Dehradun, April 23 -- The portals of Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, were opened on Wednesday amid chants of "Om Namah Shivay" and "Jai Jai Shri Kedar". Thousands of devotees gathered at the shrine to witness the ceremony, which was also attended by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The opening rituals were conducted according to traditional Vedic procedures and accompanied by performances by military bands. The temple was decorated with nearly 15 quintals of flowers offered by devotees, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere in the snow-clad Kedarnath valley. Chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Hemant Dwivedi said the first puja of the season was performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that over 2.05 million devotees have already registered for the Char Dham Yatra this year, calling it a record-breaking figure. Dhami said Kedarnath Dham is "not only a major centre of faith for followers of Sanatan Dharma but also a symbol of India's spiritual and cultural heritage". He added that under the guidance of Modi, reconstruction works have enhanced the pilgrim experience at the shrine. "I appeal to all residents of Uttarakhand to maintain a spirit of service and hospitality toward pilgrims. With Baba Kedar's blessings, this year's Yatra will set new records," he said. According to temple authorities, rituals began around 5am with prayers, and the temple gates were officially opened to devotees at 8am. The ceremony was held in the presence of the temple Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, and BKTC vice-president Vijay Kaprawan. Dwivedi said the use of mobile phones, photography, videography and social media reels has been prohibited within a 70-metre radius of the temple to maintain the sanctity of the shrine. The traditional process leading to the opening began on April 19 with worship of Bhairav Nath at the Omkareshwar Temple. The Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath departed from Ukhimath on April 20 and reached the shrine on Tuesday evening after a ceremonial procession. With Kedarnath's portals now open, attention shifts to Badrinath Temple, whose portals are scheduled to open on Friday at 6.15am....