Source: sify.com
DEHRADUN, INDIA, October 18, 2010: Popular Himalayan Hindu shrines in Uttarakhand will be closed for the winter next month, officials said Monday. The temple priests decided to close Kedarnath and Badrinath temples for the public Nov 7 and Nov 18. A decision in this regard was taken by the respective priests on Sunday after consulting the traditional Hindu calendar, said temple officials. It is believed that Devas and demi-Gods conduct worship of Lord Vishnu in the Badrinath shrine during the winter months, whereas the human beings worship the Deity during the other months.
Meanwhile, Gangotri shrine authorities have also decided to close the temple on November 6. Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is one of the four main Hindu shrines, commonly known as Char Dham that includes Badrinath, Kedarnath and Yamunotri.