DEHRADUN: While it is said that Lord Vishnu has a special affinity for the conch shell (shankh), an intriguing rule governs its use in Badrinath Dham. “The sound of the shankh is strictly prohibited in the temple,” said a local priest, highlighting the temple’s adherence to both religious customs and scientific reasoning.Local lore suggests that the vibrations produced by the conch could potentially trigger avalanches in the surrounding mountainous region. “This belief is deeply rooted in our traditions and is taken seriously by both devotees and locals,” the priest said. As visitors flock to Badrinath, they are reminded that even the smallest actions can have significant implications in such a sensitive environment.Environmentalist and Chipko movement leader Chandi Prasad Bhatt has highlighted that a significant portion of Badripuri, excluding the main temple of Badrinath, is at high risk of avalanches. “If we look at past avalanche incidents, Badripuri has suffered damage from avalanches almost every decade. In 2014, a major avalanche caused severe damage in the Narayan Mountain area of Badrinath,” said Bhatt, who has played a pivotal role in protecting the Himalayan environment for over five decades. Bhatt, 92, has received accolades, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, Gandhi Peace Prize, and the Magsaysay Award.“Avalanches have not only caused loss of life and property in Badripuri but also in Mana and surrounding villages,” he told this newspaper.
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