Kedarnath
The doors of the holy Himalayan Dham, Kedarnath of Uttarakhand were opened to the devotees amidst the Vedic chanting and the echo of drums and drums at 7 am today. With the opening of the kapat, Kedarnath Dham became filled with devotion and reverence. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with his wife Geeta Dhami was present in the temple on this auspicious occasion and duly worshiped Baba Kedar.
Thousands of devotees reached Kedarnath on this auspicious occasion. The temple complex resonated with the slogans of ‘Har-Har Mahadev’. The temple was specially decorated with 108 quintals of flowers to welcome the devotees, including 45 types of flowers from India and abroad. 50 artisans from West Bengal contributed to the decoration. As soon as the kapat opened, the helicopter was wreathed, which brought the enthusiasm of the devotees to the peak.
Police officials reviewed security preparations
Earlier on Thursday, the state DGP Deepam Seth and Additional Director General of Police (Crime and Law and Order) Shri V. Murugation went to Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Dham and conducted a terrestrial inspection of security arrangements and other preparations. Superintendent of Police Rudraprayag Akshay Pralhad Konde informed him about security preparations.
This time, token system is being implemented for crowd control in Kedarnath Yatra, which will be effective from day one. The DGP instructed to increase the number of token counters, to inform the passengers from the PA system and display slots and numbers on the screen. He also talked about streamlining the deployment of ATS and para military force.
This time the temple is banned on phone
Guidelines have been issued for passengers in Kedarnath. The use of mobile is not allowed within 30 meters of Kedarnath temple complex. If found shooting a reel or photo, mobile phones will be confiscated and a fine of 5000 may have to be paid.
Every year, due to heavy snowfall in winter, the doors of Baba Kedarnath’s temple are closed. As soon as the summer season arrives, the doors of the temple open again and Baba Kedar gives blessings to the devotees.
Panchmukhi Doli Yatra and Arrangements
On 27 April, the Panchmukhi Doli Yatra of Baba Kedar started from Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which reached Kedarnath Dham on 1 May via various stops. Extensive preparations were made in the temple premises for the reception and kapatotsav of the yatra, including cleanliness, philosophy and housing facilities. To make Chardham Yatra smooth and safe, the state government has ensured 50 health ATMs, more than 70 health check -up centers and strong security arrangements.
Token system implemented for devotees
On the first day of opening the doors, about 15,000 devotees arrived to visit Baba Kedar. More than 10,000 people appeared till 10:15 am. The administration has implemented a token system to control the crowd, in which 1,400 people are being allowed to visit every hour. Distribution is being done from 10 token counters built at the confluence, so that long queues are not required. However, this time Gaurikund saw relatively low crowds.
Chief Minister’s message and cultural event
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Chardham Yatra has started from Akshaya Tritiya and the government’s endeavor to be safe and easy for every devotee.” He also participated in cultural programs organized to commemorate the opening of the kapat and interacted with the devotees. He also informed that on May 4, the doors of Badrinath Dham will also be opened for devotees.
Tight security arrangements
In view of the recent Pahalgam attack, strong security arrangements have been made in Kedarnath Dham. 139 CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the area, bomb disposal squad and dog squad are also deployed. Local police, administration and central security forces continue to monitor.
Chardham Yatra’s enthusiasm at its peak
The Chardham Yatra has started duly with the opening of the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham on 30 April. This year more than 25 lakh devotees are expected to arrive at Kedarnath Dham between June and August. So far, more than 7.60 lakh online registrations have been done for Kedarnath Yatra.
Religious importance
Kedarnath Dham is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is an integral part of the Chardham and Panchdar Yatra. It is believed that by visiting here, all sins are destroyed and the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled. With the opening of the kapat, the temple chanting mantras like Rudrabhishek, Shivashtak, Shiva Tandava Stotra and Kedarashtak, which filled the devotees with deep spiritual experience.
