In a celestial event on the auspicious occasion of Dwitiya, Kartik Maas, and Shukla Paksha, the gates of Shri Kedarnath Dham were ceremoniously closed at precisely 8:00 AM. Devotees can now engage in worship at the sacred abode of Lord Kedarnath during the upcoming six months, experiencing the divine ambiance of the Omkareshwar Temple.
The closing ceremony witnessed a grand celebration with the temple adorned with flowers. More than two thousand pilgrims were present to witness the closing of the gates. The chants of "Jai Shri Kedar" and "Om Namah Shivaya" echoed through the air, resonating the devotion of the devotees.
Following the closure, the Panchmukhi Doli (palanquin) of Lord Kedarnath, adorned with military bands, commenced its journey towards Ramapur, marking the first phase of the journey. The President of BKTC, Ajendra Ajay, expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for the successful culmination of the Kedarnath Yatra under their guidance.
This year witnessed an overwhelming influx, with over nineteen lakh devotees seeking the divine blessings of Lord Kedarnath. The pilgrimage, under the guidance of various organizations, received commendations for its seamless execution.
In a solemn ceremony during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta, the Shiva Linga, adorned with dry flowers, Brahma Kamal, and sacred ash, bid farewell to the worshippers. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman, Ajendra Ajay, actively participated throughout the proceedings.
At precisely 6:00 AM, the inner sanctum of the temple concluded its Samadhi Puja. Subsequently, the doors of the smaller shrines within the temple premises were closed. At 8:00 AM, the southern door of the Kedarnath Temple was sealed, followed by the closure of the eastern door. Indian Army, ITBP, and philanthropists arranged for the provision of necessities for the pilgrims.
The Panchmukhi Doli is scheduled to reach Ramapur today. On November 16, it will reach Guptkashi, and on November 17, the Panchmukhi idol will be worshipped at the Onkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. Subsequently, the winter worship of Lord Kedarnath will commence at Onkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Prominent figures, including Committee member Shrinivas Posti, BKTC CEO Yogendra Singh, SDM Devan Singh Rana, Executive Officer R.C. Tiwari, Kedarnath Sabha President Rajkumar Tiwari, and Tehsil Officer Manjul Rawat, were present during the ceremony. Thousands of pilgrims also marked their presence.
It is noteworthy that the gates of Shri Badrinath Dham will close on November 18. The gates of Shri Gangotri Dham were closed on the auspicious occasion of Annakoot Govardhan Puja on November 14. Similarly, Shri Yamunotri Dham's gates were closed today, heralding the onset of the winter season.
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