Dehradun: The portals of the Kedarnath Dham were closed on Thursday morning for the Winter season with chanting of Vedic hymns accompanied by music played by local musical instruments, the tunes of the army band, and cheers of scores of devotees.
As per traditions, it is believed that after the portals are shut, Lord Kedarnath becomes austere for six months of winter in the Himalayas for the welfare of the world.
After the doors of the sanctum sanctorum were shut, the Panchmukhi movable Vigraha Utsav Doli (palanquin) of Lord Kedarnath was specially decorated.
The palanquin carrying the Panchmukhi idol left the shrine to lord’s winter abode in the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath. The palanquin was taken in a procession.
The gates of the shrine are closed for six months during winter before it opens again.
Earlier on October 26, the sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath Dham was decorated with gold. The walls and ceiling of the sanctum sanctorum were given a new look with 550 gold layers. (Agencies)
