Dehradun: The portals of the holy Kedarnath temple were opened today with the first puja performed on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
PM Modi offered ”Rudrabhishek Pooja” in the presence of only members of the shrine’s committee and administrative officials owing to the lockdown. The portals of the eleventh jyotirlinga at Kedarnath in the Garhwal Himalayas were opened at 6.10 am.
A special worship was conducted at the temple at 3 a.m. and thereafter chief priest Shiv Shankar Ling did the ”Samadhi Pooja” along with other formalities.
IANS reported that Harish Gaur, media in-charge of Devasthanam Board, said,”Keeping in mind the social distancing norms, Shivshankar Linga performed the ”Jalabhisheka” of Lord Kedarnath. After the opening of the doors, the first Rudrabhishek Pooja was performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
The portals of the temple have been opened so that priests can offer prayers regularly, and no pilgrims are allowed to visit the temple.
The portals of the four famous Himalayan shrines – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are opened every year between April and May. The Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines were opened on April 26 on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya.
