Badrinath Temple begins today, marked by the arrival of the deities through a series of traditional “Panch Poojas.

The Panch Poojas performed before the closing of the Badrinath Dham’s gates hold deep religious significance. According to traditional beliefs, these rituals mark the arrival of the deities in the shrine. Once the temple doors are shut, worship of Lord Badri Vishal for the next six months is believed to be carried out by the divine beings themselves.

The Panch Poojas begin five days before the temple officially closes. During this period, the final rituals of the season are performed in various temples, after which their doors are shut. This sequence of rituals is known as the Panch Poojas, and Badrinath’s Panch Poojas are considered particularly unique. The process starts at the Ganesh Temple, where the concluding prayers are conducted by the Rawal (chief priest). Once the worship is completed, the doors of the Ganesh Temple are closed.

On the second day, the Annakoot ceremony takes place at the Adi Kedar Temple. Cooked rice is offered to Lord Shiva, and the Shivling is covered with the Annakoot. The temple doors are then sealed for winter. On the third day, the traditional worship of sacred scriptures and the chanting of Vedic hymns comes to an end. On the fourth day, special offerings known as Kadhai Bhog are presented to Goddess Lakshmi. After this series of rituals, the doors of the Badrinath Temple are also closed in accordance with sacred procedures.

Six Months of Worship by Humans and Six Months by Gods

Former religious head of Badrinath, Bhuwan Chandra Uniyal, explains that according to ancient scriptures and traditions, Lord Badrinath is worshipped by humans for six months and by the gods for the remaining six months. It is believed that as soon as the Panch Poojas begin, the deities start arriving at the shrine. Once the temple is shut for winter, responsibility for the worship passes to the divine beings, and the right to perform rituals returns to humans in the month of Vaishakh the following year.

Closing Schedule of Badrinath Temple

The process of closing Badrinath Temple for the winter began today, 21 November. Special prayers were performed in the Ganesh Temple along with the ceremonial anointment of Lord Badrinath. After these rituals, the temple doors will be closed.

• On 22 November, the doors of the Adi Kedar Temple will be shut.

• On 23 November, the worship of sacred texts and Vedic recitations in the Sabha Mandap of Badrinath Temple will conclude.

• On 24 November, Goddess Lakshmi will be offered Kadhai Bhog, along with special rituals in the Lakshmi Temple.

Finally, on 25 November, at 2:56 PM, the doors of Badrinath Dham will be formally closed for the winter season following traditional rituals.