Reliance Industries chairman, Mukesh Ambani recently visited Kedarnath temple and Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand. During the holy visit, Mukesh Ambani donated Rs 5 crore to the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines.Upon arriving at the holy shrine, Ambani got a warm welcome from AjendraAjay, President of the Badrinath-Kedarnath committee(BKTC).

As one of the prominent business leaders, his visit signifies his commitment to spirituality and tradition. Last year his family also accompanied him during the visit to Kedarnath Dham.

He wore a white kurta and pyjamas, complemented by a beige Nehru jacket. Accompanied by temple officials, he offered prayers at the holy shrine. The Ambani family has supported the shrine with numerous donations in the past as well.

During the floods in Kedarnath in 2013, which caused severe damage to the area, the Ambani family contributed to the temple’s restoration and development. The support has helped improve infrastructure, making it easier for pilgrims to access the site.

About Char Dham Yatra and temple closure

 

The Kedarnath temple will close on November 3 and is expected to reopen on April 26 next year whereas the Badrinath temple will close on November 13 and is scheduled to open on May 2, 2025.
The Char Dham Yatra, which includes Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri, will conclude with Yamunotri closing on October 24 and Gangotri on October 26.

This year, the Char Dham Yatra began later than usual, starting on May 10, which was 17 days behind last year’s schedule. In 2023, the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham opened on April 23, followed by Kedarnath on April 25 and Badrinath on April 27.

Apart from this, the opening dates for the 2024 Gangotri and Yamunotri temples, as well as Kedarnath Dham, are set for May 10, while Badrinath Dham will open on May 12. The pilgrimage season will run until November.

 

Importance of Kedarnath and Badrinath Temple

 

As per Hindu tradition and belief, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Pandavas built this temple to seek the blessings of lord Shiva. It’s also part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage in the Himalayas and is the highest among the Jyotirlingas. 

Badrinath is another important site where Lord Vishnu is said to have meditated. Many pilgrims visit the Badrinath temple to pray and bathe in the Alaknanda River, believing that the water purifies the soul.