Monday, 01 January 2024 | VINOD CHAMOLI | NEW TEHRI
While many struggle to cope with the winter chill, scores of ascetics are undertaking their spiritual and Yogic practices at the Char Dham which have been closed to the public for the winter. These ascetics have been permitted by the district administration to pursue their Sadhana in the high altitude Himalayan regions where the Char Dham shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are situated.
Apart from these ascetics, only the personnel of the security forces and police are present at the Char Dham shrines which are covered in a blanket of snow. According to official data, one ascetic has been permitted to undertake spiritual practices in Yamunotri, seven in Kedarnath and 25 in Badrinath while 55 have sought permission to pursue their practices in Gangotri.
The portals of Gangotri temple were closed November 14, the Yamunotri and Kedarnath temples were closed on November 15 and the Badrinath temple were closed to the public on November 18. Only a few uniformed personnel and a few ascetics remain in these high altitude pilgrimage centres during the winter amidst sub zero temperatures. A total of 88 ascetics applied for permission to remain in the Char Dham this time during the winter. The natural environment, religious and spiritual energy in these locations favours their external and internal practices. This is the reason why Sanyasis and sages are eager to undertake penance in these places.
In the past, many famous and learned saints have lived in caves or huts in the Gangotri valley including Swami Ramtirth, Swami Shivanand, Acharya Shriram Sharma, Swami Sundaranand, Tapovani Mata and Mahesh Yogi, among others. Decades ago as a seeker, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also spent time in the Kedarnath region. There are still many ancient caves in these regions where the Sadhus perform extreme penance. From 1980-90, many seekers were seen here, but gradually the number has reduced over the years.
During the winter period, the Char Dham areas remain completely covered with snow for about three months. In such a situation, drinking water also has to be arranged by melting snow. Arrangements for ration for the duration of the spiritual practice are also made in advance.
In Uttarkashi district, the Harshil station house officer Umesh Negi said that this time about 55 ascetics have applied to remain in Gangotri during the winter for spiritual practices. In Rudraprayag district, the Ukhimath sub divisional magistrate Jitender Verma said that seven ascetics had applied to remain in the Kedarnath area during the winter. Similarly, one ascetic has remained in Yamunotri and 25 in Badrinath to pursue their spiritual practices during the winter.
