Badrinath Winter Darshan: Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath

Facts checked November 2026.

When the doors of Badrinath close for winter, the worship of Lord Badri Vishal does not stop. It moves down the valley to Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath, where families can still go for darshan through the cold months. This guide explains what happens at the closing, where each deity goes, and how to plan a winter visit safely.

This page is part of our Badrinath Yatra Guide. Planning the yatra? See our Char Dham and Badrinath yatra packages.

When does Badrinath close in 2026?

The closing muhurat (auspicious time) was announced at a ceremony in the temple complex on Vijayadashami, 20 October 2026, by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and the Rawal (chief priest). Badrinath is set to close on Monday, 16 November 2026 at 9:37 pm. It is the last of the four dhams of Uttarakhand to close each year.

For the full announcement, see our news post on the Badrinath kapat closing 2026. For opening and closing dates across seasons, see the Badrinath opening and closing date page. This guide focuses on what happens after the doors close.

What is the Panch Puja before the Badrinath closing?

Panch Puja means the “five pujas” held over the last days before the doors close. Each step gently winds down the season’s worship. ETV Bharat reported this schedule for 2026:

By tradition, at the closing the Lord is draped in a ghrit kambal (a ghee-smeared blanket) prepared by the Mana Mahila Mangal Dal, the women’s group of Mana village. Mata Lakshmi stays inside the sanctum with the Lord through the winter.

Where is Lord Badri Vishal worshipped after the doors close?

The day after the closing, a doli (the deity’s palanquin) procession leaves Badrinath. For 2026, it is set to leave on 17 November 2026. It carries:

• Uddhav ji, the Lord’s childhood friend and representative, as an utsav murti (festival idol)
• Kuber ji, treasurer of the gods
• The gaddi (sacred seat) of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, together with Garud ji, the Lord’s vehicle

The usual pattern is this. Uddhav ji and Kuber ji halt at Pandukeshwar and stay at the Yogadhyan Badri temple for the winter. The Shankaracharya gaddi continues down the road and is installed at the Narsingh temple in Jyotirmath. ETV Bharat named the route as Badrinath, then Sagar, Pandukeshwar and the Narsingh temple. The halt-by-halt dates for 2026 were not published when we checked, so please confirm the arrival day at Jyotirmath locally.

Devotees also believe that in winter, the gods take over worship at Badrinath itself. By tradition, Narad ji worships Lord Badri Vishal in the closed temple for six months, while humans worship him for the other six. This is a matter of faith, and the temple stays closed to yatris all winter.

What is special about Yogadhyan Badri at Pandukeshwar?

Yogadhyan Badri is one of the Panch Badri, the five Badri temples of Garhwal. The deity is Vishnu seated in a meditating (yoga-dhyan) pose. The Chamoli district website places Pandukeshwar about 24 km from Joshimath, on the road to Badrinath.

• The name: local tradition links Pandukeshwar to King Pandu, father of the Pandavas, who is said to have spent his last days here in penance. The Chamoli district website also records the belief that he married Kunti here.
• History: copper-plate inscriptions found in the village tell of the temple’s past and of the early Katyuri kings. One is dated to the mid-9th century.
• Kuber worship: Kuber ji is the treasurer of the gods. In winter he and Uddhav ji receive daily worship here as the Lord’s representatives, and yatris can have their darshan.

To see how Yogadhyan Badri fits with Adi Badri, Vridha Badri, Bhavishya Badri and Badrinath, read our Panch Badri guide.

What should you know about the Narsingh temple in Jyotirmath?

The Narsingh temple is the main temple of Jyotirmath. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Narsingh (Narasimha), and the idol holds a sword. It is counted among the Sapt Badri (seven Badri) shrines. Through winter, Adi Shankaracharya’s gaddi rests here, and Badri Vishal’s winter darshan and worship take place here until the doors of Badrinath open again.

A well-known local belief surrounds the idol. Devotees say one arm of the Narsingh murti grows a little thinner every year. When it finally breaks, they believe two mountains on the way will come together and block the road to Badrinath. Lord Badri would then be worshipped at Bhavishya Badri (the “future Badri”). Accounts differ on which arm and which mountains, so treat this as faith and folklore, not as fact.

Close by is the Jyotir Math, one of the four maths (monastic seats) founded by Adi Shankaracharya. Its grounds have a very old mulberry tree called the Kalpavriksha, where Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have meditated.

Why is Joshimath now called Jyotirmath?

Jyotirmath is the town’s older name, tied to Adi Shankaracharya’s math. Local residents asked for the old name back in 2023, and the Chief Minister announced it. In June 2024 the state government said the Centre had approved renaming Joshimath tehsil as Jyotirmath. You will still see “Joshimath” on many signboards, maps and bus boards. Both names mean the same place.

How do you reach Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath in winter?

