India's Unique Temples: This year, Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated on Friday, August 28. To mark this occasion, we're telling you about a temple that opens only on Raksha Bandhan.

India's Mysterious Temples: There are many ancient and unique temples in India, the traditions associated with which surprise people. Banshinarayan Temple located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is one such temple. The special thing is that the doors of this temple remain closed throughout the year and are opened for devotees only once a year on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. A large number of devotees come here to have darshan on this day. According to local beliefs, if brother and sister visit this temple together, then love and affection always remains in their relationship. Many women also offer Rakhi to Lord Vishnu here.

The temple opens only on Raksha Bandhan.

The Banshinarayan Temple in Chamoli is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that its doors are opened only on Raksha Bandhan. Devotees visit the deity in the morning, and the doors are closed again at sunset. This temple is also known for its antiquity, said to date back to the 8th century. During the rest of the year, ordinary devotees are not allowed inside.
The belief is associated with Devarshi Narada

Another belief regarding the Banshinarayan Temple is that Devarshi Narada worships Lord Vishnu here throughout the year. For this reason, the temple's doors remain closed on other days, and devotees only have the opportunity to see the deity on Raksha Bandhan. Brothers and sisters who visit the temple on Raksha Bandhan seek Lord Vishnu's blessings. It is believed that visiting the temple together on this day strengthens their relationship.

The temple is associated with the story of Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali

An interesting religious legend is also associated with this temple. According to legend, when Lord Vishnu, due to his promise to King Bali, was sent to live in the netherworld as his gatekeeper, Goddess Lakshmi arrived there to bring him back. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi made King Bali her brother by tying a Rakhi to him. She then asked for her husband, Lord Vishnu, as a gift. King Bali, following Goddess Lakshmi's advice, allowed Lord Vishnu to accompany her. It is believed that the Banshinarayan Temple was built at the spot where King Bali allowed Lord Vishnu to accompany Goddess Lakshmi. For this reason, this temple is considered to have a special connection to Raksha Bandhan and the brother-sister relationship.
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