Rudraprayag: The gates of the Kedarnath Dham were opened for devotees' Darshan on Wednesday morning at the auspicious time of exactly 8:00 AM, amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras and traditional rituals. With this, the Kedarnath pilgrimage officially commenced.
State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was also present on this sacred occasion of the gate opening. During the event, thousands of devotees witnessed this historic moment, and the entire Dham resonated with an atmosphere steeped in devotion. A magnificent shower of flowers was rained down upon the temple from a helicopter during the opening ceremony, further heightening the enthusiasm and faith of the devotees.
Religious Rituals Began in the Morning
Religious rituals had commenced as early as approximately 4:00 AM. Following the ceremonial worship of the *Panchmukhi Doli* (five-faced palanquin), the Lord's palanquin was brought into the temple courtyard, where preparations for opening the gates were completed in accordance with established procedures.
Gates Opened at 8:00 AM
At exactly 8:00 AM, as the temple gates swung open, the Lord's Panchmukhi Doli was the first to be ushered into the *Garbhagriha* (sanctum sanctorum); subsequently, following the completion of all religious formalities, Lord Kedarnath was duly enshrined.
Devotees Arrive from Across the Globe
Coinciding with this grand event, the stream of devotees arriving from both within the country and abroad to seek the *darshan* of Baba Kedar has begun. This magnificent confluence of reverence, faith, and devotion has imbued the entire Kedarnath Dham with spiritual energy.
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