There is no trek. Both places are on the Badrinath highway and can be reached by road.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh: drive up the Alaknanda valley via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Chamoli to Jyotirmath. Our Badrinath package page gives about 270 km from Haridwar, a drive of 9 to 10 hours. Most families break the journey on the way in winter.
• Jyotirmath to Pandukeshwar: about 24 km further up the same road towards Badrinath.
• Nearest railhead and airport: Rishikesh railway station and Jolly Grant airport. Haridwar has the widest choice of trains.

Is it safe to travel in winter? What should families keep in mind?

• Cold: Jyotirmath is about 1,890 m above sea level. Nights are very cold from December to February. Pack thermals, a heavy jacket, a cap, gloves and woollen socks.
• Snow and road closures: snowfall can block the road for a day or more, especially above Jyotirmath towards Pandukeshwar. Keep a spare day in your plan.
• Drive in daylight: roads can be icy in the early morning and after dark. Start early and stop before sunset.
• Check before you leave: look at the weather forecast and local advisories the day before. Hotels and eateries run fewer services in winter, so book ahead.
• Badrinath itself is closed: the temple is shut and the upper road can stay snowbound for long spells, so do not plan to go beyond Pandukeshwar.
• Elderly yatris: carry regular medicines and keep rooms warm. Ask your doctor before travel if anyone has heart or breathing problems.

Related guides: Badrinath temple history, timings and darshan · Badrinath weather and temperature by month Also read Kalpeshwar temple, the Panch Kedar open in winter.

How Yatra To Temples can help

Our Badrinath and Joshimath darshan yatra runs from Haridwar to Haridwar and covers Badrinath, Mana village, the Narsingh temple and Jyotirmath, with hotels, a private vehicle and yatra registration. It runs only while Badrinath is open, roughly late April to mid-November (16 November in 2026), so it does not operate in winter (see our Winter Char Dham Yatra guide for all four winter seats). For a winter darshan at Jyotirmath and Pandukeshwar, please ask us and our yatra team will tell you what we can arrange.

If you cannot travel, our online Badrinath Maha Abhishek and Sahasranama Path continues in winter at the Narsingh temple in Jyotirmath. It includes a sankalp in the names and gotra you provide, a video on WhatsApp and prasad by courier within India. Price on request.

Frequently asked questions

When does Badrinath close for winter in 2026?

Badrinath is set to close on 16 November 2026 at 9:37 pm. The muhurat was announced on Vijayadashami, 20 October 2026. The Panch Puja rituals run from 12 to 16 November.

Where can I do Badrinath darshan in winter?

You can have darshan of Uddhav ji and Kuber ji at the Yogadhyan Badri temple in Pandukeshwar. The Shankaracharya gaddi and Badri Vishal’s winter worship are at the Narsingh temple in Jyotirmath. The main Badrinath temple stays closed until spring.

When does the doli leave Badrinath for Pandukeshwar?

The doli is set to leave Badrinath on 17 November 2026, the day after the closing. Uddhav ji and Kuber ji stay at Pandukeshwar, and the gaddi goes on to Jyotirmath. Confirm the exact arrival day at Jyotirmath locally.

Who worships Lord Badri Vishal at Badrinath in winter?

Devotees believe Narad ji worships the Lord in the closed temple during winter. Tradition says humans worship Badri Vishal for six months and the gods for the other six. Mata Lakshmi is believed to stay in the sanctum beside the Lord.

How far is Pandukeshwar from Jyotirmath?

Pandukeshwar is about 24 km from Jyotirmath on the Badrinath road, as given by the Chamoli district website. In winter, snow can slow this stretch, so allow extra time.

Is Joshimath the same as Jyotirmath?

Yes. The Chief Minister announced the name change in 2023, and in June 2024 the state said the Centre had approved renaming Joshimath tehsil as Jyotirmath. Both names are still used on signs and maps.

Does your Badrinath and Joshimath package run in winter?

No. That package runs only while Badrinath is open. For a winter yatra to Jyotirmath and Pandukeshwar, please ask us and we will share what is possible on your dates.

Related guide: see what is open and closed in the Char Dham now.

Can we go to Badrinath in winter?

Not to the temple itself. Badrinath closes on 16 November 2026 at 9:37 pm and stays shut until it reopens in late April or May 2027. In winter you can still have Badri Vishal’s darshan lower down the valley, at the Yogadhyan Badri temple in Pandukeshwar and the Narsingh temple in Jyotirmath (Joshimath).

Is Badrinath open in January?

No. Badrinath is closed in January. The 2027 opening date is announced on Basant Panchami; our expected window is 11–14 May 2027 (estimate). In January, go to Pandukeshwar or the Narsingh temple in Jyotirmath for winter darshan.

Which month is Badrinath closed?

Badrinath is closed from mid-November to late April or May every year, so roughly December, January, February, March and most of April. In 2026 it closes on 16 November 2026 at 9:37 pm.

Where is Badrinath shifted in winter?

Two places. Uddhav ji and Kuber ji stay at the Yogadhyan Badri temple in Pandukeshwar, and Adi Shankaracharya’s gaddi is installed at the Narsingh temple in Jyotirmath (Joshimath). Worship continues at both through the winter.