Bhoomi-Vaikunth Shri Badrinath Dham: A Unique Tradition of Temple Reopening Begins April 22
Dehradun (Utrakhand) : The process of reopening the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham, revered as Bhoomi-Vaikunth and a symbol of unwavering faith for millions of Hindus, is set to commence from April 22 this year. The tradition surrounding the reopening and closing of the shrine is truly unique in itself. The dates for opening and closing of the temple are determined based on the horoscope of the Tehri royal family.
According to the priests of the Kedar Khand region, the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham will be ceremoniously opened for devotees on May 4. As part of the rituals, the sacred Gadu Ghada (oil urn) will embark on a 12-day journey, stopping at various spiritual halts, and will reach the Dham on the 13th day. On the 14th day, after due religious ceremonies and worship, the shrine’s gates will be opened for devotees.
Six Months of Winter Sojourn
During the six-month winter period, the sacred seat of Adi Shankaracharya is housed at Jyotirmath, while Lord Uddhav and Kuber reside in Pandukeshwar. During this time, Lord Badri Vishal, along with Goddess Lakshmi, remains covered in a ghrit kambal (blanket soaked in ghee). On the reopening day, Goddess Lakshmi is ceremoniously enshrined in the Lakshmi Temple, and the divine assembly of Badri Vishal, Adi Shankaracharya’s seat, Uddhav Ji, and Kuber Ji is beautifully arranged.
Rituals Begin at the Royal Court in Narendra Nagar
The ritualistic preparations begin at the royal court of Narendra Nagar. On April 22, in the presence of Queen Rajyalakshmi Shah, married women in yellow attire will offer sesame oil for the Gadu Ghada, which will then commence its sacred journey toward Shri Badrinath Dham that same evening, reaching Rishikesh by night.
On April 23, a special prayer and public viewing of the oil urn will take place in Rishikesh. Later in the afternoon, it will proceed to Munikireti. On April 24, the Gadu Ghada will reach Srinagar and then, on April 25, depart from the Lakshmi Narayan Temple to Dimmar village. The journey continues via Rudraprayag, eventually reaching the sacred Shri Narsingh Temple in Jyotirmath that evening.
Following rituals at the Narsingh Temple, on May 2, the Gadu Ghada and Adi Guru Shankaracharya’s seat, led by Rawal Amarnath Namboodiri, will proceed to Yogadhyan Badri at Pandukeshwar. On May 3, the idols of Uddhav Ji and Kuber Ji will also join the procession from Pandukeshwar.
Finally, on Sunday, May 4, at 6 AM, the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham will be opened with full Vedic rituals, allowing devotees to once again seek the darshan and blessings of Lord Badri Vishal.
