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Badrinath shrine reopens for the public

       Badrinath: The Kapats (doors) of the famous Badrinath shrine located at the foothills of the Himalayas re- opened to the public on Thursday. The doors of the shrine were opened with the recitation of Vedic mantras. Situated at a height of 10,284 metres above sea level, the shrine remains closed for nearly six months from November due to heavy snow in the region. "Badrinath according to Vedas is the most revered pilgrimage site of Hindus. The main attraction of this temple is the Akhand Jyoti (burning flame). The Jyoti (flame) is ignited six months back before the doors are closed and after six months when door is re-opened the flame is still burning," said Pawan Govipatan, a priest. Badrinath is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in India.

     There are three others located in the same state Uttaranchal. - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Located on the banks of River Alaknanda, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Badri or Lord Vishnu. The pilgrims cannot go near the idols inside the temple and have to pay their respects from a distance. The idol of Lord Badri is made of shining black stone. Devotees who waited for days for the temple to open were elated. "It was a good experience. We got peace of mind after paying obeisance. We are feeling very happy," said Vijay Kumar Jain, a devotee. The security arrangements this year has also been doubled to keep a strict guard around the shrine. "This year the forces have been doubled. Metal detectors have been installed at the entry gate and at sensitive areas. We are satisfied with the security arrangements," said A P Maikuri, President of Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee. Tradition has it that the doors of the temple can only be opened by the head priest, who is a Brahmin from Kerala. The head priest is the only person allowed to touch the idol kept inside the temple. The temple at Badrinath is an ancient monument which as renovated later. Earlier, pilgrims had to undertake a long walk to reach the shrine.
-May 5, 2006

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