While cities swelter in heat, Kedarnath, Tungnath, and Madmaheshwar in Rudraprayag district enjoy unexpected snowfall, delighting Himalayan Dham pilgrims.

Kedarnath Dham saw stunning snowfall after morning rain, blanketing Kedarpuri’s hills. Devotees visit Baba Kedar despite rain and snow, with rain shelters aiding queues.

On Wednesday, the doors of Shri Madmaheshwar Temple, revered as Dwitiya Kedar, were ceremoniously opened at 11:30 am, adorned with vibrant floral decorations. Over 300 pilgrims and local devotees attended the auspicious event. Following the opening, priest Shivling Swami performed rituals to adorn the Swayambhu Shivling, enabling devotees to experience Shringar Darshan after Nirvana Darshan. Prior to the ceremony, the Chal Pratima inspected the temple’s storehouse and utensils, ensuring readiness for the sacred occasion.

The portals of Madmaheshwar temple, second among the Panch Kedar have been closed for winter on 20 Nov 2024. Baba Madmaheshwar's palanquin left for the winter seat of Panchkedar Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath. On November 25, the doli will be seated at Omkareshwar temple for winter worship. This year over 20,000 devotees visited the second Kedar which opened on May 22, 2024. The doli will reach Goundar village for its first overnight stay. Next day, the doli will pass by Ransi village to stay overnight at Giriya village. On 23 Nov, the palanquin will be seated at Omkareshwar Temple, the winter seat. 

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had recently announced that Madmaheshwar Dham, the second Kedar out of the Panch Kedars will also be developed on the lines of Char Dham shrine. Know more about Char Dham Yatra.

Snowfall was reported on Monday in regions such as Kedarnath Dham, including Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Chandrashila, etc. Additionally, light snowfall was observed in tourist spots like Chopta, Dugalbitta and in Deoriatal. 

The phenomenon extended to Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham, Harshil Valley, and other high-altitude areas of Uttarkashi. Despite the snowfall, road movements remained unaffected at present.

All temples governed by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, including the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, will observe closure at 4 pm on Saturday due to the lunar eclipse.

The Badrinath and Kedarnath temples are scheduled to reopen during the brahma muhurta after the morning purification puja on Sunday.

Other affiliated shrines affected by the closure include the Shri Narasingh Temple in Joshimath, Second Kedar Madmaheshwar, Third Kedar Tungnath, Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, and Yoga Badri.