The festival of Vivah Panchami is observed on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Margashirsha, coinciding with the closing of the doors at Badrinath Dham today. As the time approaches for the doors to close, the atmosphere is filled with devotional songs, chants, and heartfelt emotions. It is widely believed that a visit to Badrinath Dham brings patience, wisdom, and positivity to one's heart.

This year, Vivah Panchami holds special significance at Badrinath Dham, located amidst the majestic peaks of Uttarakhand. On this auspicious occasion, the doors of Lord Badrinath will be shut for the winter season. As is customary, a large number of devotees are gathering at the Dham before the doors close, as it is believed that having darshan just before the closure is highly beneficial. On Monday, during the fourth day of Panch Puja, special prayers were conducted at the Maa Lakshmi Temple, accompanied by traditional offerings of kadhai prasad. Following this, Goddess Lakshmi was invited to reside in the sanctum sanctorum of Badrinath.

The temple doors will officially close for devotees at 2:56 PM today, marking the start of the six-month winter period at Badrinath Dham. The temple has been beautifully adorned for this event, with colorful lights and the scent of fresh flowers creating a divine ambiance. During the winter months, Lord Badrinath is worshipped in Joshimath.

It is important to note that the Panch Pujas commenced at Badrinath Dham on November 21st. As part of these rituals, the doors of the Ganesh Temple, Adi Kedareshwar, and Adi Guru Shankaracharya Gaddi Sthal were also ceremonially closed. As the closing time neared, Vedic verses were recited within the temple. After Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath, Badrinath Dham is regarded as the final gateway to salvation, symbolizing completeness in the Char Dham Yatra and marking the ultimate stage of spiritual practice.

On Monday morning, Amarnath Namboodri, the chief priest of Badrinath, arrived at the Goddess Lakshmi temple and, amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras, invited her into the sanctum sanctorum. Following this significant moment, the final preparations for the temple doors' closure commenced, including a special puja at the Goddess Lakshmi temple.

In accordance with tradition, the Rawal, the chief priest, formally invited Goddess Lakshmi to enter the main sanctum. During the summer months, she resides within the temple complex, but in winter, she is housed in the sanctum of the main temple. A significant number of devotees are arriving at Badrinath Dham ahead of the door closure, eager to witness this historic and emotional event.

When the doors of Badrinath Dham close for winter, the deity's idol is traditionally transported to Joshimath, where worship continues amidst a thick blanket of snow covering the shrine. The doors will reopen the following summer, marking the start of a new pilgrimage season.

Badrinath Dham is dedicated to the Badri-Narayan form of Lord Vishnu, and it is believed that visiting this shrine brings peace, contentment, and self-confidence to devotees. This form of Vishnu is revered as the god of well-being. The tranquility and divinity of this shrine, surrounded by icy winds and the confluence of the sacred Alaknanda River, provide a unique energy that every devotee experiences upon arrival.