Kedarnath (Rajeev Sharma): The doors of Kedarnath temple have been closed for the winter season following the completion of the traditional closing ceremony, bringing this year’s pilgrimage to an end. With the high-altitude shrine now shut, devotees will have to visit Ukhimath to offer prayers to Baba Kedar over the coming six months.
The winter closure was carried out through a series of traditional rituals. The sanctum sanctorum was closed first, followed by the locking of the temple’s southern entrance. The final stage involved the departure of Baba Kedar’s Panchmukhi Chal Vigraha Doli through the eastern gate. The entrance was subsequently closed to pilgrims.
The ceremonial palanquin carries the movable idol of the deity and is taken to Ukhimath, which serves as Baba Kedar’s winter residence.
Hemant Dwivedi, chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), said devotees would be able to continue their worship at the winter seat in Ukhimath until the main shrine opens again for the next pilgrimage season.
The annual ritual marks an important transition in the temple’s religious calendar. As heavy snowfall and extreme winter conditions make the route to Kedarnath difficult to access, the deity is traditionally moved to a lower-altitude location where regular worship can continue.
With the completion of the ceremony, the shrine will remain closed for approximately six months, while Ukhimath becomes the destination for devotees seeking Baba Kedar’s blessings during the winter period.
