COVID-19 lockdown: Kedarnath shrine opens, sans pilgrims

The portals of Kedarnath temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines in Garhwal Himalayas were opened following religious ceremonies at 6.10 am on Wednesday.  Due to the spread of coronavirus and subsequent lockdown, only a total of 16 persons participated in the ceremony led by priest Shiv Shankar Ling. A few officials of the Devasthanam Board were also present on the occasion.

The Kedarnath temple was decorated with 10 quintals of flowers donated by Satish Kalra, a devotee from Rishikesh.

Earlier, the palanquin of Lord Kedarnath reached the temple from Gaurikund after snow cutting exercise. The Kedarnath temple is still surrounded by five to six feet of snow.

Dr Harish Gaur, spokesperson of Devasthanam board informed that since Rawal of Kedarnath temple, Bhima Shanker Ling has been quarantined for 14 days at Ukkhimath, his deputy Shiv Shanker Ling performed the puja. The first prayer was performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dr Harish Gaur said that the shrine has been opened for ritualistic prayers and no pilgrimage will be allowed due to coronavirus pandemic. Earlier, the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines were opened on April 26. The Badrinath shrine will be opened on May 15.