Doors of Second Kedar, Madhmaheshwar Temple, Closed for Winter

Rudraprayag/Ukhimath/Madhmaheshwar (Utrakhand): The doors of the revered Madhmaheshwar Temple, the second among the Panch Kedars, were ceremoniously closed for the winter season this morning. The ritual took place in the presence of over 250 devotees, following traditional Vedic customs.

With the closure of the temple, the Utsav Doli (festive palanquin) carrying the idol of Lord Madhmaheshwar, accompanied by sacred flags and local musical instruments like dhol-damau, departed for its first stop at Gaundhar. A day prior to the closure, special yagna and havan were performed at the temple.

Ceremonial Closure Rituals
At 4:30 AM today, the temple doors were opened, and devotees offered prayers and witnessed the final morning rituals. Following this, the self-manifested Shivling of Lord Madhmaheshwar was adorned in a meditation form and covered with flowers, fruits, and grains as part of the Samadhi ritual.

The doors were then closed by head priest T. Gangadhar Ling, under the supervision of officer-in-charge Yaduveer Pushpavan, at the auspicious time. Afterward, the temple premises were circumambulated, and the Utsav Doli began its journey, carrying ancient utensils and temple artifacts as per tradition.

Procession Schedule
According to Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) officials, the Utsav Doli will make its overnight halt at Gaundhar and reach Rakeshwari Temple on November 21, followed by Giriya on November 22. On November 23, the Doli will finally reach its winter abode at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where winter prayers will commence.

BKTC President Ajendra Ajay and Vice President Kishore Panwar extended their blessings and congratulated devotees on witnessing the sacred rituals. BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal reported that over 18,000 pilgrims visited Madhmaheshwar this season.

Madhmaheshwar Fair and Celebrations
The Madhmaheshwar Fair, a significant cultural event, will also be held on November 23. Preparations are underway to decorate the Omkareshwar Temple with flowers. Officials, including officer-in-charge Yaduveer Pushpavan and temple manager Ramesh Negi, have confirmed arrangements for the fair, which attracts a large number of devotees annually.

The closing of the temple marks the end of another season of devotion, with preparations now shifting to the winter worship at Ukhimath.