Kedarnath shrine open its gates to pilgrims, Uttarakhand CM Dhami offers prayers

Amid the chanting of shlokas (hymns) and lusty drumbeats, the doors of Kedarnath Dham opened to pilgrims today morning. Thousands of pilgrims including Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami braving sub-zero temperatures gathered at the snow-covered Himalayan shrine to offer prayers.

The portals of Kedarnath opened after a winter break today, with thousands of pilgrims gathering at the shrine. Credit: PTI Photo

Temple chief priest Rawal Bhima Shankar Ling opened the gates of the temple amid rituals and chanting of shlokas. Credit: PTI Photo

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was one of the devotees who offered prayers at the temple on its opening day.

Thousands braved sub-zero temperatures to gather at the snow-covered Himalayan shrine to offer prayers Credit: PTI Photo

Kedarnath and its surroundings areas are covered under a blanket of snow following intermittent snowfall in the area over the past few days. Credit: PTI Photo

With the MeT department forecasting inclement weather in the area over the next few days, devotees still on way to the temple have been advised to stay for the time being at the main halts in Rishikesh, Bhadrakali and Vyasi. Credit: PTI Photo

Kedarnath shrine is part of the Char Dham. Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are the three other 'dhams' located above 10,000-ft in the Garhwal Himalayas. Credit: PTI Photo