When the gates reopen after six months, the Ghrita Kambal, now considered sanctified, is distributed among devotees as Mahaprasad.
Chamoli, November 22, 2025 (VT Correspondent): As winter approaches the Himalayas, the Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand prepares for one of its most cherished traditions. On 25 November, the portals of the holy shrine will close for six months, during which Lord Badri Vishal remains wrapped in a special “Ghrita Kambal,” a woolen blanket anointed with pure ghee. This winter ritual, preserved for centuries, reflects the deep devotion and cultural heritage of the region.
The closing of the temple also marks the ceremonial departure of the utsav murtis of Uddhav Ji and Kuber Ji from the sanctum sanctorum to the Yog-Dhyan Badri Temple in Pandukeshwar, where worship continues throughout the winter months. One of the most extraordinary aspects of this tradition lies in the preparation of the Ghrita Kambal itself. The blanket is made by the women and young girls of Mana village, the last Indian village near the shrine. On an auspicious day in the month of Kartik, they observe a fast and prepare the blanket within a single day, spinning and weaving wool with complete devotion and purity. Once completed, the villagers hand it over to the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee on another selected auspicious day.
On the day of closure, the chief priest (Rawal) dons the attire of Goddess Lakshmi and installs the deity of Lakshmi inside the sanctum. He then applies pure cow’s ghee and saffron to the hand-woven blanket and covers Lord Badrinath with it, ensuring that the deity remains warm through the harsh Himalayan winter. This sacred blanket stays with the Lord until the temple reopens in summer.
When the gates reopen after six months, the Ghrita Kambal, now considered sanctified, is distributed among devotees as Mahaprasad. Receiving even a small portion of it is believed to be a rare and powerful blessing. For generations, this tradition has reflected the unwavering devotion of the people of Mana and the custodians of the shrine. As the mountains fall silent under heavy snow, devotees find comfort in knowing that Lord Badrinath rests warmly, wrapped not just in wool and ghee, but in the faith and love of His deotees.
(Report: Vrindavan Today Digital Desk)
