Today, Kedarnath Dham witnessed a divine confluence of faith and devotion.
Till 4 a.m., devotees thronged the temple for the final darshan of Baba Kedar.
The valleys of the shrine resonated with the chant of “Har Har Mahadev,”
as the chief priest performed the sacred Ghrit Lepan (ghee anointment) and Samadhi Puja rituals.
By 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the temple doors will be ceremoniously closed,
and Baba Kedar will depart for his winter sojourn to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
The Panchmukhi Doli (five-faced palanquin) will begin its journey on October 23
and reach Ukhimath on October 25, where the winter worship will continue for the next six months.
This year, nearly 1.7 million devotees visited Kedarnath Dham —
a truly historic number.
In every devotee’s heart echoed just one sentiment —
“Baba, call us again next year.”
Now, as a blanket of snow covers the Himalayan peaks,
Baba Kedar will rest amidst the serene silence of the mountains...
yet his grace and the light of devotion will continue to shine in every heart.
