MUMBAI: The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand began on Friday, drawing thousands of people seeking spiritual solace and divine blessings. Among the pilgrims embarking on this journey was Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, who made her way to Kedarnath.
Shilpa Shetty shared glimpses of her sojourn on her Instagram account, capturing the tranquil beauty of snow-clad mountains and her accommodation amidst the serenity of Kedarnath, accompanied by the soul-stirring anthem ‘Namo Namo’ from the movie ‘Kedarnath’.
The commencement of this year’s Char Dham Yatra coincides with the auspicious reopening of the Kedarnath Dham after a hiatus of six months. The first puja at the shrine in the early hours of Friday was conducted in the name of Prime Minister Modi, marking the commencement of the pilgrimage season.
Welcoming the pilgrims, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presided over the inaugural puja at Shri Kedarnath Dham temple, invoking prayers for the safe journey and spiritual fulfilment of all embarking on the Char Dham pilgrimage. Dhami expressed, “The devotees and pilgrims from across the country and beyond wait for this pilgrimage every year. That pious day is upon us today as the portals of Kedarnath Dham have been thrown open”.
As the doors of Baba Kedarnath Dham opened amidst sacred chants and hymns, the air resonated with the fervent cries of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ from the gathered devotees, heralding the beginning of a divine odyssey. Decorated with 40 quintals of petals, Kedarnath stood adorned in all its celestial grandeur, beckoning countless devotees and visitors from far and wide to partake in its divine embrace.
The Char Dham Yatra, steeped in profound spiritual significance in Hinduism, unfolds a journey of devotion and introspection, traversing the sacred realms of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, culminating in spiritual rejuvenation and divine communion. (ANI)