The portals of Badrinath shrine were reopened on Wednesday after a gap of six months amid chanting of Vedic hymns.
The chief priest opened the doors of the temple at 0805 hours as the palanquin carrying the idol of Lord Vishnu was taken inside the sanctum sanatorium.
UttaraKhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, who was to be present at the ceremony, could not make it as bad weather forced cancellation of his visit. Light snowfall lashed the area and chilly winds blew around the shrine.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, braving the foul weather, thousands of pilgrims lined up to have darshan.
Badrinath temple is situated in Garhwal Himalayas of Chamoli district at a height of 10,278 feet.
With the opening of Kedarnath shrine. the Chardham yatra, comprising Garhwal shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri has commenced in full swing.
ADVERTISEMENT