Punjab Newsline | Rudraprayag
The portals of Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand were closed for the winter season at 8:30 am on Wednesday, marking the end of this year's pilgrimage season. Following the closure, the Panchmukhi Utsav Doli (ceremonial palanquin) of Baba Kedar was brought out of the temple premises.
On the occasion, the military band of the Garhwal Rifles played traditional tunes as the procession departed from the shrine amid chants of 'Baba Kedar' by devotees.
Both shrines witnessed a significant increase in pilgrim footfall this year compared to the previous season. By Tuesday evening, Kedarnath had recorded 19.13 lakh devotees, while 8.84 lakh pilgrims had visited Yamunotri. Together, the two shrines received 27.97 lakh devotees.
Compared to last year, Kedarnath witnessed an increase of 1.45 lakh pilgrims, while Yamunotri recorded 2.40 lakh additional visitors. Meanwhile, a total of 64.41 lakh devotees had undertaken the Char Dham Yatra by November 10.
The portals of Yamunotri Dham in Uttarkashi district were also closed for the winter season at 10:28 am following traditional rituals and special prayers. The doli of Someshwar Devta was also present at the temple during the ceremony.
After the closure, the ceremonial doli of Goddess Yamuna departed for Kharsali, where her winter seat is located at Khushimath, under the guidance of Someshwar Devta. The distance between Yamunotri Dham and Khushimath is approximately five kilometres.
Although the temple portals have been closed for the winter, religious rituals and daily worship will continue at their respective winter seats.
The Panchmukhi Utsav Doli of Baba Kedar will reach the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath after a three-day journey. Meanwhile, the doli of Goddess Yamuna will reach Kharsali along with Someshwar Devta.
Devotees will be able to seek blessings at these winter pilgrimage centres over the next six months.
