Badrinath – The traditional winter-closure process of Badrinath Temple has begun, marking the start of the sacred Panch Pujas. As per centuries-old belief, Lord Badrivishal is worshipped for six months by humans and for six months by the deities. With the commencement of Panch Pujas, it is believed that divine forces start arriving in the shrine, and after the temple closes, all worship responsibilities are handed over to the deities for the winter period.
The Panch Pujas, conducted five days before the temple’s closure, hold significant religious importance. The ritual begins at the Ganesh Temple, where the final season-ending worship is performed by the Rawal. After the concluding prayers, the temple doors are ceremonially closed.
On the second day, the Adi Kedar Temple performs the traditional Annakoot ritual, where cooked rice is offered to Lord Shiva, and the Shivling is completely covered with the Annakoot. The temple shuts after the offering. On the third day, the Khadak Granth Puja and the recitation of Vedic hymns come to an end. The fourth day is dedicated to offering Kadahi Bhog to Goddess Lakshmi in the temple premises. Following these rituals, the Badrinath Temple is closed for winter on the fifth day.
Former religious officer Bhuvan Chandra Uniyal said that according to scriptures, this age-old tradition—six months of worship by humans and six months by deities—has remained unchanged since ancient times. Worship rights return to devotees when the temple reopens in the month of Vaishakh next year.
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The closure process officially began on 21 November with the morning Abhishek of Lord Badrinath and special rituals at the Ganesh Temple. On 22 November, the Adi Kedar Temple will be closed, followed by the conclusion of scripture worship and Vedic recitations in the Sabha Mandap on 23 November. On 24 November, Goddess Lakshmi will be offered Kadahi Bhog along with special rituals. The main temple doors of Badrinath Dham will be closed on 25 November at 2:56 PM for the winter season.
