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Badrinath Dham to Reopen on April 23, Gadu Ghada Ceremony Set for April 7

The portals of the revered Badrinath Dham will reopen to devotees on April 23 at 6:15 AM. The announcement was made on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami from the royal court in Narendra Nagar. A key preparatory ritual, the Gadu Ghada or sacred sesame oil ceremony, is scheduled for April 7. The opening date and time were finalized after astrological consultations for Maharaj Manujendra Shah.

Key Points: Badrinath Dham Reopening Date Announced for April 23

  • Temple reopening on April 23 at 6:15 AM
  • Gadu Ghada ceremony on April 7
  • Date announced on Basant Panchami
  • Part of Panch Badri temples
3 min read

Badrinath Dham portals to reopen on April 23, customary 'Gadu Ghada' ceremony on this date

The sacred Badrinath Dham temple will reopen for pilgrims on April 23 at 6:15 AM, with the traditional Gadu Ghada ceremony scheduled for April 7.

"Based on the astrological chart of Maharaj Manujendra Shah, the date and time decided for the opening of the portals of Badrinath Dham is April 23, 6:15 am. - Acharya Krishnanand Nautiyal"

Chamoli, January 23

The hallowed portals of the Badrinath Dham will reopen to devotees on April 23, Manujendra Shah, the current titular Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, said on Friday on the occassion of Basant Panchmi festival.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, he said, "Greetings to all the people of Uttarakhand and of the country. It's a matter of pride to announce that this year, the gates of Badrinath Dham will reopen on April 23 at 6:15 am. The Gadu Ghada ceremony will be held on April 7."

The opening date of Shri Badrinath Dham temple is announced annually on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami every year.

The date declaration is done from the royal court of Tehri Naresh in Narendra Nagar of Tehri Garhwal District.

This temple of Lord Vishnu has various rituals performed on the announcement day as well as the day of commencement of the temple's pilgrimage season.

According to the Dham's website, the announcement is followed by the Gadu Ghada ritual, the sacred sesame oil ceremony, which is specially extracted by devotees from the sesame seeds. The oil is then sent to the Badrinath temple via Rishikesh in a revered journey named "Tel Kalash yatra".

On the day of the opening ceremony, the seat of lord Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan is transferred from Narasimha Temple to Badrinath.

Acharya Krishnanand Nautiyal from the Narendra Nagar Royal Palace today said that the date and time have been finalised after carefully monitoring the astrological chart of Maharaj Manujendra Shah.

"Based on the astrological chart of Maharaj Manujendra Shah, the date and time decided for the opening of the portals of Badrinath Dham is April 23, 6:15 am. The gates of Lord Badrinath will be opened for general devotees. The sesame oil sent for the anointing ceremony of Lord Badri Vishal will arrive here on April 7th and will be processed under the supervision of the Maharani ji..." he said.

Earlier, after performing traditional rituals and prayers at the royal palace, the date for the opening of the portals of Badrinath Dham was formally announced.

Badarinath is one of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites among the 108 divya desams incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Badrinath town is also a part of the Panch Badri temples, including Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri, along with the Badrinath temple.

The temple is approximately 50 feet tall with a small cupola on top, covered with a gold gilt roof. The Badarinath temple is divided into three parts: the Garbha Griha or the sanctum sanctorum, the Darshan Mandap, where rituals are conducted and the Sabha Mandap, where pilgrims assemble.

At the Badarinath Mandir Gate, directly opposite the main Idol of Lord himself, is seated an idol of Bird Garud, the vehicle of Lord Badarinarayan. Garud is seen in a sitting position and in prayer with his hands folded. The walls and pillars of the mandapa are covered with intricate carvings.

The Garbha Griha portion has its canopy covered with a sheet of gold and houses Lord Badari Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad rishi, Udhava, Nar and Narayan. The complex has 15 idols.

Earlier, the portals of the world-famous eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Dham, were ceremoniously closed for the winter season at 8:30 am on October 23, which coincided with Bhai Dooj (Kartik Shukla Saptami, Anuradha Nakshatra).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's fascinating how the date is decided based on the Maharaja's astrological chart. Shows the deep connection between our royalty, tradition, and faith. The logistics of the 'Tel Kalash yatra' from Rishikesh must be a sight to behold. Hope the Uttarakhand government ensures smooth travel for all pilgrims.
A
Aman W
While I respect the traditions, I hope the authorities have learned from past years. The crowd management in Badrinath during peak season can be chaotic. Safety of devotees should be the top priority alongside the rituals.
S
Sarah B
Reading about the architectural details is amazing. A 50-feet tall temple with a gold gilt roof and intricate carvings... it's a national heritage site. The preservation work must be immense given the harsh Himalayan weather. More power to the people maintaining it.
V
Vikram M
My parents did this yatra last year. They said the spiritual energy is unmatched. The transfer of the deity from Narasimha Temple to Badrinath on opening day is a ceremony every devotee should witness once in their lifetime. Booking my tickets today!
K
Kavya N
The article mentions it's one of the 108 Divya Desams. The history and significance run so deep. It's not just a temple, it's a living part of our Sanatana Dharma. Har har Mahadev, and in this case, Jai Shri Badri Narayan! 🙏

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