Chamoli (Uttrakhand): One of the most pious and acknowledged Hindu shrines, Badrinath Temple in the Uttarakhand state is set to close for the public from November 17. Announcement about the same was made by the chief priest of the temple.
The closure of the temple will mark the beginning of winter in the temple city and also the end of the Char Dham Yatra season.
Gates of Badrinath Temple to be close on November 17 Badrinath Temple is shut down for winter months every year during while prayers to the Badri Vishal ‘Utsav Murti’ continue at the Narsimha temple in Joshimath. The priests of Badrinath Temple continue to perform the rituals on the ‘Utsav Murti’ at Narasimha temple during the winter season.
While the Badrinarayan temple is closed on November 17, the pilgrims can offer their prayers to the presiding deities of the temple at other locations where they are worshipped during the winters.
Before closing the temple doors, the priests light a lamp before the idol in the sanctum. It is said that during this period of winter months, Narad Muni who had attained salvation here, continues with the prayer services. This belief is further strengthened based on the fact that when the temple is again reopened after six months in spring, the lamp is still seen to be flickering!
The Badrinath temple opens every year in the month of April-May & closes for winters in the third week of November. Thus the temple is shut down for 6 months every year during which prayers to the Badri Vishal continue at the Narsimha temple in Joshimath.
Badrinath Temple believed to be an ancient shrine is located in a tough motorable zone amidst sky-high mountains of the Himalayan range, which makes it nearly impossible to visit during the peak winters.
Also Read: Portals of Badrinath closed due to a lunar eclipse
