extensive measures. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has reassured the public a hassle-free experience for the pilgrims. Authorities are working diligently to complete all preparations before the pilgrimage season begins.
The Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the starting point of the sacred journey, will also be the center of vibrant celebrations. The temple will be beautifully adorned, with the air filled with devotional songs, bhajans, and kirtans. Pilgrims gather here for darshan and to receive prasad, adding to the spiritual fervor of the occasion.
About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River, is among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is open to devotees only for certain months due to harsh weather conditions. During winter, the temple’s deity is moved to Ukhimath for six months.
