By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 13 Nov: Baba Kedarnath’s Doli was seated in its winter abode at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath today. Here the devotees will get the opportunity of darshan of Lord Kedar for the next six months. The Panchmukhi processional palanquin carrying the idol of the eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath, was ceremonially installed at the Omkareshwar Temple with full rites, Vedic chants and age-old religious traditions today. With the arrival of the doli at its winter abode, the customary winter cycle of worship and rituals has begun and will continue for next six months as per the tradition. The entire Ukhimath region resonated with devotional chants and a spiritually charged atmosphere on this auspicious occasion, and palpable enthusiasm was visible among devotees and local residents welcoming the doli.
It may be recalled that the three-day journey of the Doli had begun after the portals of Kedarnath Dham were closed for winter on the sacred occasion of Bhai Dooj at 8.30 a.m. on 11 November. Before the closure, from 4 a.m. special worship, religious ceremonies and Vedic recitations were conducted, and in accordance with established traditions the chief priest and Vedic scholars enshrined the self-manifest Shivalinga in the samadhi form. After covering the Shivalinga with local flowers, the revered Brahmakamal and ash, the doors of the sanctum sanctorum were closed. Thereafter, the Panchmukhi movable idol was brought out into the temple precincts, and to the melodious accompaniment of the Army band and amid the thunderous cries of ‘Jai Kedar’ from thousands of devotees, the doli set off for its winter sojourn to Ukhimath. More than five thousand devotees gathered in Kedarpuri to witness this historic religious moment.
After departing Kedarnath on 11 November, the first halt of the Doli was at Rampur, where it stayed overnight. On the morning of 12 November, following prescribed prayers, the Doli proceeded towards the next stop at Guptkashi. En route it passed through Shersi, Barasu, Phata, Khat-Khadiya, Maikhanda, Byung, Khumera, Narayan Koti, Hyun and Nala, with devotees at every point taking darshan and seeking blessings. Everywhere along the route, a powerful display of faith and devotional fervour was evident.
On the evening of 12 November, the Panchmukhi Doli reached the Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi. After circumambulation of the temple, aarti and worship were performed with Vedic intonations, and the doli stayed the night at the temple. On the third day, 13 November, after morning prayers, the Doli left Guptkashi for the winter seat at Ukhimath and reached the Omkareshwar Temple, where the Deity was ceremonially installed in accordance with scriptures and ancient customs. With the arrival of the Doli at the winter seat, an important chapter of the Kedarghati winter religious yatra has commenced. For the next six months, the regular worship of Kedarnath will be conducted at the Omkareshwar Temple, and devotees will be able to come here during winter for darshan and prayers.
On this sacred occasion, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal extended greetings to all the devotees and local residents, stating that Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, is a vital centre of the region’s rich religious and cultural traditions and that the winter worship of Kedarnath is conducted here. She said this occasion is a symbol of special spiritual faith, devotion and pride for everyone.
