State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 30 Apr 2025

Shiva idol Leaves for Kedarnath Shrine

Why in News? 

The idol of Lord Shiva, adorned with flowers and carried in a palanquin, left its winter abode in Ukhimath for the Kedarnath shrine, which will reopen to devotees on 2 May 2025. 

 Key Points 

• The Ritual:  
  • Before Kedarnath temple reopens in summer, a key ritual involves shifting the idol of Lord Shiva from Ukhimath’s Shri Omkareshwar Temple, where he is worshipped during winter back to the Kedarnath shrine. 
  • The Panchmukhi Doli, a five-faced palanquin carrying Lord Shiva's idol, undertakes its traditional journey to Kedarnath with scheduled halts at Guptkashi, Phata, and Gaurikund. 

 Char Dham Yatra   

 

• Yamunotri Dham:   

• Location: Uttarkashi district.   
• Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna.   
• River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga.   

• Gangotri Dham:   
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.   
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga.   
  • Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.   
• Kedarnath Dham:   
  • Location: Rudraprayag district.   
  • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.   
  • Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.   
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.   
• Badrinath Dham:   
  • Location: Chamoli district.   
  • Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple.   
  • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu.   
  • One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites