Rudraprayag: The sacred portals of the eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Dham, were opened for devotees on Friday morning amid Vedic chants and elaborate rituals. At exactly 7:00 AM, the temple portals were thrown open, marking the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra 2025. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, present at the ceremony, witnessed the grand event and offered prayers for the state’s prosperity, peace, and well-being.
The shrine, located in Rudraprayag district, was adorned with more than 108 quintals of flowers, transforming the temple into a breathtaking sight. As the portals opened, a shower of flowers from a helicopter added to the divine atmosphere. The Panchmukhi Utsav Doli of Lord Kedarnath reached the temple after a traditional journey via Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath and other key stops such as Guptkashi, Phata, and Gaurikund.
The ceremonial process began as early as 5:00 AM. By 6:00 AM, Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, priest Bagesh Ling, and other religious leaders entered the sanctum sanctorum from the east gate. Alongside them were Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar, and officials from the BKTC and other religious institutions. With invocations and prayers for public welfare, the temple doors officially opened for darshan at 7:00 AM. The southern gate was opened simultaneously.
The first puja was performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an ardent devotee of Baba Kedarnath. CM Dhami remarked that Kedarnath Dham is not only a center of religious faith for followers of Sanatan Dharma but also a powerful symbol of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. He congratulated the people of the state and the nation on the occasion and emphasized that this moment is eagerly awaited by devotees across the country.
Chief Minister Dhami highlighted that the number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath increases each year. He expressed confidence that with Baba Kedar’s blessings, the 2025 Char Dham Yatra would set new records. He assured that the Uttarakhand government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safety, comfort, and convenience of all pilgrims.
Praising Prime Minister Modi’s contributions, Dhami said that the reconstruction of Kedarnath began under the PM’s leadership after the devastating 2013 disaster. Today, the shrine stands as a testament to resilience and devotion, with major development work completed under his guidance. The CM reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision of making the third decade of the 21st century the “decade of Uttarakhand” and affirmed the state government’s commitment to development.
Among the dignitaries present at the ceremony were CM Dhami’s wife Geeta Dhami, District Panchayat President Amardei Shah, SP Akshay Prahlad Konde, BKTC CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, and numerous pilgrimage priests, religious leaders, and local residents. The air resonated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as devotees celebrated the sacred occasion with devotion and joy.
