Portals of snow-bound Kedarnath open for pilgrims; despite adverse weather, 10k pilgrims reach shrine

DEHRADUN: The portals of the revered Kedarnath shrine were thrown open for devotees at 6.20am on Tuesday. Despite the adverse weather conditions, close to 10,000 pilgrims witnessed the opening ceremony of the temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at a height of almost 12,000 ft in the Garhwal Himalayas.

The palanquin of the deity was brought to Kedarnath from its winter abode at Ukhimath (also in Rudraprayag).After carrying out the rituals, the idol of the deity was placed inside the temple and the shrine was opened for the devotees. Amid the chanting of mantras and playing of music by an Army band, chief priest of the shrine Rawal Bhima Shankar Ling opened the doors of the ancient temple.

A chopper was deployed to shower flower petals on the pilgrims, the first time this was done during the opening ceremony. This year, the temple has been decorated with 35-quintal flowers.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, who could not make it to the opening ceremony due to bad weather, but reached the shrine later when the weather cleared up, said, "We welcome all pilgrims for the yatra. Despite adverse weather conditions, efforts are being made to provide the best possible facilities to the pilgrims."

Last year, a record 15.6 lakh devotees had offered prayers at Kedarnath temple. This year, over 6 lakh pilgrims have already registered for the yatra to the shrine.