Portals of Hemkund Sahib close for winters
Hemkund Sahib, the famous pilgrimage center of the Sikhs, and the doors of the Lokpal Laxman Temple, a center of faith for Hindus, have been closed for the winter session 2019. More than three thousand devotees were present on this occasion. Over 2.80 lakh devotees reached Hemkund Sahib during this yatra season. This is the first time since the disaster of 2013 when there were so many pilgrims. This number is 51 thousand more than last year.
Hemkund Sahib, situated at an altitude of 15225 feet above sea level, started the process of closing the doors. Sukhmani Sahib was recited under the leadership of Milap Singh and Khushwant Singh. This was followed by the Sabad-Kirtan and the last Ardas of this year at 12.20 pm and Gurugranth Sahib’s command was taken at one o’clock in the afternoon and Guru Granth Sahib was brought to Sachkhand of Darbar Sahib. Before the Ardas, devotees took a dip in the holy Hemkund lake. During this period, pudding and khichdi were distributed to the devotees.
On the other hand, according to tradition, the doors of Lokpal Laxman temple were also closed. Earlier, the pilgrims worshiped the Lokpal as per tradition. Thousands of devotees who reached Hemkund Sahib on this occasion also earned the virtue of the darshan of Lord Lokpal. It is believed that Lokpal Lakshman did penance at this place as Sheshnag in his previous birth.
