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Bhagavan
Kedareswar is accessible for worship by mortals from April - the time when the
sun enters Mesha, or Aries in Vaisakha to October. when he leaves for Scorpio.
During the winter, Kedar Prabhu is worshipped by gods exclusively: and at, that
time a replica of the Lord is worshipped by humans at Ukimath, lying at a
distance of 60 K.m. from the shrine :hence for mortals Ukimath is the permanent
seat of worship. When the temple is closed, the priests reside at Guptasaki and
Ukimath. The speciality of the priests is that they claim descent from the
Rawals - the High Priests appointed by the Adi Sankara himself choosing from
amongst Kerala brahmins of pure Aryan origin. Thus, the Namboodri brahmins are
still holding the holy post. As the temple was consecrated by Adi Sankara to
making the holy shrine holier, the holier image holiest by worshipping the most
compassionate at this !unique place, it has acquired supreme significance
thenceforth. Staunch Saivites offer very many types of poojas with great fervor.
Normal kinds. of course. are the morning and the evening ones. The morning pooja
is called Nirvan Darsan and the evening one Shringar Darsan. The several poojas,
like Subh prabhat. Balbhog, Mahabhishek, Rudrabhishek. Ashtohar, Siva Sahasranam.
Siva Mahima Stotra and Ekanta Seva are offered everyday. The shrine attracts
lakhs of pilgrims during Kumbha Mela at Haridwar, when Jupiter stays in
Acquaries once every twelve years. The Ardhra Kumbha Mela also brings the same
number and the pilgrims normally visit this after their prayers at Haridwar.
Read for more about the holy temple.
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