my uttarakhand news Bureau
Rudraprayag, 6 Nov: The portals of the Third Kedar, Lord Tungnath Temple, were ceremoniously closed for the winter season today at the auspicious hour of 11:30 a.m. The closing rituals were performed amidst devotional fervour and spiritual solemnity. Following the ceremony, the movable idol procession (chal vigraha doli) of Lord Tungnath departed for its first night halt at Chopta, marking the beginning of the Deity’s winter sojourn. On this sacred occasion, the temple complex was beautifully adorned with flowers, and over 500 devotees witnessed the closure of the holy portals.
The Tungnath Temple opened this morning for devotees’ darshan, following which daily worship (nitya puja-archana) and other rituals were conducted as per the traditions. The formal process of closing the portals began at 10:30 a.m. in the presence of Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal. After the bhog yagya and havan puja, the self-manifested Shivling of Lord Tungnath was ceremonially placed in samadhi (meditative repose), and the portals of the sanctum sanctorum were closed for the winter season at 11:30 a.m.
Prior to the closure, the chal vigraha doli of Lord Tungnath was consecrated within the sanctum and, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of dhol and nagare, the procession set out for its first night halt at Chopta after circumambulating the temple and blessing the assembled pilgrims. The atmosphere reverberated with chants of ‘Jai Ghosh’ in praise of Baba Tungnath, creating a divine and uplifting ambience in the high-altitude shrine.
BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi conveyed his good wishes on the occasion, noting that over one and a half lakh devotees had this year had the fortune of darshan at the Third Kedar. He shared that winter worship of Lord Tungnath would now be held after the chal vigraha doli reaches its winter abode at Shri Markateshwar Temple in Makkumath. He also claimed that the BKTC is making serious efforts to encourage the tradition of winter pilgrimage.
BKTC Vice-Presidents Vijay Kaparwan and Rishi Prasad Sati, along with CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal and other members of the Committee, expressed satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the pilgrimage season and the orderly conduct of the temple rituals.
In an official statement, BKTC Media In-charge Dr Harish Gaur announced that after halting at Chopta tonight, the chal vigraha doli would proceed to Bhankun for its second night halt on Friday, 7 November, before reaching its winter seat at Shri Markateshwar Temple, Makkumath, on Saturday, 8 November.
It may be recalled that Tungnath Temple is considered to be highest Shiva temple in the world, located at a height of 12,073 feet above sea level. The pilgrims have to walk approximately 3.5 kilometres from Chopta which is often compared to Switzerland for its scenic beauty and lovely alpine meadows, locally called as Bugyals.
It may be recalled that the portals of Gangotri Dham were closed on 22 October, while those of Kedarnath Dham and Yamunotri Dham were closed on 23 October. The portals of Badrinath Dham are scheduled to be closed on 25 November, marking the end of this year’s Char Dham Yatra season.
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