Rudraprayag, 25 April (HS): After the opening of the doors of Kedarnath Dham, the portals of Shri Bhakunt Bhairavnath Temple were also opened for devotees on Saturday following due religious rituals. A large number of pilgrims were present on the occasion and offered prayers amid chants.

As per tradition, rituals including havan and puja were performed in the afternoon under the leadership of priest T. Gangadhar Ling, in the presence of officials of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and Shri Kedar Sabha. The temple doors were opened thereafter.

BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi, who was present on the occasion, extended greetings to devotees arriving from across the country and abroad. He said that with the opening of the Bhairavnath temple, the daily rituals and aartis at Kedarnath Dham have commenced.

According to religious belief, Bhairavnath is regarded as the guardian deity of Kedarnath Dham. During winter, when the Kedarnath temple remains closed, it is believed that Bhairavnath protects the region. Hence, devotees attach special significance to visiting the Bhairavnath temple during the yatra.

The administration and temple committee have made elaborate arrangements for the safety and convenience of pilgrims. Enthusiasm among devotees for this year’s yatra is reported to be high.

Rudraprayag District Magistrate and BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vishal Mishra, Kedar Sabha president Rajkumar Tiwari, BKTC member Dr Vineet Posti, teerth purohit Santosh Trivedi, nodal officer Rajan Naithani and others were present on the occasion along with a large number of pilgrims.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar