Kedarnath: The gates of the world-famous Kedarnath Dham, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, have been opened for devotees with proper rituals. On this occasion, the temple was grandly decorated with 51 quintals of fresh marigold flowers. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the shrine and performed the first पूजा, witnessing the ceremonial opening.
The entire temple echoed with chants of “Bam Bam Bhole,” and great enthusiasm was seen among devotees arriving from across India and abroad, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere.
Kedarnath is the eleventh Jyotirlinga
Lord Kedarnath is worshipped as the eleventh of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is a major center of the Char Dham Yatra and is also considered the first among the Panch Kedar. During winter, when the temple remains closed, rituals are performed at the Omkareshwar Temple.
Mythological significance and history
According to belief, during the Dwapar Yuga, the Pandavas came here seeking liberation from their sins. Lord Shiva appeared before them in the form of a bull (Mahish), after which the Jyotirlinga was established here. A triangular-shaped Shivling is worshipped in the temple as Kedareswar.
Gates opened with traditional rituals
Before the opening, special पूजा was performed upon the arrival of the Panchmukhi palanquin. This was followed by havan, abhishek, Vedic chanting, and the first aarti, after which the temple doors were opened. Prasad was also distributed to devotees.
Transformation after the 2013 disaster
After the 2013 Kedarnath disaster, extensive reconstruction work was carried out. Improved roads, trekking routes, helicopter services, and security arrangements have made the pilgrimage safer and more convenient than before.
Boost to economy along with faith
Every year, lakhs of devotees visit Kedarnath, generating employment for local people and promoting regional tourism. The Kedarnath Yatra has now become a strong pillar of the state’s economy along with being a symbol of faith.
Six months ‘human worship’ and six months ‘divine worship’ tradition
After the opening of the temple, ‘Nar Puja’ is performed for six months, while during winter, after the temple closes, ‘Dev Puja’ is conducted—an уник tradition of this shrine.
Special significance of Bhairav Baba
Worship of Bhukunt Bhairav, the guardian deity of the region, also holds great importance. It is believed that the Kedarnath pilgrimage is incomplete without his दर्शन.
Char Dham Yatra fully underway
After the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples on April 19, the gates of Kedarnath have now opened. With the opening of Badrinath temple on Thursday, the Char Dham Yatra will be fully underway.
