Friday, 28 April 2023 | PNS | BADRINATH
The portals of Badrinath temple were reopened to the public on Thursday morning amidst Vedic rituals. Thousands of devotees were present on the occasion. The first formal prayer in the temple was offered on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The ritual process of opening the temple began at 4 AM. Kuber, Uddhav and the Gadu Ghada- urn containing sesame oil- were brought in through the southern entrance. The doors of the temple were opened in the presence of the Rawal Isvari Prasad Namboodari, Dharmadhikari and traditional right holders along with office bearers of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and thousands of devotees. The Rawal offered special prayers in the temple wishing for the welfare of all. The first ritual prayer was offered in the name of PM Modi. The temple was decked up in about 15 quintals of flowers for the occasion.
Amid light snowfall and rain, the army band played tunes while local women sang traditional devotional songs and participated in folk dances to mark the occasion. On the directions of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a helicopter showered flowers on the people gathered on the occasion. With Badrinath being reopened to the public, all the Char Dham shrines are now open for pilgrims.
