Jyotirmath/Joshimath – Ahead of the Char Dham Yatra 2025, a week-long Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Gyan Katha Yagya, organised by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), concluded on Tuesday afternoon at Shri Narsingh Temple premises in Jyotirmath with a sacred Gangapuja and Jal Yatra. The event was aimed at seeking divine blessings for the success and safety of the upcoming yatra and for the welfare of devotees.
BKTC’s Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal and temple manager Ajay Sati were specially present on the concluding day. Badrinath Dham’s Dharmadhikari and Katha Vyasa Acharya Radhakrishna Thapliyal, in his discourse, highlighted the cosmic power of Goddess Durga and said that the universe originates from her. He added that just chanting her name leads to the well-being of humanity and makes the impossible possible.
According to BKTC media in-charge Dr. Harish Gaur, the week-long spiritual series featured tales of the divine creation, the destruction of demons, protection of devotees, and worship methods associated with Goddess Durga. Each evening, special aarti and bhajan sessions were also held. On Monday, the Purnahuti (final offering) of the Yagya was performed by Badrinath’s Vedic scholar Acharya Ravindra Bhatt. Priests Vasudev (from Vasudev temple) and Sushil Dimri (from Urgam) led the rituals in the presence of numerous devotees and temple staff.
On Tuesday morning, Jal Yatra was conducted. A religious procession, including Bhagwati Prasad Namboodri, chairperson of the Dev Pujai Samiti, female devotees, Katha Vyasa Acharya Radhakrishna Thapliyal, and temple priests, left Shri Narsingh Temple and reached the Vishnuprayag confluence. After a holy dip, Gangapuja and devata worship were performed before returning to the temple for the formal conclusion of the Katha.
The event began on March 30, marking Nav Samvatsar and Navratri, and has now officially concluded with the Purnahuti, Jal Yatra, and ceremonial placement of the sacred scripture at Shri Durga Temple in Jyotirmath.
Even though the Katha concluded today, a community bhandara (feast) will be held on Wednesday, where all devotees will be offered prasadam.
Those present during the conclusion included chief yajman Ajay Sati, administrative officer Girish Chauhan, temple officer Rajendra Chauhan, senior official Vijendra Bisht, accountant Bhupendra Rawat, Narsingh Temple in-charge Sandeep Kaparwan, Sandesh Mehta, manager Bhupendra Rana, priest Hanuman Prasad Dimri, and devotee Ansuya Nautiyal among others.
