The previous priests of Kedarnath, who is now 95 years old, Niranjan Ling points out that there are 2 idols of Lord Kedarnath. There is an Bhog idol which is kept in the Pujari residence in Kedarnath and it is worshiped here and the other is Kadarnath’s Panchmukhi festival idol. Five faced idol, called Panchmukhi includes Satyojat, Vamdev, Aghor, Taatpurush and Ishan. Sheshnag is made in the rear of the idol while the golden crown is placed on the head.
It is said that centuries ago, only the Bhog idol and Nagrupi lock were taken to Kedarnath in Doli Yatra, but after some time tradition of carrying Lord Panchmukhi idol was made. However, the old priests could not give the correct information about the time.
The festive Doli reach Kedarnath after a 3-day walk from Ukhimath and it is kept in the store house. and after 6 months it brought back to the store house in Ukhimath. Here the priest Shiv Shankar Ling explains that Bhog idol is worshiped for 12 months. Kedarnath Pujari worshiped it for 6 months in Kedarnath and and Ukhimath Pujari worshiped it for 6 months in Ukhimath.
Doli yatra of Lord Kedarnath, also known as Baba Kedar, is started with special pooja of Lord Bhairavnath in Ukhimath. As per tradition Kedarnath Raval and students of Sanskrit do this special pooja. Bhairavnath worn puri and pakodi garland. The worship of Panchmukhi idol is performed after decoration.
World’s famous Kedarnath shrine kapat will be opened on April 29 at 6:15 a.m. Doli Yatra will start from Ukhimath on 26th April. Doli yatra will stay Phata on the first day, Gaurikund on April 27 and Doli reached Kedarnath Dham on 28th April.
