The renowned Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand reopened to devotees on Thursday after its annual winter closure caused by heavy snowfall. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple welcomed large crowds of pilgrims who gathered to mark the auspicious occasion and offer prayers.
Visuals from the site showed a significant turnout of devotees. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was also present at the reopening ceremony.
ALSO READ: Char Dham Yatra 2026: How To Register & Other Details
The ceremony was held with traditional rituals and chants of Vedic shlokas. For the grand event, the shrine has been beautifully decorated with flowers.
Located in the Garhwal Himalayas at about 3,100 meters, Badrinath Temple is the most prominent shrine of the Char Dham circuit in Uttarakhand. It is managed by the Shri Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee.
Thousands of Hindu devotees take the Char Dham pilgrimage annually, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
History Of Badrinath
Badrinath Temple is among the 108 Divya Desams sacred to Vaishnavites, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The town is also part of the Panch Badri group, which includes Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri.
According to a popular legend, Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya discovered a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in the Alaknanda River and first placed it in a cave near Tapt Kund. In the 16th century, the Garhwal king shifted the idol to its present shrine at Badrinath Temple. The deity is shown in a meditative posture.
Visiting Badrinath
The Char Dham Yatra 2026 began in Uttarakhand, with Yamunotri Temple and Gangotri Temple reopening on Akshaya Tritiya after winter closure. As per the schedule, Yamunotri and Gangotri will remain open until Nov. 11 and 10. Kedarnath Temple opened on April 22, while Badrinath Temple opened on April 23 and will close on Nov. 13. Badrinath is accessible via road connectivity.
Registration and Safety Measures
— Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims, with online enrolment and verification required at each shrine.
— Authorities have strengthened safety measures this year, including compulsory medical screening for vulnerable travellers, real-time tracking, and deployment of ambulances and emergency services.
— A helicopter ambulance service operated by AIIMS Rishikesh is also in place.
— Despite improved infrastructure, the yatra remains physically demanding due to high-altitude terrain and unpredictable weather. Pilgrims are advised to plan ahead, carry essentials, and follow guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth spiritual journey.
ALSO READ: Kedarnath Temple Doors Open With Vedic Rituals, Marking Start of Pilgrimage Season | Watch Video
Every year, pilgrims usually follow a west-to-east route, starting at Yamunotri. To visit these holy shrines, registration is mandatory, including compulsory medical screening for vulnerable travellers.
Authorities have also made arrangements for ambulances and a helicopter emergency service by AIIMS Rishikesh to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.