Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand): The doors of Gangotri Dham were ceremonially closed for the six-month winter season at 11:36 am during the Abhijit Muhurta (time of the month of Annakut) on the occasion of the festival of Annakut. Accompanied by the sounds of the army band and traditional instruments, and chants of “Ganga Mamya ki Jai,” the Doli of Mother Ganga departed for its winter sojourn in Mukhba village. After this, the festive Doli of Mother Ganga will now reside in Mukhba village for six months.
Rituals began at Gangotri Dham on Wednesday morning. Pilgrim priests performed the Abhishek and Aarti of Mother Ganga at the ghats and special prayers at the temple. Army personnel from Harshil served the devotees by setting up a free medical camp and langar. As per the auspicious time, the doors of the Gangotri Temple were closed for the winter season at 11:36 am. With this, the idol of Ganga Ji departed from here on a palanquin for Mukhba. During this time, the saints and sages who remain in Gangotri Dham even during the winter season, and the staff who maintain the temples, ashrams, and hotels, bid farewell to Ganga Ji.
Rajesh Semwal, the Tirthapurohit of Gangotri Dham, stated that the festival palanquin of Mother Ganga from Gangotri Dham will rest for the night at the Markandeypuri Devi Temple. Bhajans will be performed there throughout the night. The next day, the festival palanquin of Mother Ganga will remain in Mukhba village for the winter season. For six months, the darshan of Mother Ganga will be available only in Mukhba village. He said that this time the doors of Gangotri Dham have been closed amidst thousands of devotees. The eternal flame continues to burn even after the doors are closed: The doors of Gangotri Dham may be closed, but the eternal flame will continue to burn in a large copper lamp. Temple committee president Dharmanand Semwal explains that a large copper lamp is made in the temple. People fill it with oil and light the eternal flame. When the doors of the Dham open next year on Akshaya Tritiya, the eternal flame will be found burning. Pilgrims have the privilege of seeing the eternal flame. Where is Mukhba: Mukhba is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Its elevation is approximately 8000 feet above sea level. Mukhba is approximately 80 kilometers from the Uttarkashi district headquarters. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Mukhba is a sight to behold.
