Chardham Yatra: Gangotri Dham Embarks on Winter Journey, Devotion Continues at Mukhwa

Gangotri Dham, a pivotal Chardham pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, has officially closed its portals for the winter season after elaborate rituals. Maa Ganga’s Utsav Doli has begun its sacred journey to Mukhwa (Mukhimath), its winter abode. For the next six months, devotees undertaking the Chardham Yatra can continue their worship and seek blessings at this revered temporary sanctuary.

The revered Gangotri Dham, a pivotal shrine in Uttarakhand’s sacred Chardham Yatra circuit, has officially closed its portals for the winter season. Following centuries-old traditions and elaborate rituals on Annakut festival, the temple’s doors were shut at an auspicious Abhijit Muhurat, marking the annual spiritual transition. While the main temple remains inaccessible, the devotion continues as Maa Ganga’s Utsav Doli (palanquin) embarked on its sacred journey to its winter abode at Mukhwa (Mukhimath), where pilgrims can continue to offer prayers for the next six months.

The solemn ceremony commenced early Wednesday with the removal of Maa Ganga’s ceremonial crown and a final darshan of the deity’s idol for hundreds of gathered devotees. Amidst the chanting of sacred hymns and the melodious strains of the 14 Rajasthan Rifles’ band, coupled with traditional drums (dhol damau), the idol was ceremoniously carried out of the sanctum sanctorum. The air resonated with fervent ‘Jai Ganga Maiya’ slogans as the procession commenced its trek towards Mukhwa village, marking the start of a significant spiritual pilgrimage.

The Utsav Doli, after an overnight halt at a preceding temple, is scheduled to arrive at the Mukhimath temple on October 23rd. Here, in this picturesque Himalayan village, elaborate pujas and spiritual ceremonies dedicated to Maa Ganga will be performed throughout the winter months. The closure ceremony and the start of the winter journey were graced by numerous dignitaries, local officials, and a multitude of devotees from across India and beyond, underscoring the profound spiritual significance of this annual event for the Chardham Yatra.

Source: Jagran