The portals of Hemkund Sahib, the revered Sikh shire and Lokpal Laxman temple located in Chamoli district were thrown open for pilgrims on Saturday. The gates of Hemkund Sahib were opened at 10.30 am amid chanting of Guru Ardas and Sahad Kirtan. On the very first day, 8000 pilgrims paid their obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum. On Saturday morning, first batch of devotee led by Panch Pyares reached the holy shrine from Ghangharia. Thousands of devotees also took a holy dip in the Hemkund sarovar on the occasion.
The portals of Lokpal Laxman were also opened on the day. This year the area around these holy shrines is covered with six feet of ice. The administration has claimed to make all arrangements for safe journey of pilgrims. The administration also opened the famed valley of flowers for tourists on the day.
Located at an altitude of 15000 feet above sea level, the Hemkund sahib was built near a lake where 10 Sikh guru Govind Singh is said to have meditated.
