Kedarnath Temple in Bhaktapur Opens to Public for First Time on Teej

Dragon Media Correspondent

The historic Kedarnath Temple at Bhaktapur Durbar Square has been opened to the general public for the first time on the occasion of Haritalika Teej. The temple, established by King Yaksha Malla, was opened to devotees from early morning for worship, cultural scholar Ganesh Ranjitkar said.

According to temple priest Pramilraj Subedi, the Kedarnath Temple had previously been opened only twice a year, on Buddha Jayanti, which falls on the full moon of Baisakh, and on Maha Shivaratri. This year, the temple was opened on Teej to make it easier for fasting devotees and other visitors to offer prayers. The temple will remain open throughout the day.

A significant number of women have gathered at the temple since morning following its opening. Local resident Sabina Bohaju expressed happiness at being able to enter the temple and worship there for the first time. She recalled that after the 2015 earthquake damaged the temple, she had only been able to worship Lord Shiva from outside. This time, she said, entering the temple for darshan was a special experience.

Satyaram Suwal, coordinator of the Bhaktapur Heritage Conservation Group, said a grand Maha Aarti will also be organised simultaneously at the famous Char Dham area within Bhaktapur Durbar Square to mark Haritalika Teej 2083.

According to Suwal, the Maha Aarti will be performed at the Char Dham area at the same time on Teej. A large number of fasting women, devotees and visitors are expected to participate in the religious and spiritual programme.

The opening of the Kedarnath Temple to the public for the first time on Teej, together with the simultaneous Maha Aarti at the Char Dham area, has become a special attraction in Bhaktapur’s religious and cultural activities this year.