Dehradun, 27 October (H.S.): The portals of Uttarakhand’s prominent shrines, the third Kedar Tungnath and the second Kedar Madhyamaheshwar, will close for the winter season on November 6 and November 16, respectively. The portals of Kedarnath Dham will close on November 11.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), the portals of Kedarnath Temple will be closed at 8:30 a.m. on November 11, coinciding with Bhai Dooj.

As per the scheduled programme, the movable idol of Lord Kedarnath will leave the shrine on November 11 and reach Rampur, where the procession will halt overnight. On November 12, the procession will depart from Rampur in the morning, pass through Phata and Narayankoti, and reach the Shri Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi for the night halt.

The following day, November 13, the procession will depart at 8:30 a.m. and proceed to the Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the deity’s designated winter seat. The idol will be ceremonially installed there in accordance with established traditions, and worship will continue at the temple during the winter months.

The portals of the Tungnath Temple, dedicated to the third Kedar, will close for the winter on November 6. The Chief Executive Officer said the ceremonial procession carrying the deity’s idol would depart from the temple that day and reach Chopta for an overnight halt.

On November 7, the procession will leave Chopta and proceed to Bhankun Cave, where it will halt overnight. On November 8, it will depart from the cave and reach the Shri Makkumath Temple, Tungnath’s designated winter seat. During the winter season, prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Tungnath will be performed at the Makkumath shrine.

The portals of the Madhyamaheshwar Temple will close on November 16. The ceremonial procession carrying the deity’s idol will leave the temple that day and reach Gaundar village, the first stop on its route, for an overnight halt.

On November 17, the procession will depart from Gaundar and reach the Rakeshwari Devi Temple in Ransi for the night. On November 18, it will leave Ransi and proceed to Giriya village, where it will halt overnight.

The following morning, November 19, the procession will depart for Ukhimath and reach the Shri Omkareshwar Temple, the winter seat of the Panch Kedar deities, in the afternoon. Devotees will be able to pay their respects to Lord Madhyamaheshwar on the occasion and seek blessings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar