Published 11:54 IST, November 17th 2019
Uttarakhand: Badrinath Temple decorated ahead of closing of the temple for winter
Badrinath Temple in the Garhwal Himalayan range of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has been decorated ahead of its closing of the temple portals on Sunday.
The Badrinath Temple in the Garhwal Himalayan range of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has been decorated ahead of its closing of the temple portals on Sunday, November 17, for the winter season. According to reports, the traditional rituals for the closure of the temple took place in the presence of priests and scores of devotees. Along with it, the Badrinath temple was decorated with flowers and fairy lights. According to a priest, "The idol of Lord Badrinath will be carried out of the shrine and the portals will be closed to the public for the winter at 5.13 pm today."
About the closing of the temple
According to reports, although the Badrinath temple will be closed, the pilgrims will be able to pay their obeisance to Lord Badrinath at Joshimath during the winters. Earlier, the portals of Badrinath temple were thrown open to pilgrims in May after a six-month-long winter break. Further reports stated that the closure of the temple marks the end of the Char Dham Yatra with the other shrines- Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri being closed to the public earlier. The gates of the temple were closed on November 20 last year as the area had become snow-bound.
About Badrinath Temple
According to reports, the temple is located at a height of over 10,000 feet in the Garhwal hills. It is among the four Char Dham shrines which include Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. The Chardham yatra attracts lakhs of tourists and devotees every year from across the country and abroad. On April 24 this year, BJP MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, who belongs to the erstwhile royal family of the state, had participated in rituals performed ahead of the reopening of the shrine.
(WITH ANI INPUTS)
Updated 15:40 IST, November 17th 2019