The iconic Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, officially closed its doors for the winter season at 9:07 pm on Sunday. This marks the end of the annual Char Dham pilgrimage for 2024, which attracts thousands of devotees to the sacred shrines of Uttarakhand.
Thousands Gather for Final Darshan
Over 10,000 devotees thronged the temple on Saturday, seeking blessings from Lord Badri Vishal as the sacred rituals drew to a close. The week-long closure ceremonies commenced on November 13, following the traditional Panch Puja, a detailed series of rituals that prepare the temple for its long winter hibernation.
The process began with the closure of the Shri Ganesh Temple, followed by the Adi Kedareshwar and Adi Guru Shankaracharya temples. On November 15, the cessation of Veda Richas, the chanting of Vedic verses, marked a significant milestone in the temple’s transition into its winter phase.
Key Rituals Mark Closure
Priests completed the Khatag Puja, a vital event in the Panch Puja, on Friday. They then offered Kadhai Bhog to Goddess Lakshmi, accompanied by prayers seeking Lord Badrinath’s safe return to the sanctum sanctorum in the spring.
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The Rawal (chief priest) and Dharmadhikari (religious head) received the Veda Upanishads, formally transferring the spiritual responsibilities until the temple reopens in April or May 2025.
Char Dham Pilgrimage Draws to a Close
The Badrinath Temple’s closure coincides with the seasonal shutdown of other Char Dham temples. Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, was the first to close on November 2, followed by Yamunotri, honouring Goddess Yamuna, and Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, on November 3, which aligned with Bhai Dooj.
Kedarnath’s closure was marked by a grand ceremony, with the temple adorned with over 10 quintals of flowers. Other significant shrines, including Rudranath, Tungnath, and Madhyamaheshwar, also shut their doors for the winter. Bhakunta Bhairavnath, the protector deity of Kedarnath, closed on October 29.
Preserving Sanctity During Harsh Winters
These seasonal closures, further determined by celestial alignments during Dussehra, are vital for preserving the sanctity and physical structure of the temples through the harsh Himalayan winters. The sites will reopen in spring, ushering in the 2025 Char Dham Yatra.
The Char Dham Yatra traditionally follows a clockwise route, beginning with Yamunotri and proceeding to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These closures ensure the spiritual and physical readiness of the temples to welcome devotees afresh each year, maintaining their sanctity and heritage.
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