RUDRAPRAYAG, Nov 11: The doors of the Kedarnath Temple were closed for the winter season at 8.30 am on Wednesday, marking the end of this year’s pilgrimage to the Himalayan shrine. The closure ceremony was conducted in accordance with age-old religious traditions, accompanied by Vedic chants and special prayers.
The religious proceedings commenced at 4 am with elaborate worship and customary rituals. Priests performed the prescribed ceremonies before the temple gates were closed at the auspicious moment.
After the closure, the ceremonial palanquin carrying the deity was taken around the temple premises as part of the traditional farewell procession. It subsequently began its journey towards the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where Lord Kedarnath will be worshipped during the winter months.
As per the scheduled route, the palanquin will spend Wednesday night at Rampur before proceeding to Guptkashi on November 12. The procession is expected to reach the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on November 13.
Ukhimath serves as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, allowing devotees to continue their religious observances even when heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions make the high-altitude shrine inaccessible.
For the next six months, pilgrims and devotees will be able to offer prayers at the Omkareshwar Temple. The annual relocation of the deity’s palanquin follows a centuries-old tradition and signifies the seasonal transition of worship from Kedarnath to its winter abode.