priest of badrinath
Chief priest of Badrinath: Char Dham Yatra is considered to have special importance in Hindu religion, to complete the pilgrimage, people reach Devbhoomi Uttarakhand every year. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri Dhams are visited in Char Dham Yatra. Every year the Char Dham Yatra lasts for 6 months and the doors of Char Dham remain closed for that month. After special worship on 26th November, tribute was paid to Badrinath Dham.
Panch Puja is performed for five days after the doors of Badrinath Dham are closed, in which the chief priest of the temple dresses up as a woman to install Goddess Lakshmi in the sanctum sanctorum. During this time, only the chief priest, who is called Rawal, is allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum. Meanwhile, let us know who is the chief priest of Badrinath Dham and what privileges he gets.
Who is the chief priest of Badrinath? (Rawal of Badrinath)
The chief priest of Badrinath Dham is called Rawal and this post is traditionally reserved for the Namboodiri Brahmin family of Kerala. Currently, the Rawal of Badrinath Dham is Amarnath Namboodiri, who took over the post in 2024 replacing former Rawal Ishwar Prasad Namboodiri. The head priest (Rawal) of Badrinath Dham is from Kerala state.
Current Rawal of Badrinath (Current Rawal Amarnath Namboodiri)
Present Rawal Amarnath Namboodiri assumed charge on July 15, 2024 in place of Ishwar Prasad Namboodiri. Ishwar Prasad Namboodiri served on the post of Rawal for 10 years. The Rawal of Badrinath has to observe lifelong celibacy and has the sole exclusive right to touch Lord Badri Vishal in the sanctum sanctorum.
1200 year old tradition
The tradition of Rawal is 1200 years old since the time of Adi Guru Shankaracharya and according to this tradition, Rawal is made only from the Namboodiri Brahmin community of Kerala. Rawal has to remain in the Dham from the time the doors of the temple open till they close. Rawal can return to his home in Kerala only after the doors of the temple are closed and have to return when the doors open.
this is how life is
Rawal of Badrinath remains celibate and worships Badri Vishal and offers him food etc. Only after leaving the post of Rawal, he can enter the worldly life as per his wish to increase the lineage. The appointment of the new Rawal is already done by the existing Rawals. Rawal enters the temple and conducts the worship of the Lord without touching any object or person.
,Disclaimer, The information given in this news is on religious beliefs and general information. based Is. TV9 India does not confirm this.)