BADRINATH, UTTARANCHAL, INDIA, November 19, 2005: The ancient Hindu temple of Lord Badri Narayan, which is also known as Badrinath Dhaam, has shut down for the winter. Located at a height of 10,248 feet above sea level, Badrinath is in the Tehri-Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand), the temple is visited by hundreds of thousands devotees every year. The route to Badrinath is one of the most arduous due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.
As per the ritual established by Lord Brahma, the temple would be open for six months from Hindu calender month Vaishaka to Karthik for “Darshan” (or, holy glimpse of Lord) to common people. For the remaining six months i.e. from Margashsish to Chaitra the temple would be closed for “Darshan” for common people as it is Devas turn for Lord’s darshan. As per the established norms or rituals the pujas (worship) have to be conducted without a break and therefore the Utsavars (or, the bronze images of Lord) are taken with all reverence to Pandukeshwar, the abode of Lord Badrinarayan during winter. On the day of re-opening of the main shrine at Badrinath. These images are brought back for Puja and Darshan.