Rudraprayag: The sacred doors of Madhmaheshwar Temple, the second of the Panch Kedars, were closed for the winter season on Tuesday morning at 8 am with full religious rituals. Located in the serene hills of Rudraprayag district, the temple is considered the second Kedarnath and holds deep spiritual importance for devotees of Lord Shiva.
द्वितीय केदार भगवान मदमहेश्वर के कपाट आज मंगलवार प्रातः 8 बजे शीतकाल हेतु मार्गशीर्ष कृष्ण चतुर्दशी स्वाति नक्षत्र के शुभ मुहूर्त पर हुए बंद।#Madhmaheshwar #DwitiyKedar #Ukhimath #BKTC #DoliYatra #MadhmaheshwarMela #Rudraprayag #DevbhoomiUttarakhand pic.twitter.com/hYBO5YxvlI
— Shri Badarinath -Kedarnath Temple Committee #BKTC (@BKTC_UK) November 18, 2025
The closing ceremony began at 5 am, led by the temple’s chief priest Shiv Linga, in the presence of villagers and Acharyas. After performing all the rituals, the self-manifested Linga of Lord Madhmaheshwar was given Samadhi, and the Bhoga idols were placed in the Chal Utsav Vigraha Doli—the ceremonial palanquin that carries the deity to its winter seat.
Palanquin will now begin its journey to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath
The palanquin will now begin its journey to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where the deity will be worshipped during the winter months. The journey includes night halts at various sacred spots. On November 18, the Doli will rest at Gondar village, followed by Rakeshwari Temple in Ransi on November 19, and Giriya on November 20. Finally, on November 21, the palanquin will be placed at Omkareshwar Temple, where devotees will continue to offer prayers until the temple reopens next summer.
Three-day fair will be held
To celebrate the arrival of the palanquin, a three-day fair will be held in Mansuna village from November 18 to 20. According to fair committee chairman Sanjay Manwal, the event will feature religious ceremonies, cultural performances, school programs, and folk music. Preparations for the fair have been completed, and locals are excited to welcome the deity with devotion and joy.
Celebration of faith, heritage, and community spirit
The journey of the palanquin is not just a religious tradition but also a celebration of faith, heritage, and community spirit. Devotees from nearby villages and pilgrims from across the state gather to witness this sacred movement and participate in the festivities.
Madhmaheshwar is second among five Kedars in Uttarakhand
Madhmaheshwar is one of the five Kedars, and its winter migration to Omkareshwar Temple is a centuries-old tradition that reflects the deep connection between nature and spirituality in Uttarakhand.
Madhyamaheshwar temple winter closure, Panch Kedar palanquin journey, Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath, Kedarnath winter seat, Mansuna fair Uttarakhand, Madhyamaheshwar Doli route, Rudraprayag temple rituals, Uttarakhand spiritual tourism, Lord Shiva palanquin procession, Panch Kedar winter worship.