Dehradun, April 27 (H.S.): On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, the doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham, revered by millions of Hindus, will be opened for devotees. During winter, worship of Mother Ganga occurs in Mukhwa village, while the Gangotri Dham remains closed.

On Akshaya Tritiya, the festively adorned palanquin of Mother Ganga will be transported to Gangotri, and the temple doors will be opened following traditional rituals. Similarly, in Yamunotri Dham, the palanquin of Mother Yamuna will arrive from Kharsali along with Shani Maharaj, before he returns after the doors are opened.

It is believed that when the Dham’s doors open, many deities are present, blessing attendees with immense merit. Historical references to Gangotri Dham date back to the Mahabharata, where Ganga’s descent is attributed to Bhagirath’s penance, with Mahadev controlling her force.

The Gangotri temple, built in the early 20th century by Maharaja Madho Singh of Jaipur, features white granite and stands 20 feet tall. The sanctum houses various revered idols. Surrounding sites include Bhagirathi Shila and Gaurikund. Yamunotri Temple, situated at 3323 meters in the Ravaai Valley, was constructed by King Surdshan Shah in 1850.

A new mortar and stone temple stands where a wooden structure once was, featuring a black statue of Goddess Yamuna.

On April 30, at 11:55 AM, the doors of Yamunotri will be opened during the Rohini Nakshatra, while the Gangotri festive palanquin will arrive on April 30 at 9:00 AM. All arrangements have been finalized by both temple committees.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar