Gangotri portals shut for 6 months

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, October 31

The portals of Gangotri shrine, one of the char dhams in Uttarakhand, closed for winters amid vedic chants on the auspicious occasion of Annakut in Uttarkashi district here today.

The shutting of the portals of the shrine took place around 1.30 pm amid vedic rituals by priests. Goddess Ganga’s palanquin then left for its journey to its winter abode at Mukhba temple in Uttarkashi district.

The idol of the goddess will be installed at the temple on Tuesday. The devotees will be able to seek the blessings at the winter abode for six months.

Preparations for the sendoff of the goddess began early this morning. The idol of the goddess was decorated with ornaments and hymns were recited on the occasion.

A pipe band from the Army 12 Grenadiers unit played religious tunes and led the palanquin of the goddess through Bhairon Ghati towards Mukhba.

President of the temple committee Mukesh Semwal and secretary Suresh Semwal said the devotees would be able to seek blessings of the goddess at Mukhba during winters. Gangotri MLA Vijaypal Sajwan and former MLA Gopal Rawat were also present on the occasion.

The portals of the shrine of Kedaranth and Yamnotri will shut down for winters on November 1.