Chamoli: One among the four revered shrines, Badrinath’s portals were closed on Sunday at 9pm with all the rituals amid slogans of Jai Badri Vishal by the devotees present on this occasion. As per the press note of Badr-Kedar temple committee (BKTC) more than 10, 000 devotees were present at the portal closing ceremony.
On this occasion, the Badrinath temple was grandly decorated with 15 quintals of flowers. On the morning of 18 November, the Dev Dolis (Presiding deity palanquins) will leave for Yog Badri, Pandukeshwar and Narsimha temple, Joshimath for almost six months long winter stay.
Over 7500 devotees received the blessing of Lord Badri-Vishal
On 17 November, the world-famous Badrinath shrine portals were closed for the winter season at 9:07 pm with rituals and the proclamation of Jai Badrivishal, accompanied by the devotional tunes of the Army’s band. On the last day, more than 7,500 devotees had received the blessings of Lord Badrinath. The Shri Badrinath Pushp Seva Samiti in Rishikesh adorned the temple with flowers for the occasion. Local folk artists and the Mahila Mangal Dal Bamni, Pandukeshwar, organized traditional dances and Jagars. Donors and the army also organized bhandaras (community feasts) for the devotees.
BKTC president congratulated all the devotees
Shri Badrinath- Kedarnath Temple Committee President Ajendra Ajay, in his message, has congratulated all the devotees on the occasion of the end of the yatra and has expressed gratitude to all the departments and institutions associated with Shri Badrinath Yatra. BKTC Vice President Kishore Panwar has thanked all the devotees on the occasion of the end of the yatra.
Work of master plan is going on at a fast pace in Badrinath shrine
On the occasion of the conclusion of the Shri Badrinath Dham Yatra, Rudraprayag District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari visited Lord Badrivishal. He stated that the Yatra has been successfully completed with the coordinated efforts of the administration and temple committee, noting a record number of pilgrim arrivals. He also mentioned that the master plan work at Shri Badrinath Dham is progressing rapidly, which will enhance the facilities available to pilgrims.
More than 14.25 lakh pilgrims have visited Badrinath shrine this season
BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal stated that this year’s Shri Badrinath Dham Yatra concluded successfully, with more than 14.25 lakh pilgrims visiting the shrine. The temple committee ensured simple and smooth arrangements for the pilgrims. On the day of the door closing, devotees continued to visit until the evening before the Shayan Aarti Puja Archana began. The temple remained open after the Bhog during the day, and the process of closing the doors commenced at 7:30 pm.
Chief priest Rawal Amarnath Namboodri performed the portal closing ritual
Rawal Amarnath Namboodri, Dharmadhikari Radhakrishna Thapliyal, Vedpathi Ravindra Bhatt, and Amit Bandolia oversaw the closing ceremony of the Shri Badrinath temple. Shri Uddhav ji and Kuber ji emerged from the sanctum sanctorum, after which Rawal Amarnath Namboodri, taking the form of a woman, installed Maa Lakshmi in the sanctum sanctorum. At 8:15 pm, Lord Badrivishal was covered with a ghee blanket woven by Mana Mahila Mangal Dal. Finally, at 9:07 pm, Rawal Amarnath Namboodri closed the doors of Shri Badrinath Dham.
Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath portals are already closed
The Char Dham shrines have started their winter closures, with the portals of Gangotri closing on 2 November, and the doors of Kedarnath and Yamunotri following on 3 November this year.
