In a significant announcement made by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, the sacred doors of the renowned Kedarnath Dham will open for devotees on May 10, 2024, at 7 am. This auspicious declaration was made on the holy occasion of Maha Shivaratri, marking a highly anticipated moment for pilgrims and worshippers.
The pilgrimage journey will commence with the departure of the Panchmukhi Doli on May 6, embarking on a spiritual voyage through various stops before reaching the revered destination of Kedarnath Dham on the evening of May 9. This tradition holds deep significance, signifying the commencement of a sacred pilgrimage season.
The decision to open the doors of Kedarnath Dham was made during a religious ceremony held today, presided over by the President of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, Ajendra Ajay. The ceremony, conducted at the Pachkadar Gaddi Sthal Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Uttarakhand’s Ukhimath, was attended by devotees and officials alike, symbolizing unity in spirituality.
During the winter months, the routes leading to Kedarnath are impassable due to heavy snowfall, prompting the closure of the temple doors for six months. The idol of Lord Shiva is relocated to Ukhimath during this period and is ceremoniously reinstalled in Kedarnath during April or May, marking the onset of the pilgrimage season.
The closure of Kedarnath temple doors typically occurs two days after Diwali, on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, heralding the beginning of the winter hiatus. This year, the temple doors were closed on November 15, 2023, amidst the presence of two thousand five hundred devout pilgrims, marking the end of the previous pilgrimage season.
Kedarnath Temple stands as a revered symbol of devotion and spirituality, dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting thousands of worshippers from across the nation during the six months of its opening. Devotees embark on pilgrimages to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva, enriching their spiritual journey with profound reverence and faith.
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand holds immense significance in Hindu pilgrimage, encompassing visits to four sacred sites – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri – nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas. This pilgrimage season promises to usher in moments of profound spirituality and divine connection for devotees embarking on this sacred journey.
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