BADARINATH
The Himalayan abode of Sri Maha Vishnu

PUJAS AND TIMINGS

The darsan of the Lord Badarinath is made available only during fixed hours in the season. The morning pujas, like Abhishek, Mahabhishek, Gitapat and Bhagavatpat are offered with chanting of Vedic hymns, accompanied by chiming of bells. Elaborate rituals are observed during the evening pujas; and Gitgovind and Arati consume a lot of time. The rituals are many and they are characteristic of the North Indian style. Though they differ from the south Indian type, the piety and ardour that break through them reveal the glory of the Lord and the sincerity of the adorer. The temple is opened for worship for six months a year, and the Lord is worshipped at Joshimath in the winter season. The opening and closing dates are fixed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Temple Committee in consultation with Rawal and astrologers. Normally, during the first week of April, it is opened with special puja called Akhand Jyoti Darsan, and likewise many ceremonies will be observed on the closing day. Generally it falls in the month of November. The temple staff then reside in Joshimath and carry on the rituals with promptitude due to them.

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