Dehra Dun:
After a gap of six months the doors of the famous Himalayan shrine Kedarnath reopened on Saturday for pilgrims.
The temple, situated in Rudraprayag district at a height of 3,584 meter, was reopened at 0715 hours according to 'mahurat', sources said.
The 'mahurat' was decided on Mahashivrati at Ukhimath on February 20.
The head priest of the temple, Rawal, performed the 'Abhishek' after the opening of the doors, sources said.
Thousands of pilgrims flocked the temple after the opening.
The Chardhams, comprising of the shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas reopen for pilgrims in April-May every year after remaining closed for nearly six months during winters as the area remains snow-bound during the period.
The annual Chardham yatra is considered as the backbone of the thriving religious tourism in the state that attracts nearly 15-16 lakh pilgrims every year from home and abroad.