Amid Chanting of Hymns, Portals of 11th Jyotirlinga Shri Kedarnath Dham Opened with Religious Rituals
Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Witnessed the Opening Ceremony
First Pooja performed in the Name of Prime Minister
A Sense of Elation Prevails with Chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ Echoing in Baba Kedar’s Abode
Baba Kedarnath Dham: A Confluence of Devotion, Faith, and Sanatan Culture – Chief Minister
Flowers Showered from Helicopter to Mark the Auspicious Occasion
The portals of the world-renowned 11th Jyotirlinga, Shri Kedarnath Dham, were ceremoniously opened on Friday in accordance with religious traditions. Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami witnessed the auspicious event and offered prayers at the shrine, seeking happiness, prosperity, and peace for the state. The first prayers at Shri Kedarnath Dham were performed in the name of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The temple doors were opened at exactly 7:00 AM amid the chanting of Vedic hymns, the resounding proclamation of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, and the playing of devotional compositions by the Regimental Band of The Grenadiers.
The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt wishes to the people of the country on the occasion of the portal opening. He remarked that not only Uttarakhand but the entire nation eagerly awaits this sacred moment. He emphasized that Kedarnath Dham stands as a timeless symbol of India’s spiritual and cultural legacy and is a place of immense reverence for followers of Sanatan Dharma. The Chief Minister prayed for a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage season for all devotees.
He noted that every year sees an increase in the number of devotees visiting Baba Kedar’s abode, and expressed confidence that, with Baba Kedar’s blessings, a new record will be set during this year’s Char Dham Yatra. The Chief Minister stated that the state government has finalized all necessary arrangements to ensure a well-organized and accessible pilgrimage. He added that appropriate provisions for security and convenience have also been made. He called upon the people of Uttarakhand to welcome pilgrims from across India and abroad with a spirit of service and warmth.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the devotion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi towards Baba Kedarnath. He recalled that it was under the Prime Minister’s leadership that the reconstruction of Kedarnath town began after the devastating natural disaster of 2013. Under his guidance, the Kedarnath precinct has been redeveloped with divine grandeur. The Prime Minister has also declared that the third decade of the 21st century belongs to Uttarakhand, and the state government is actively working to realize this vision by setting new benchmarks in development.
Temple Decorated with 108 Quintal Flowers
In celebration of the portal opening, Kedarnath Temple was adorned with 108 quintals of flowers. The grand decorations, combined with an aerial shower of flowers, created an atmosphere of awe and devotion. Devotees were visibly moved by the spiritual ambiance as the temple doors were opened.
Special Prayers Performed in Accordance with Religious Traditions
The Panchmukhi Utsav Doli (ceremonial palanquin) of Lord Kedarnath arrived at the sacred Kedarnath Dham after passing through various stops, including Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath—the winter seat of the deity—as well as Guptkashi, Phata, and Gaurikund. The process of opening the temple doors (Kapat) began at 5:00 AM.
By 6:00 AM, Shri Kedarnath Dham’s Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, priest Bagesh Ling, Kedarnath MLA Smt. Asha Nautiyal, District Magistrate Shri Saurabh Gaharwar, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Shri Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, pilgrimage priest Shrinivas Posti, along with religious scholars, Vedic priests, and Bhairav Nath’s Arvind Shukla, entered the temple through the e…