CM Dhami performs worship at Kedarnath Temple on opening day
By Our Staff Reporter
Kedarnath (Rudraprayag), 2 May: The portals of the sacred Kedarnath Dham, the world-famous eleventh Jyotirlinga in Rudraprayag, opened this morning amid grand rituals and devotional fervour. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was present to witness the auspicious moment. He also offered prayers for the state’s prosperity and well-being. As has been going for past few seasons, the first worship at the temple was performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the portals opened at 7 a.m., the air resonated with ‘Har Har Mahadev’ chants, sacred mantras, and melodies played by the Grenadier Regiment of the Army. Thousands of pilgrims were present at the time of the opening of the portals, the majority of whom had reached the Dham yesterday.
Expressing joy at the opening of the portals of Kedarnath, the CM congratulated the nation, calling it a moment eagerly awaited every year. He observed that Kedarnath Dham is not just a pilgrimage site but a spiritual beacon of India’s heritage. Dhami prayed for a safe journey for devotees, highlighting the rising number of pilgrims each year and anticipating a record-breaking Char Dham Yatra.
On this occasion, the CM claimed that the state government has made meticulous arrangements for convenience, security, and hospitality. He also urged residents of the state to welcome guests with warmth and devotion.
Dhami also recalled Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering devotion to Baba Kedarnath and the extensive reconstruction efforts following the 2013 disaster. He asserted that under Modi’s leadership, the temple complex has been transformed with divine grandeur. He also quoted Modi’s vision of making the third decade of the 21st century Uttarakhand’s decade, affirming the government’s commitment to advancing development in the region.
The Kedarnath temple was adorned with a breathtaking display of over 108 quintals of flowers. As the portals opened, a helicopter showered flowers from above, filling devotees with awe.
It may be recalled that the Panchmukhi Utsav Doli of Lord Kedarnath had arrived at the Dham yesterday after halting at sacred locations, including Guptkashi, Phata and Gaurikund from its winter seat at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
The rituals for opening of the portals began at 5 a.m., leading to the ceremonial temple entry at 6 a.m. by Rawal Bhimashankar Lingam, priest Bagesh Lingam, MLA Asha Nautiyal, District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, religious scholars, and other dignitaries. After invoking divine blessings, the portals of Lord Kedarnath temple officially opened for devotees at exactly 7 a.m., along with the main southern portal.
Several dignitaries including the CM’s wife, Geeta Dhami, District Panchayat Chairperson Amardei Shah, SP, Rudraprayag, Akshay Prahlad Konde, and other officials, attended the historic event alongside pilgrimage priests, temple stakeholders, and numerous devotees. Later, the CM and his wife also hosted a bhandara for the pilgrims at Kedarnath and personally served the pilgrims on this occasion.
