Kedarnath, Uttarakhand | October 23, 2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
Kedarnath Dham:
The sacred portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham were ceremoniously closed on Thursday morning, marking the seasonal conclusion of pilgrimage activities at one of Hinduism’s most revered temples. Amid devotional chants, conch shells, and the soulful tunes of the Garhwal Rifles band, Baba Kedar’s holy doli (palanquin) began its journey to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where winter worship will continue for the next six months.
With this, three of the four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra 2025—Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath Dham—have officially closed for winter. The last temple, Badrinath Dham, will shut its gates on November 25, bringing this year’s pilgrimage season to an end.
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Devotional Farewell and Night-long Darshan
According to the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee, special arrangements were made for devotees to offer their final darshan of Lord Kedar throughout the night. Pilgrims were allowed entry from midnight to 4 a.m., after which the Samadhi Puja was performed from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m.
During this sacred ritual, the self-manifested Shivalinga was anointed and covered with holy ashes, grains, fruits, flowers, Rudraksha, and a white cloth, as per centuries-old tradition. The inner sanctum was sealed at 6 a.m., and the main eastern gate was formally closed at 8:30 a.m., marking the start of the temple’s winter rest period.
Chief Minister Dhami Offers Prayers
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the ceremony and offered prayers for peace and prosperity in the state. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the successful and safe completion of the pilgrimage season, crediting the coordinated efforts of local administration, armed forces, and temple committees.
Baba Kedar’s Journey to Ukhimath
As per tradition, Baba Kedar’s five-headed idol is carried in a beautifully decorated palanquin to its winter abode in Ukhimath. The doli will make halts at Rampur (October 23) and Guptkashi (October 24) before reaching Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath on October 25. Worship there will continue until the temple reopens next summer.
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Char Dham Yatra 2025: Record Devotee Turnout
Despite challenging terrain and high-altitude conditions, this year’s Char Dham Yatra witnessed record-breaking participation, with over 4.5 million devotees visiting the four sacred shrines since the yatra began on April 30, 2025.
Authorities have lauded the improved facilities, helicopter services, and digital registration systems that enhanced both safety and accessibility for pilgrims this year.
Spiritual Significance
Kedarnath’s annual winter closure is not merely procedural but symbolic—representing divine rest and seasonal rhythm in Himalayan spirituality. While the high-altitude shrine remains snow-covered, the deity continues to be worshipped in Ukhimath, ensuring uninterrupted faith and devotion among followers worldwide.
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