Wednesday, 02 March 2022 | PNS | New Tehri
The portals of Kedarnath shrine will be reopened to the public on May 6 at 6:25 AM. The date was arrived at ceremoniously on the occasion of Mahashivaratri at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, the winter abode of lord Kedarnath when the main shrine is closed to the public.
While lord Bhairavnath will be worshipped on May 1, the Panchmukhi Utsav Doli of lord Kedarnath will depart from Omkareshwar temple for Kedarnath on May 2. The procession will reach Guptkashi on May 2, Phata on May 3 and reach Gaurikund on May 5. The date of opening of the portals of Kedarnath shrine was announced after the Vedic prayers and rituals in the presence of the Rawal (chief priest) of Kedarnath, Bhimashankar Ling at a brief function held on the occasion of Mahashivaratri at the Omkareshwar temple on Tuesday. It will be recalled that the portals of the Kedarnath shrine were closed to the public on November 6 last year.Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) chairman Ajendra Ajay, Kedarnath MLA Manoj Rawat, BKTC vice president Kishore Panwar along with other officials and religious office bearers were also among those present on the occasion in addition to devotees. It is pertinent to mention here that the date for reopening of the Badrinath shrine – May 8, was arrived at earlier in February on the occasion of Vasant Panchami. With the schedule for the resumption of the Char Dham Yatra being finalised in the state, the authorities have also started preparations for necessary works to facilitate the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
