Due to bad weather, 8000 people were not allowed to go to Kedarnath Dham after 11 am
Summary
Devotees began lining up in Sonprayag early in the morning, with long queues forming as early as 5 am. In order to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage experience, the administration and police, under the supervision of the Sector Magistrate, initiated the process of sending the first group of pilgrims to the sacred Dham at 6 am. This organized effort aimed to maintain order and ensure the safety of the devotees.
Expansion
Due to the worsening weather conditions in Kedarnath, the administration took the decision to halt the passage of devotees from Sonprayag to the shrine after 11 am. This precautionary measure was implemented to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Approximately five and a half thousand passengers traveling from Sitapur to Sonprayag were affected by this restriction. Additionally, around two to two and a half thousand passengers found themselves stranded in Guptkashi and Phata. On Wednesday morning, devotees had already gathered in long queues in Sonprayag from as early as 5 am. The administration, along with the police and under the supervision of the Sector Magistrate, commenced the pilgrimage by sending the initial group of pilgrims to the holy Dham at 6 am.
On Tuesday, the administration facilitated the journey of around six thousand pilgrims who had stayed overnight, sending them to the holy Dham. Following their departure, the remaining passengers began their pilgrimage. Sector Magistrate Arun Rana confirmed that the long queue had dispersed by 10:30 am. Subsequently, an additional eight to ten thousand passengers were able to make their way to the shrine by 11 o’clock. The efficient efforts of the administration ensured a smooth and orderly progression of the pilgrimage, allowing a significant number of devotees to embark on their spiritual journey within the given timeframe.
Devotees Flock to Seek Blessings of Bhakund Bhairav Adi guru Shankaracharya
As pilgrims make their way to the sacred Kedarnath Dham, they are also taking the opportunity to seek the blessings of Lord Bhakund Bhairav, the revered Kshetrapal (guardian) of Kedarpuri, who is worshipped alongside Baba Kedar. Each day, more than a thousand devotees arrive to pay their respects at this sacred site. Additionally, hundreds of devotees make their way to the shrine of Adi guru Shankaracharya, situated behind the Kedarnath temple. According to Anand Shukla, the priest of Bhakund Bhairav, witnessing Lord Bhairavnath’s presence not only grants the privilege of beholding Baba Kedar but also brings spiritual merit and virtue to the devotees.
Bonfires are being lit at various places in Kedarnath
As snowfall blankets Kedarnath Dham, plunging temperatures below freezing, the environment becomes increasingly cold. In response to this wintry challenge, the Nagar Panchayat, following instructions from the District Magistrate, has initiated the lighting of bonfires at various locations. These comforting flames aim to provide warmth and protect the pilgrims from the biting cold. Furthermore, security personnel have been deployed along the pedestrian route, particularly in the iceberg zone, to offer assistance and ensure the safety of the passengers navigating through this challenging terrain. Their presence serves to alleviate the potential hardships faced by the devotees during their pilgrimage in these icy conditions.
