Today, at 7:15 am, the portals of Kedarnath Dham, a distinguished Jyotirlinga sanctum of Lord Shiva, were unsealed, marking the commencement of Akshay Tritiya, a revered day among Hindu devotees.
On this anticipated occasion, the temple was bedecked with a lavish array of 24 quintals of blooms, setting a vibrant ambiance. The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed figures including Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda, Kedarnath Rawal Bhimashankar Linga, Chief Priest Shiv Shankar Linga, administrative personnel, BKTC officials, and a multitude of fervent pilgrims.
Amidst the throng of devout followers, resonated the fervent chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev,’ echoing through the air, as the gates ceremoniously parted ways to the recital of ancient hymns.
The seal of the primary entrance was undone under the vigilance of administrative authorities, heralding the subsequent unveiling of the sanctum sanctorum within the sacred precincts.
The honorable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, accompanied by his consort Geeta Dhami, graced the occasion with their presence, partaking in the divine sight of Baba Kedarnath as the temple’s portals swung ajar. In addition to his observance, the Chief Minister conducted an onsite assessment of the amenities arranged for the comfort and convenience of the devotees.
“I extend a warm welcome to all devotees, beseeching the divine to bless your journey and fulfill your aspirations. Your presence is truly cherished,” conveyed Dhami, extending his heartfelt greetings to the gathering.
“The anticipation surrounding this sacred pilgrimage is palpable. Today marks the culmination of that yearning as the sanctified precincts unveil. A multitude of devotees has converged here, and every provision has been meticulously arranged. I extend my salutations to all. The inaugural rites commenced with a puja dedicated in honor of PM Modi. The ritualistic darshan has commenced in earnest. Since assuming office, PM Modi has spearheaded the comprehensive redevelopment of the Baba Kedar temple, progressing in three distinct phases. Our collective endeavor is to expedite its completion,” he elaborated further.
While the gates of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri welcomed devotees on this auspicious Friday, Badrinath Dham’s portals are slated to unfurl on May 12. As the gates of Shri Kedarnath Dham parted, helicopters hovering overhead showered the sanctum with a cascade of petals.
Situated at an elevation nearing 3,500 meters above sea level, the Kedarnath temple nestles alongside the Mandakini river in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. On November 15, 2023, the temple’s doors were sealed in preparation for the wintry months.
On May 9, the icon of Baba Kedar, adorned with five visages, was ceremoniously transported from its winter abode at Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar temple to Kedarnath, where it was reinstated within the temple amidst elaborate rituals.