New Delhi: Ahead of the opening of Kedarnath Temple on Wednesday, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) in a statement said that use of mobile phones has been completely prohibited within the temple premises.
“Carrying mobile phones inside the temple premises, taking photos or videos, and recording reels are strictly forbidden,” news agency ANI quoted Vineet Posti, a committee member as saying. The decision, he said, has been taken keeping in mind the sanctity of the shrine and the convenience of devotees. People found violating the rule would face legal action.
Kedarnath Temple portals to open tomorrow
Meanwhile, with less than 24 hours to go for the opening of the Kedarnath Temple, preparations are in full swing. The temple portals will open at 8 am on April 22. The temple is decked with around 5,100 kg of flowers of different colours. These flowers are sourced from across India and overseas.
The temple doors will be opened for devotees following traditional rituals and Vedic chanting led by the Rawal (head priest). “The combination of the colourful flowers against the fresh snow creates a spiritually mesmerising environment for the pilgrims,” said Posti.
The Panchmukhi Doli (the ceremonial palanquin) of Baba Kedarnath reached Phata on Monday night after departing from Ukhimath on April 19 — its winter seat.
Char Dham Yatra began on April 19
It will arrive at Gaurikund today and will make the final trek to Kedarnath Dham tomorrow. Final arrangements are being made by administration as the Char Dham Yatra which officially commenced on April 19 is witnessing record number of pilgrims at the base camps.
The spiritual pilgrimage begun with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya after the winter break on Sunday. The devotees begin their Char Dham Yatra at Yamunotri, then Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath before concluding at Badrinath. The Yatra follows a west-to-east sequence.