Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand), May 2, 2025 The sacred doors of the revered Kedarnath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, were ceremoniously opened at 7:00 AM on Thursday in the Vrish Lagna, amid fervent chants and traditional rituals. Over 15,000 devotees gathered to witness the spiritually uplifting moment that echoed across the Kedarpuri valley.

As the serene morning unfolded, Kedarnath, nestled between the Meru-Sumeru mountain ranges and flanked by the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, witnessed an influx of devotees starting as early as 3:00 AM. By 5:00 AM, the temple premises were filled with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as a spiritually charged crowd awaited the grand reopening.

At 6:30 AM, Rawal Bhimashankar Linga, the head priest, along with chief temple priest Bagesh Ling, reached the temple’s southern gate accompanied by ceremonial silver ornaments. They were received by Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal and other officials, who facilitated the traditional proceedings.

After all customary Vedic rituals were performed, the temple doors officially opened at 7:00 AM. The rituals culminated in the revival of Lord Kedarnath’s idol from its meditation posture by Chief Priest Bagesh Ling, followed by Shodashopachara Pooja and Aarti.

Starting at 8:30 AM, the temple opened for public darshan, allowing devotees to seek blessings inside the sanctum sanctorum. The spiritual ambiance was further enhanced by Indian Army bands playing devotional hymns, adding grandeur to the holy event.

Several high-ranking officials were present for the ceremonial opening, including District Magistrate Dr. Saurabh Gaharwar, Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Anil Kumar Shukla, along with officials from BKTC.

The reopening marks the official beginning of the Char Dham Yatra 2025, one of India’s most significant spiritual pilgrimages, drawing lakhs of devotees annually from across the globe to the high Himalayas.