• By Kamal Kumar
  • Wed, 15 Nov 2023 02:46 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Kedarnath Dham Portals Closed:  On the sacred occasion of Bhaiya Dooj, Kedarnath Dham witnessed the closure of its portals at 8:30 am, marking the initiation of the winter season. The resounding cheers of Baba Kedar echoed through the temple as the Panchmukhi idol was moved from garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) to the assembly hall on Tuesday, accompanied by elaborate rituals and worship.

The day commenced with religious traditions in the sanctum sanctorum at 4 am, led by the chief priest. The symbolic transformation of Baba Kedar's Swayambhu Linga into Samadhi, adorned with flowers, worship materials, and ashes, set the spiritual tone.

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By 7 in the morning, the idol transitioned from the storehouse to the temple's assembly hall, where Panchmukhi Bhogamurti found its place in the movable Utsav Vigraha Doli. The ceremonial closure of the temple doors at 8:30 am marked the beginning of the winter hiatus.

As part of the seasonal shift, Baba's Chal Utsav Vigraha will journey from Doli Dham to the winter seat, Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath. The first stop for the night stay will be Rampur. On November 17, the winter worship season will commence with Baba Kedar seated in Omkareshwar temple.

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Following the start of this year's Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath Dham welcomed over 19 lakh devotees, Badrinath Dham hosted approximately 15.9 lakh pilgrims, Gangotri witnessed the presence of 846,000 devotees, Yamunotri had 694,000 pilgrims, and Hemkund Sahib saw visits from over 177,000 devotees.