The Gates of reverent Hindu Shrine, the Himalayan shrine of Badrinath, would be reopened for pilgrims after a gap of six months on April 29, 2012.

The "mahurat" for reopening of Badrinath temple was decided by the religious officials of the temple on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivrati yesterday.

About Badrinath Temple:

Badrinath is a Hindu/Jain holy temple, located in the Badrinath nagar panchayat in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, India.

One of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage, the shrine has "Adinath / Rishabdev" [First Trithankar of Jains] statue, which is being worshiped as Lord Badrinath from last thousand years.

Badrinath is situated at an average elevation of 3,415 metres (11,204 feet), in the Garhwal hills, on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The town lies between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges and has proximity to the Nilkantha peak (6,560m). Badrinath is located 301 km north of Rishikesh. From Gaurikund (near Kedarnath) to Badrinath by road is 233 km.


Char Dham Yatra 2012:

Chardham Yatra comprises of a pilgrimage to four shrines in Uttarakhand Himalayas -- Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Himalayas reopen for pilgrims in April-May every year after remaining closed for nearly six months during winters as the area remain snow-bound during the period.

Two other shrines of Gangotri and Yamunotri will reopen on Akshya Tritiya (April 24). While Badrinath is situated at a height of 3133 meters in Chamoli district, Kedarnath is situated in Rudraprayag district at a height of 3584 meter.

Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines are situated at a height of 3200 meter and 3615 meter respectively in Uttarkashi district.

The annual Chardham yatra, the most important event for tourism in the state, attracts nearly 15-16 lakh pilgrims every year, both from India and outside.
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