By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 7 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had recently announced that Madmaheshwar Dham, the second Kedar out of the Panch Kedars will also be developed on the lines of Char Dham shrines. In pursuance of this announcement, the government has taken up the development of the Madmaheshwar Temple. Along with this, the temple of Maa Gauri located at Gaurikund, will also be beautified. In this regard, separate orders have been issued to the Director of Culture Department by Ramesh Singh Rawat, Under Secretary, Department of Religious Endowments and Culture of the Government. Gaurikund is the last stop for the vehicles on way to Kedarnath Dham after which the pedestrian trek begins.
As per the orders issued today, instructions have been issued to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) from the implementing agency for the development of Madmaheshwar Dham and beautification of Maa Gauri temple located at Gaurikund in sequence of the announcements of the Chief Minister. In the order issued today, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been named as the implementing agency and asked to prepare the DPR in coordination with Shri Badrinath – Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).
BKTC President Ajendra Ajay has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for approving the plan for the development of Madmaheshwar Dham and beautification of Maa Gauri temple. He said that the development of Madmaheshwar Dham will increase the number of devotees and pilgrims there and will open new employment opportunities for the local people.
It is noteworthy that Madmaheshwar Dham, situated at an altitude of 3,497 meters, is located in Ukhimath development block of Rudraprayag district. To reach Madmaheshwar, devotees have to cover a distance of about 14 km on foot. Madmaheshwar Dham is recognised as the second Kedar among the Panch Kedars. The navel form of Lord Shiva is worshipped here. The management of the temple is looked after by BKTC. Similarly, the temple of Maa Gauri is located in Gaurikund, the last motor station along the Kedarnath Dham Road. Devotees going on the pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham start their journey after the darshan of Maa Gauri. Its management is also with the BKTC.
