Kedarnath dham closes today (Credits: iStock)
\n\nThe doors of Kedarnath Dham have closed for the winter season, bringing this year's pilgrimage to an end after a record-breaking turnout of more than 19 lakh devotees. Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the sacred shrine witnessed an emotional farewell on Wednesday, November 11, as priests performed the traditional closing rituals amid Vedic chants and prayers.
\n\nThe temple portals were ceremonially closed at 8:30 am on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj. The shrine had been beautifully decorated with flowers ahead of the ceremony, with devotees gathering in large numbers for one final glimpse of Baba Kedar before the winter break. According to reports, more than 19 lakh pilgrims offered prayers at the temple this season, making it a significant year for the Kedarnath pilgrimage.
\n\nWhile the main Kedarnath shrine will remain inaccessible to pilgrims during the harsh winter months, the worship of Lord Shiva will continue at his designated winter abode. Following the closure, Baba Kedar's ceremonial Panchmukhi Utsav Doli (palanquin) has begun its journey towards the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, located in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district.
\n\nThe procession is scheduled to halt at Rampur on November 11 and reach the Vishwanath…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle
