Kedarnath, June 19 (IANS) The pilgrimage season is currently at its peak at Kedarnath Dham, one of the holiest shrines in the country. With the arrival of weekends and holidays, the number of devotees visiting the Himalayan temple has been steadily increasing. Pilgrims from across India and abroad are flocking to the sacred shrine to seek the blessings of Baba Kedar.

According to official figures, as of 5 p.m. on Thursday, more than 12.7 lakh devotees (1,270,903) had offered prayers at the revered temple this year.

A deep sense of devotion and enthusiasm is visible among the pilgrims arriving at Kedarnath. Many devotees said they had cherished the dream of visiting Baba Kedar for years and finally had the opportunity to undertake the spiritual journey. After offering prayers, several pilgrims appeared emotional and described the experience as one of the most memorable moments of their lives.

Devotees also praised the arrangements made by the administration and the temple committee. They expressed satisfaction with the facilities related to darshan, security, healthcare, sanitation, and other basic amenities, stating that the pilgrimage was being conducted smoothly and efficiently.

However, some pilgrims raised concerns about the movement of horses and mules on the trekking route to the shrine. They pointed out that pedestrians often face inconvenience and safety risks due to the heavy movement of pack animals at certain stretches. Devotees urged the authorities to improve crowd and route management to ensure a safer and more comfortable pilgrimage experience.

Speaking to IANS, Lakhan, a devotee from Gujarat, said, “We reached here after trekking all the way. It feels wonderful to be here. The atmosphere is heavenly, and we are enjoying every moment.”

Another pilgrim visiting Kedarnath for the first time said, “I am really impressed. The facilities are very good, and toilets are available at regular intervals along the route.”

A devotee who had long dreamt of visiting the shrine said, “When I first heard about Kedarnath, I promised myself I would come one day. Seeing the steep climb worried me initially, but I kept chanting God’s name and finally reached here.”

Another pilgrim summed up the experience, saying, “The feeling is indescribable. It can only truly be understood by those who undertake the climb and experience Kedarnath themselves.”

–IANS

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