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Chamoli: One of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites, Hemkund Sahib, along with the Lokpal Laxman Temple, is going to be officially closed for the winter season. The closing ceremony will be today, October 10, with prayers, hymns, and traditional rituals.
Hemkund Sahib is located in the high Himalayan mountains of Chamoli district, at an altitude of around 15,000 feet. Due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold, the temple remains closed for almost six months every year. Before the doors were shut, the final Ardas (prayer) of the season was performed early in the morning.
A record number of 2.72 lakh devotees visited Hemkund Sahib
This year, a record number of 2.72 lakh devotees visited Hemkund Sahib, as per the Hemkund Sahib Trust. The pilgrimage began on May 25, and continued for 139 days, despite weather challenges. Large crowds of pilgrims had gathered at Ghangaria, the last stop before the climb to Hemkund, to attend the final prayer and witness the ceremonial closing.
Portals will be closed at 1PM
The closing ceremony will begin at 10 AM with the recitation of the Sukhmani Sahib, a sacred hymn from the Guru Granth Sahib. After this, kirtan (devotional songs) was held, followed by the ceremonial placement of the holy scripture inside the Sachkhand, the inner sanctum of the Gurudwara. The doors will then closed at 1 PM.
Meanwhile, the nearby Lokpal Laxman Temple, believed to be the place where Lord Laxman meditated, was also closed for winter. The doors of this temple were shut earlier, at 12:31 PM.
Entire region is blanketed in 2 to 3 feet of snow
Due to recent snowfall, the entire Hemkund and Ghangaria region is now blanketed in 2 to 3 feet of snow. The temperature has dropped sharply, with icy winds blowing in the area. Helicopter services were used to bring down the last groups of devotees and transport supplies for the staff.
All arrangements have been made
Trust president Narendrajit Singh Bindra said that all arrangements were made smoothly this year, and thanked the local administration and security forces for their support. He also mentioned that next year's Yatra would begin depending on weather conditions, typically in late May or early June.
Hemkund Sahib holds great religious significance for Sikhs, as it is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated in his previous life. The serene glacial lake, the snow-covered peaks, and the peaceful environment make it a unique and sacred destination.
