The revered Kedarnath Dham, a significant pilgrimage site in India, reopened its gates to devotees on Friday amidst religious rituals and ceremonial chants. After a hiatus of six months, including the winter season, the doors were ceremoniously unlocked to the resonating echoes of 'Har Har Mahadev' and the recitation of holy verses.

Before the ceremonial inauguration of this holy site, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was adorned with 40 quintals of petals, adding to the spiritual ambiance. Devotees and visitors from across India and beyond flock to Kedarnath during its six-month opening period to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

The doors of the Baba Kedarnath Temple opened at 7 am, allowing devotees to catch a glimpse of the deity. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, accompanied by his wife Geeta Dhami, witnessed the auspicious moment as the temple doors parted to the melodious chants praising Lord Shiva.

Sharing the moment on social media, Chief Minister Dhami posted a video clip of the temple with a caption expressing reverence, "Jai Shree Kedar." The opening of Kedarnath, along with Gangotri and Yamunotri, coincided with the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, while the doors of Badrinath Dham will open on May 12.

As the gates of Kedarnath swung open, helicopters scattered petals on the shrine, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. These high-altitude shrines remain closed for six months annually, opening in summer and closing before winter sets in.

The religious procession for Kedarnath Dham began with Lord Kedarnath's Panchmukhi Doli departing from Gaurikund's Gauramai Temple, reaching its recent stop at Shri Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath, and progressing to Phata. This journey holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism and usually takes place from April to November.

The Char Dham Yatra encompasses a clockwise pilgrimage, starting from Yamunotri, proceeding to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and culminating at Badrinath. Pilgrims can undertake this journey by road or air, with helicopter services available. Some opt for a Do Dham Yatra, visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath, as per the Uttarakhand tourism website.

The Char Dham Yatra, translating to a pilgrimage of four holy sites, holds immense importance in Hinduism, symbolizing spiritual purification and devotion.

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