Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) [India], May 21: The sacred Shri Madhmaheshwar Temple, also revered as the Second Kedar, was ceremonially opened on Wednesday, adding a spiritual high point to the ongoing Char Dham Yatra 2025.
The temple, adorned with vibrant floral decorations, welcomed more than 300 pilgrims and local devotees, who gathered to witness the auspicious door-opening ceremony at 11:30 AM.
Following the opening, Priest Shivling Swami performed the ritualistic Shringar (adornment) of the self-manifested Shiva Lingam, allowing devotees to have both Nirvana Darshan and Shringar Darshan. The ceremony began with the symbolic inspection of the temple’s storerooms and utensils by the moving idol.
The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTSC), which oversees the management of the shrines, made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims. BKTSC President Hemant Dwivedi extended his greetings to the devotees, expressing hope for a large spiritual turnout during the season.
Harish Gaur, media in-charge of BKTSC, detailed the ceremonial procession of the moving idol. It began at Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on May 18, reached Rakeshwari Temple in Ransi on May 19, moved to Gaundar on May 20, and finally arrived at Shri Madhmaheshwar Temple on the morning of May 21.
The reopening of the temple marks another major moment in the Char Dham Yatra 2025, which officially commenced on April 30 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, followed by Kedarnath Dham on May 2 and Badrinath Dham on May 4.
This spiritual pilgrimage continues to draw thousands of devotees seeking divine blessings and peace in the sacred Himalayan shrines.