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Kedarnath Dham Blanketed in Snow as Harsh Winter Halts Reconstruction

Heavy snowfall has enveloped Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand, creating harsh winter conditions that are delaying ongoing reconstruction work at the shrine. The temple was ceremoniously closed for the winter in late October, an event attended by thousands of devotees despite the cold. During the closure rituals, the sacred Shivling was adorned with local flowers and placed in a symbolic samadhi form. Meanwhile, the nearby Badrinath Dham, another key pilgrimage site, was also closed for the winter season in late November.

Key Points: Snowfall at Kedarnath Dham: Winter Closure & Impact

  • Heavy snowfall blankets shrine
  • Reconstruction work delayed
  • Ceremonial winter closure detailed
  • Badrinath Dham closure also noted
2 min read

Snowfall blankets Kedarnath Dham, harsh winter conditions grip shrine

Heavy snowfall blankets Kedarnath Dham, intensifying cold and delaying reconstruction work after the shrine's ceremonial winter closure witnessed by thousands.

"The sanctum doors were then closed for the winter season amid chants of 'Jai Baba Kedar.'"

Rudraprayag, January 3

The snowfall at Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand has covered the temple premises and surrounding areas in a thick white blanket of snow as winter showed its full impact with the onset of the New Year.

Heavy snowfall since Friday afternoon has blanketed the entire region, intensifying the cold and beginning to affect daily life in and around the shrine area. The weather at Kedarnath Dham remains harsh, with biting cold due to continuous snowfall.

The ongoing reconstruction work at Kedarnath Dham is also facing delays due to extreme cold and snow accumulation, which have significantly slowed construction.

In October, Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) visited the Kedarnath Dham and inspected ongoing construction and development work.

The portals of the world-famous eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Dham, were ceremoniously closed for the winter season at 8:30 am on October 23, 2025, coinciding with Bhai Dooj (Kartik Shukla Saptami, Anuradha Nakshatra).

Before the closure, the temple was decorated with flowers, and the temple complex resonated with devotional music played by the Indian Army band and chants of "Jai Baba Kedar." Despite the cold weather, around 10,000 devotees gathered to witness the occasion.

Following the rituals, the swayambhu Shivling of Lord Kedarnath was adorned with local sacred flowers, including Kumja, Bukla, Rakh, and Brahmakamal, along with dried flowers and leaves, symbolically giving it a samadhi form. The sanctum doors were then closed for the winter season amid chants of "Jai Baba Kedar."

Meanwhile, the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham were closed for the winter season on November 25, 2025. Badrinath is one of the holiest shrines for Vaishnavites among the 108 Divya Desams and is also part of the Panch Badri temples, which include Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri.

The Badrinath temple, approximately 50 feet tall, features a small cupola topped with a gold-gilt roof. The shrine is divided into the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), Darshan Mandap and Sabha Mandap. The Garbha Griha houses idols of Lord Badari Narayan, Kuber, Narad Rishi, Udhava, Nar, and Narayan, for a total of 15 idols in the complex. Opposite the main idol, the seated idol of Garud, the vehicle of Lord Badarinath, is placed in a prayer posture.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Hope the reconstruction work isn't delayed too much. The 2013 floods were devastating, and it's crucial the rebuilding is strong and resilient. The extreme weather is a real challenge for the workers up there. Respect to them.
A
Aman W
The description of the rituals is fascinating. Adorning the Shivling with Brahmakamal and other local flowers before closing the doors... it's these ancient traditions that connect us to our heritage. Om Namah Shivaya.
S
Sarah B
I visited Kedarnath last summer. It's hard to imagine the same serene path now under several feet of snow. The article is a good reminder of how harsh and isolated it gets. Wishing safety for any locals and staff who stay behind.
V
Vikram M
While the spiritual significance is paramount, I hope the authorities are also focusing on sustainable development. The Char Dham project needs to ensure it doesn't make the region more vulnerable to landslides and floods. A respectful suggestion to balance faith with ecology.
K
Kavya N
10,000 devotees braved the cold for the closure! That's true devotion. My grandparents did the yatra a few years back and said it was the most difficult but rewarding journey of their life. This news brings back their stories.

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