In a deeply symbolic and emotional ceremony, the portals of the sacred Kedarnath Temple in Rudraprayag district were officially closed for the winter season on the morning of Thursday, October 23, 2025 on Bhai Dooj, marking the end of this year’s Char Dham Yatra for thousands of devotees.
As per centuries-old tradition, the palanquin (doli) carrying Lord Kedarnath’s idol began its journey to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which serves as the deity’s winter abode.
Spiritual Rituals Before Closure
Devotees were permitted darshan from midnight until around 4 AM. Between 5 AM and 6 AM, the sacred “Samadhi Puja” was performed, during which the self-manifested Shivalinga was ceremonially covered with sacred ashes, grains, fruits, Rudraksha beads, and a white cloth, signifying the divine rest period.
The inner sanctum was closed at 6 AM, followed by the main gate at 8:30 AM, amid chants of “Om Namah Shivay” and the resonant sound of temple bells.
Journey of the Panchmukhi Doli
Following the closure, the five-faced (Panchmukhi) idol of Lord Kedarnath began its winter trek, halting first at Rampur, then Guptkashi, and finally reaching Ukhimath by October 25. Daily worship will continue at Omkareshwar Temple throughout the six-month winter period.
Significance and Seasonal Closure
Situated at an altitude of 3,584 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple experiences extreme cold and heavy snowfall during winter, making it unsafe and inaccessible for pilgrims. Therefore, the Utsava Murti (festival idol) is ceremonially relocated to Ukhimath to ensure uninterrupted worship.
Char Dham Yatra Update
Kedarnath, one of the four shrines in the revered Char Dham circuit, now joins Gangotri and Yamunotri, which have already closed for winter. Only Badrinath Temple remains open until its scheduled closure on November 25, 2025.
For Pilgrims and Devotees
Those planning a pilgrimage should note that Kedarnath Temple’s portals will reopen in late April or early May 2026, depending on weather conditions and the auspicious date declared by temple authorities.
In the meantime, devotees can seek blessings at Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar Temple, where the winter worship of Lord Kedarnath continues with full rituals and devotion.