The Impressive TimesKedarnath, Uttarakhand: The sacred portals of the Kedarnath Temple were ceremoniously closed for the winter on Thursday, October 23, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami led the closing rituals, marking the end of this year’s pilgrimage season.
As per tradition, the idol of Lord Shiva has been taken in a grand procession to Ukhimath, where winter worship will continue until the temple reopens in April 2026.
Despite facing natural calamities — including flash floods in August and landslides in September that resulted in casualties and disrupted routes — the Kedarnath Yatra witnessed an unprecedented 1.75 million pilgrims this year, setting a new record in devotion and resilience.
The 8th-century Himalayan shrine, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is closed annually during the harsh winter months due to extreme weather conditions and heavy snowfall in the region.
The Kedarnath Temple, nestled at an altitude of 11,755 feet, continues to stand as a powerful symbol of faith, endurance, and spiritual strength, drawing millions of devotees who brave challenges to seek divine blessings each year.
No Comments: