Rudraprayag, May 6: In anticipation of the eagerly awaited reopening of the revered Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand on May 10, a series of special puja rituals commenced on Sunday. The rituals mark the beginning of the pilgrimage season at the holy shrine.
The inaugural ceremony kicked off on Sunday evening with the worship of Lord Bhairavnath at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, the winter seat of Panch Kedar. Panch Kedar comprises Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath — all esteemed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The worship continued late into the night, signifying the solemnity of the occasion.
Tomorrow, the 'Panchmukhi Doli Yatra' will commence from Ukhimath, carrying the revered Panchmukhi Bhogmurti of Baba Kedarnath. This ceremonial procession will traverse through various stops before reaching Kedarnath Dham on the evening of May 9.
The yatra will embark from the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, making its first halt at the Vishwanath temple in Guptkashi. Subsequently, on May 7, it will proceed to the second stop, Fata, before advancing to Gaurikund on May 8. Finally, on May 9, the Panchmukhi Doli Yatra will culminate at the Kedarnath Dham.
The much-awaited moment arrives on May 10 when the doors of the Kedarnath Dham will be ceremoniously opened for devotees at 7 a.m. This event marks the commencement of pilgrimage activities, inviting devotees from far and wide to seek blessings at the sacred site.
