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After the gates of Badrinath are closed for the winter, the shrine turns into a land of divine penance where Narad continues to worship and saints meditate amid harsh conditions for six months.
What happens in Badrinath for 6 months after lockdown? Devotees rarely hear the secret of winter (Image-char dham yatra)
In Hinduism, Badrinath is one of the sacred shrines of Char Dham, and it closes every year before winter. This year, the temple gates will close on November 25 at 2:56 p.m., marking the beginning of a six-month period when the entire area will be transformed into a secluded land of divine atonement.
As per tradition, once the shrine is closed, Devarshi Narad takes charge of worshiping Lord Narayan and Goddess Lakshmi. Narad represents the divine world and is believed to continue the rituals inside the sanctuary.
While the temple remains out of reach for devotees, the high mountains and caves surrounding Badrinath are turning into a spiritual haven where sages meditate for the well-being of the world. These saints must obtain special permission to survive in the harsh winter conditions and carry with them everything necessary to survive.
A saint popularly known as Baba Parvani shared his personal experience, explaining that he spends long periods of time meditating inside the temple and nearby caves. He says that during the winter, one can hear divine voices echoing across the mountains, sometimes the ringing of anklets, sometimes the ringing of bells. Saints believe that those who are given the opportunity to meditate in this holy land receive special blessings from Lord Badri Vishal.
During the winter season, Lord Narayan himself is believed to meditate here for the welfare of the world, says former chief priest of Badrinath, Bhuvan Chandra Onyal. He reveals that the ever-burning lamp inside the sanctuary remains glowing continuously for the six months.
When the doors are opened and worshipers see the still burning flame, it is considered a sign of the area’s prosperity. As per tradition, Lord Vishnu meditates here quietly and peacefully during the winter months and hence no one is allowed to stay inside the temple complex.
However, recently, the situation has changed. Even after the shrine is closed, construction work and movement inside the building continue. Many saints have expressed concern that such activities hinder the divine contemplation believed to be taking place.
During the winter lockdown, Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee staff, police personnel and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam members remain present for temple security and basic maintenance. They all reside by special permission and perform their duties in silence and complete discipline.
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23 November 2025, 12:17 IST
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