By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 22 Apr: The portals of the revered Kedarnath shrine opened this morning at 8 a.m. amid traditional rituals and Vedic chants. On this occasion, the temple was adorned with nearly 51 quintals of fresh marigold flower, creating a spiritually vibrant atmosphere. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was also present on the occasion and became a witness to the historic moment. He was the first to offer Puja after the opening at the shrine. Devotees from across the country and abroad gathered in large numbers, and the entire Kedarnath premises reverberated with chants of ‘Baba Kedar’, reflecting deep religious fervour.
According to Badri-Kedar Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, the Chief Minister performed the first Puja in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. More than 10,000 devotees were present to witness the opening ceremony, while Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj extended his greetings on the occasion.
The shrine premises were decorated with several quintals of flowers with support from donors, and community kitchens were set up for pilgrims. The weather in Kedarnath has remained generally clear in recent days, though light snow is still visible across the region and the temperature continues to be cold.
The ritual process began at 5 a.m. with temple committee staff taking positions by 5:30 a.m. At 7 a.m., the temple priests, including Rawal Bhimashankar Ling and priest T Gangadhar Ling, along with Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, BKTC officials, district administration representatives, and religious scholars, entered the temple through the eastern gate and participated in rituals at the sanctum sanctorum. After invoking the Deities and taking a pledge for public welfare, the portals of the temple were formally opened at 8 a.m., coinciding with the opening of the southern gate.
Dwivedi expressed gratitude to all the departments associated with the pilgrimage and reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring smooth darshan arrangements. He stated that the reconstruction of the shrine has been carried out under the guidance of CM Dhami in line with the vision of Prime Minister Modi.
It may be recalled that entry of ‘non-Sanatani’ devotees has been prohibited in the shrine area and at the same time the use of mobile phones within a 70-metre radius of the temple has also been banned. Photography, videography and creation of reels have also been restricted. The temple committee claims that it remains fully committed to serving pilgrims.
It may be reminded here that Kedarnath is revered as the eleventh Jyotirlinga among the twelve sacred shrines of Lord Shiva and holds a prominent place among the Char Dham and Panch Kedar. During six months of the summer season, worship is conducted by humans, while in winter, it is believed that divine beings perform the rituals. The temple remains closed during heavy snowfall, and winter puja is conducted at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Mythological beliefs associate the shrine with the Pandavas, who are said to have established the Jyotirlinga after being granted darshan by Lord Shiva in the form of a bull. The sanctum houses a unique triangular Shiva Linga.
With the opening of the shrine, the six-month period of ‘Nar Puja’ begins, considered highly auspicious for the devotees. It is believed that after the shrine closes in winter, ‘Dev Puja’ continues under divine forces. This unique tradition distinguishes Kedarnath from other pilgrimage sites.
Bhukunt Bhairav is revered as the guardian Deity of Kedarpuri. It is believed that even during the harsh winter months, when the shrine remains closed and covered in snow, Bhairav Baba continues to protect the region. Devotees traditionally also visit the Bhairav temple before or after offering prayers at Kedarnath, as the pilgrimage is considered incomplete without his darshan.
On the occasion, CM’s spouse Geeta Dhami, BKTTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, Rudraprayag District Panchayat Chairperson Poonam Kathait, Ukhimath Block Pramukh Pankaj Shukla, District Panchayat Member Amit Maikhundi, former District President Mahavir Panwar, pilgrim priest Umesh Chandra Posti, Rudraprayag District Magistrate and BKTTC Chief Executive Officer Vishal Mishra, SP Niharika Tomar, along with a large number of pilgrim priests, rights holders and devotees were among those present.
CM first to offer Puja in Kedarnath after opening of portals
Kedarnath represents spiritual identity of U’khand: Dhami
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 22 Apr: An extraordinary confluence of faith and devotion was witnessed at Kedarnath Dham this morning as the portals of Lord Kedarnath shrine were opened with full rituals for devotees. On this sacred occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the shrine and participated in the special worship ceremonies.
The CM performed elaborate puja with Vedic chants and offered the first prayers in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also prayed to Lord Shiva for the happiness, prosperity and welfare of the people of Uttarakhand. Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad gathered to witness the historic moment. As the temple doors opened, the entire complex resonated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Dhami observed that Kedarnath Dham, along with the other three shrines, represents the spiritual identity of Uttarakhand. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth and well-organised pilgrimage experience for all visitors. He said that he personally reviews the arrangements regularly to prevent any inconvenience to devotees.
On this occasion, the CM also directed officials to maintain high standards in travel routes, healthcare services, drinking water, sanitation and security. He emphasised that with the increasing number of pilgrims, all necessary arrangements must be completed in time.
Extending his greetings to the devotees, Dhami expressed hope that the blessings of Baba Kedarnath remain upon all and that Uttarakhand continues to progress steadily on the path of development.
