Uttarkashi/Yamunotri, 11 November (H.S.): After remaining open for six months during the summer pilgrimage season, the portals of the world-renowned Yamunotri Dham in Uttarakhand were closed for the winter at 10:28 a.m. on Wednesday, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj. The closure ceremony was conducted amid the chanting of Vedic hymns, traditional religious rituals and devotional chants invoking Goddess Yamuna.

Following the closure, the ceremonial palanquin of Goddess Yamuna departed for Kharsali, her traditional winter abode, led by Shani Dev Maharaj. Accompanied by the melodious strains of traditional musical instruments and chants in praise of the goddess, the procession proceeded towards Kharsali in accordance with established customs and religious traditions.

Later in the afternoon, the arrival of the ceremonial palanquin in Kharsali transformed the village into a vibrant centre of devotion. Local residents and devotees accorded the goddess a grand welcome with floral garlands and devotional chants, observing the traditional customs associated with her arrival at her maternal home.

The temple portals were closed at the auspicious time of 10:28 a.m., determined in accordance with the Hindu calendar during the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha, under Anuradha Nakshatra, Saumya Yoga and Dhanu Lagna, on the occasion of Bhai Dooj.

Before the closure, special prayers and religious ceremonies were performed at the temple in accordance with prescribed rituals, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras. Once the portals were closed, the ceremonial palanquin of Goddess Yamuna began its journey to Kharsali under the leadership of Shani Dev Maharaj. The procession advanced towards its winter destination amid traditional musical performances and chants invoking the goddess.

With the commencement of the winter period, devotees will be able to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna and offer prayers at her temple in Kharsali over the next six months. The village serves as the deity’s traditional winter abode, where regular worship and religious ceremonies will continue while the main shrine at Yamunotri remains closed.

Those present on the occasion included Yamunotri MLA Sanjay Dobhal, Block Pramukh representative Ajabeen Panwar, Yamunotri Temple Committee Secretary Sunil Uniyal, spokesperson Purushottam Uniyal and Treasurer Pradeep Uniyal. Representatives of local ceremonial palanquins, along with personnel from the police and district administration, pilgrimage priests and devotees, were also present.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar