Portals of Hemkund Sahib open

Over 5,000 Sikh pilgrims undertook a trek to Hemkund Sahib today to pay obeisance at the Himalayan shrine as its sacred portals were thrown open to devotees after winters.

The first batch of pilgrims ledby the panch pyaras and granthis of Hemkund Sahib left Ghanghariya early today and traversed a steep trek of 6 km to open its gates ceremoniously at 10 am, Chief Manager of the Gurudwara Sardar Seva Singhsaid.

Army jawans had to toil for weeks at Ghanghariya to make the trek route from Atlakoti to Hemkund Sahib, which was covered with snow, usable for pilgrims.

Over five thousand pilgrims turned up at the shrine to offer prayers on the opening day, he said.

Though there is still a lot of snow close to the shrine enthusiastic pilgrims tookthe ritual dip in the lake and participated in Sukhmani recital and Shabad kirtan, he said.

However, the presence of snow around the temple, located at a height of 15,300 feet, has enhanced its beauty and enriched the spiritual experience of the visitors, Singh said.

Meanwhile, Deccan Airways began helicopter service from Govindghat to Ghanghariya enroute to the shrine today. However, pilgrims would have to trek to the gurudwara from Ghanghariya onwards.

It is believed that the tenth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, had meditated in his previous birth at the spot where Hemkund Sahib stands.

Sikh devotees from across the country and abroad visit the shrine every year after it is opened towards May end.

It is closed in October for the winter every year when it remains snowbound.