Yamunotri and Kedarnath Temples Close for Winter
Yamunotri Dham Closure
On the occasion of Bhai Dooj, the sacred Yamunotri Dham in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, closed its doors for the winter season. The event was marked by special worship and Abhishek ceremonies that began early in the morning. At 12:05 pm, during the auspicious Abhijeet Muhurta, the temple doors were closed. The Bhoga idol of Yamuna ji was placed in a doli and transported to Kharsali village, led by Bhai Shanidev Sameshwar Maharaj. Many devotees gathered to witness this significant event. The idol will remain in the Yamuna temple in Kharsali for the winter, where devotees can continue their worship.
Kedarnath Dham Closure
Similarly, the doors of Kedarnath Dham were also closed for the winter season. The closure was conducted with Vedic rituals and religious traditions, accompanied by the chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivay’ and ‘Jai Baba Kedar,’ along with the Indian Army band’s devotional tunes. Over 15,000 devotees attended the ceremony. The temple was beautifully decorated with flowers from Diwali onwards. The closing process began at 5 am, with the presence of Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee President Ajendra Ajay, Acharyas, Vedpathis, and priests. The self-manifested Shivalinga of Lord Kedarnath was given a Samadhi form using ashes, local flowers, and Bel leaves. At 8:30 am, Baba Kedar’s Panchmukhi Utsav Doli was taken out, marking the closure of the temple doors.
Doubts Revealed
Yamunotri -: Yamunotri is a sacred temple in Uttarakhand, India, dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. It is one of the four sites in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage.
Kedarnath -: Kedarnath is a famous Hindu temple in Uttarakhand, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage.
Uttarakhand -: Uttarakhand is a state in northern India known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites and beautiful Himalayan landscapes.
Bhai Dooj -: Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival celebrated after Diwali, where sisters pray for their brothers’ long and happy lives.
Bhoga idol -: A Bhoga idol is a representation of a deity used for worship when the main idol is not accessible, like during temple closures.
Kharsali village -: Kharsali is a village near Yamunotri in Uttarakhand, where the Bhoga idol of Yamuna ji is kept during the temple’s winter closure.
Vedic rituals -: Vedic rituals are ancient Hindu ceremonies and practices performed according to the Vedas, which are sacred texts of Hinduism.
Shivalinga -: A Shivalinga is a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva, often worshipped in temples.
Samadhi form -: Samadhi form refers to a state of deep meditation or a symbolic resting place for a deity, often used during temple closures.
Panchmukhi Utsav Doli -: Panchmukhi Utsav Doli is a ceremonial procession involving a palanquin with five faces, symbolizing a festive farewell to the deity during temple closure.