The Sikh holy shrine of Hemkund Sahib, located on the Badrinath route at an altitude of 15,200 feet in Uttarakhad, was temporarily closed late Wednesday owing to heavy rains in the region, an official said Thursday.
"The road from the Tayya bridge leading to Hemkund Sahib is broken at many places owing to heavy rains. Hence we decided to shut the shrine for some time," a state government official said.
He added that the gurdwara employees have come down to Joshimath, about 35 km from Hemkund Sahib, and would wait for "things to brighten up".
The 'kapaat' (doors) of the holy shrine were shut after offering of 'ardaas' (holy prayers), the official added.