Badrinath Temple in winter

The Badrinath Temple remains closed for approximately 6 months during winter season due to heavy snow fall and harsh weather in Badrinath. When Badrinath Temple remains closed for six months during the winter season, a ceremonial ritual known as the “Utsav Doli” is performed to mark the closure of the temple and the departure of the deity, Lord Badrinath, to his winter abode at Jyotirmath. This process is deeply ingrained in the traditions and customs associated with the temple’s annual schedule. Here’s an in-depth look at what happens during the closure of Badrinath Temple and the significance of the murti (idol) at Jyotirmath:

Closure of Badrinath Temple for 6 months:

1. Announcement: The closing date of Badrinath Temple is announced well in advance, usually during the month of November.
2. Preparations: Prior to the closure, the temple priests perform special rituals and ceremonies to prepare the deity for his journey to Jyotirmath.
3. Utsav Doli Ceremony: On the appointed day, a grand procession known as the “Utsav Doli” is held. The deity of Lord Badrinath is adorned with elaborate decorations and carried in a palanquin or doli, accompanied by chanting of hymns and devotional songs.
4. Departure: The procession makes its way from Badrinath Temple to the nearby village of Pandukeshwar, where a symbolic ceremony takes place to bid farewell to the deity.
5. Arrival at Jyotirmath: After the farewell ceremony, the idol of Lord Badrinath is transported to the winter shrine at Jyotirmath, where it will reside for the next six months.

Significance of Jyotirmath:

Jyotirmath, also known as Joshimath, is a sacred town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, approximately 44 kilometers (27 miles) from Badrinath. It serves as the winter seat of Lord Badrinath during the temple’s closure.

1. Winter Shrine: Jyotirmath houses a special shrine dedicated to Lord Badrinath, where the deity’s idol is installed during the winter months. This shrine is known as the “Utsav Murti Sthala” or the winter abode of Lord Badrinath.
2. Daily Worship: Throughout the winter season, daily rituals and ceremonies are conducted at the shrine of Lord Badrinath in Jyotirmath, maintaining the continuity of worship and devotion.
3. Pilgrimage Destination: Jyotirmath is also a significant pilgrimage destination in its own right, housing several ancient temples and religious sites, including the Adi Guru Shankaracharya Math and the Narasimha Temple.
4. Cultural Heritage: The presence of the murti (idol) of Lord Badrinath at Jyotirmath during the winter months is not only a religious tradition but also a cultural heritage deeply rooted in the history and spirituality of the region.