Garhwal Post Bureau
Chamoli, 22 May: The portals of the ancient Lokpal Laxman temple in the high Himalayan Bhyundaar valley were opened to devotees this morning at 11.15 a.m. with due Vedic rituals and chants. After performing special prayers and rituals at the temple, the villagers of Pulna offered Bhog to Lord Lakshman.
Meanwhile, the first batch of pilgrims departed from Govindghat for Hemkund Sahib, led by the Panj Pyaras this evening and would reach Hemkund tomorrow morning. The portals of Hemkund Sahib are set to open tomorrow.
Dedicated to Lord Laxman, regarded as the incarnation of Sheshnag and the presiding Deity of Lokpal valley, the temple is a centre of deep faith. With the opening of the portals, devotees will be able to have divine darshan for nearly four months. Situated at an altitude of about 15,225 feet near the Dandi Pushkarni lake, the shrine is considered a unique confluence of natural beauty, spirituality and Himalayan culture. The opening of the portals was marked by great enthusiasm among devotees, who prayed for prosperity and expressed joy at the darshan. Located close to the world-famous Valley of Flowers, the temple’s reopening left pilgrims overwhelmed. The temple is also located near the revered Sikh Gurdwara of Hemkund Sahib.
It may be shared here that the portals of Hemkund Sahib, the prominent Sikh shrine are due to open tomorrow on 23 May (Saturday) for darshan. Both Hemkund Sahib and Lokpal Laxman temple, situated at an altitude of 15,000 feet, are renowned for their distinct religious traditions and are celebrated worldwide as symbols of Hindu–Sikh cultural unity. It is a rare coincidence that in Uttarakhand, where Hindus revere Badrinath and Lokpal Laxman temple in the Bhyundaar valley, Sikhs also have their revered Hemkund Sahib in the same region, offering a unique glimpse of shared traditions. The valley itself is famed for its breathtaking natural beauty and pristine environment, standing as a living example of Hindu–Sikh harmony.
SP, Chamoli, Surjit Singh Panwar shared with the media that the safety of devotees is the highest priority for the police and keeping in this in view, adequate police deployment has been ensured throughout the pilgrimage route to provide a secure and accessible environment for pilgrims from across the country and abroad.
Meanwhile the first batch of Sikh devotees led by the Panj Pyare set out from Govindghat for the ceremonial opening of Hemkund Sahib tomorrow. Accompanied by the sacred Nishan Sahib and the sound of bands, the devotees began their journey with deep reverence. The administration and Chamoli police have made extensive security arrangements along the entire route, with special measures for the first batch to ensure a safe pilgrimage. The group will halt overnight at Ghangharia tonight and reach Hemkund Sahib tomorrow morning. As per tradition, after the arrival of the first batch, the portals of Hemkund Sahib will be opened for darshan with due rituals and the ardaas.
