The sacred gates of Shri Badrinath Dham, known as the earthly Vaikunth, have been formally closed for winter after the ceremonial rituals concluded at 2:56 PM. Devotees witnessed the divine closure ceremony with chants of “Badri Vishal ki Jai” resonating throughout the temple complex.
Before the gates were closed, the Rawal of Badrinath installed Maa Lakshmi inside the sanctum and draped her with a traditional ghrit blanket, woven by the unmarried girls of Mana village using local goat wool. As per tradition, the Rawal assumed a feminine form, representing Lakshmi’s companion, to complete the ritual.
This year, over 16.55 lakh devotees visited Badrinath Dham. On 26 November, the Uddhav Ji, Kuber Ji, and Shankaracharya Ji ceremonial palanquins will reach Pandukeshwar as part of the winter procession.
Closure Schedule Highlights
- 12:15 PM: Evening rituals of Badri Vishal
- 1:00 PM: Entry of Maha Lakshmi into the sanctum
- 1:40 PM: Uddhav Ji, Kuber Ji, and Garud Ji taken out of the sanctum
- 1:40 PM onwards: Initiation of gate-closing rituals
- 2:56 PM: Gates of Badrinath Dham officially closed for winter
The temple doors will now remain closed until the next summer season’s opening ceremony.
