Doors of second Kedarnath Shri Madmaheshwar temple duly closed, Utsav Doli of Lord departs
The doors of second Kedarnath Shri Madmaheshwar temple located in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand have been duly closed for the winter season. Like every year, this time also on 20 November 2024, in the auspicious muhurat, the process of closing the doors was completed with Vedic chanting and traditional religious rituals. Hundreds of devotees were present on this auspicious occasion and earned virtue by seeing Lord Shiva.
Special place among Panch Kedars
Second Kedar Shri Madmaheshwar Temple holds the second place among Panch Kedars. This temple is dedicated to one of the five forms of Lord Shiva and its religious recognition is very high. This temple is located at an altitude of about 3,289 meters above sea level and to reach here, devotees have to do a difficult trek of about 18 kilometers from Ransi village.
The grandeur of the closing of the doors
On the auspicious occasion of the closing of the doors of the temple, Shri Madmaheshwar Dham was decorated with flowers with utmost beauty. On this occasion, the Utsav Doli of the Lord was sent to the first stop Gaundar amidst the melodious sound of Dev Nishan, drums, and local musical instruments. It was an emotional moment when the devotees were bidding farewell to the Lord with reverence and devotion in their eyes.
Worship and rituals
The doors of the temple were opened at around 4:30 in the morning, and special worship of Lord Madmaheshwar Ji was performed. After this, the process of closing the doors of the sanctum sanctorum began in the presence of the temple committee and the local administration. Priest T. Gangadhar Ling closed the doors ritually in the presence of senior administrative officer DS Bhujwan and other dignitaries.
The self-manifested Shivalinga of the Lord was covered with flowers, fruits, Akshat and clothes in the form of Samadhi. After this, the doli circumambulated the temple and the ancient utensils and materials were duly inspected.
This year a record number of devotees reached Madmaheshwar Dham
According to Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), this year more than 18,000 devotees visited the Second Kedar Shri Madmaheshwar Temple. This number clearly shows that the faith of the devotees is constantly increasing and the religious and tourism importance of Panch Kedars is constantly strengthening.
BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal expressed satisfaction while sharing this information. Committee Chairman Ajendra Ajay and Vice President Kishore Panwar wished the devotees and wished everyone a happy journey with the grace of Lord Shiva.
The journey of the moving idol doli
After the closure of the doors of Second Kedar Shri Madmaheshwar Temple, the moving idol doli of Lord Madmaheshwar has left for its winter stay. According to BKTC media in-charge Dr. Harish Gaur, the Doli will stay overnight at Gaundar on 20 November 2024, Rakeshwari Temple on November 21, Giriya on November 22 and will reach Shri Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath on 23 November 2024.
From here the winter worship of Lord Madmaheshwar Ji will start which takes place throughout the winter. Special arrangements are being made in Ukhimath so that the devotees do not face any inconvenience in the darshan and worship of the Lord.
Preparations for Madmaheshwar Fair
Madmaheshwar Fair will be organized on 23 November 2024 to mark the arrival of Lord Madmaheshwar's Doli in Ukhimath. Devotees, local residents and tourists from far and wide participate in this fair in large numbers. Area Officer Yaduveer Pushpavan said that Shri Omkareshwar Temple is being decorated with beautiful flowers and the administration and temple committee are fully prepared for organizing the fair.
Yagya-havan was held before the doors were closed
A special yagya-havan was organized in the temple on 19 November 2024, a day before the doors of the temple were closed. This yagya is performed for the well-being of the devotees and purification of the environment. Many dignitaries, devotees, priests and forest department employees were present on this occasion.
Importance of Shri Madmaheshwar Temple
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Second Kedar Shri Madmaheshwar Temple is very important from the religious point of view as it holds the second place among the Panch Kedars.
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This temple is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.
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According to the belief, during the Mahabharata period, the Pandavas visited Panch Kedar to please Lord Shiva.
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Here Shiva is worshipped in the form of his navel.
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This place is very beautiful and peaceful not only from the spiritual but also from the natural point of view.
Conclusion
The doors of Second Kedar Shri Madmaheshwar Temple have been closed for the winter, but the infinite grace of God will continue at Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. This religious event not only reflects the vibrancy of our culture but also fills thousands of devotees with spiritual energy every year. If you have not yet visited Madmaheshwar Dham, then definitely plan your next trip and experience this divinity yourself.