
<p>November 15, 2023 – On the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj today, the sacred portals of the Kedarnath Dham were closed for the winter season at 8:30 AM. The resonating chants of Baba Kedarnath filled the air during this closure ceremony. On Tuesday, Baba Kedarnath&#8217;s fifth-faced idol, adorned with rituals and worship, was moved from the temple&#8217;s sanctum sanctorum to the Sabha Mandap.</p>



<p>The day began with prayers and rituals in the temple&#8217;s garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) at 4 AM. The idol of Baba Kedarnath, in the form of a self-manifested lingam, was covered with flowers, akshat (unbroken rice), worship materials, and sacred ash.</p>



<p>At 7 AM, the ceremonial idol of Baba Kedarnath, representing the five faces of the deity, was brought from the temple&#8217;s inner sanctum to the Sabha Mandap in a grand procession. Following this, the temple gates were closed at 8:30 AM, marking the commencement of the winter hiatus.</p>



<p>The festivities continue as the ceremonial idol will embark on a night journey to the winter abode at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. On November 17th, Baba Kedarnath will be ceremonially present at the Omkareshwar Temple for the six-month winter puja and rituals.</p>



<p>The morning rituals were conducted by the chief priest, adhering to the religious traditions. The self-manifested lingam of Baba Kedarnath was reverently placed in a meditative state, adorned with flowers, worship materials, and covered with sacred ash.</p>



<p>At 7 AM, the ceremonial offering of bhog (food offering) to Baba Kedarnath will take place in the Sabha Mandap. The Panchamukhi bhog idol will be placed in a procession doli, signifying the conclusion of the winter season&#8217;s religious ceremonies. Subsequently, the temple gates will be closed at 8:30 AM, symbolizing the commencement of the winter season break.</p>

