Portals of Kedarnath Temple open amid strict Covid protocol

Portals of the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand opened at 5 am today, amidst chants of rituals and Vedic hymns.

Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand):The portals of the Kedarnath Temple were reopened on Monday amid observation of strict COVID-19 protocols. The gates of the temple were opened at 5 am today after a ritualistic ceremony, while Gangotri and Yamunotri temples were reopened on May 14.

"Kedarnath shrine was reopened today at 5 am with all the rituals. I pray to Baba Kedarnath to keep everyone healthy", tweeted Uttarakhand CM Tirath Singh Rawat. The portals were closed in November last year for the winter season.

The first Puja in Kedarnath Dham was performed on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

From 3:30 am, several deities, including Lord Kedarnath were invoked through 'Panchag Pujan' at Kedar Puri by Bagesh Linga, the head priest of Kedarnath Dham and religious scholars.

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At 5 am exactly, Rawal Bhimashankar Ling announced that the sacred doors be opened in the presence of the officers of the District, Tehsil Administration, Devasthanam Board and temple officials.

Following the postponement of Chardham Yatra due to the global epidemic, the sacred door opening ceremony of Lord Kedarnath was done in a simple manner. Also, only a few priests have been allowed to visit Kedarnath Dham.

This time pilgrims have not been allowed to visit any of the 'four abodes' due to Covid protocols.

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The temple of Lord Kedarnath was decorated with 11 quintal flowers by Saurabh Kalra, a resident of Rishikesh. Yaduvir Pushwan, an official of the Devasthanam Board, said that all the supporting temples, including Lord Kedarnath, have been decorated with colors.

All arrangements related to electricity and water supply have been completed.

The gates of Yamunotri were open on May 14, followed by Gangotri & Badrinath Dham doors being opened on May 15 and 18 respectively.