🛕 Badrinath – Full Information

📍 Location

State: Uttarakhand, India
District: Chamoli
Situated on: The banks of river Alaknanda
Altitude: ~3,300 meters (10,827 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas

🌟 Religious Importance

Badrinath is one of the most important temples in Hinduism:

✔ Char Dham (Pan-India)

Along with Puri, Rameswaram, Dwarka

✔ Chota Char Dham (Uttarakhand)

Yamunotri
Gangotri
Kedarnath
Badrinath

✔ 108 Divya Desams

One of the holiest temples for Vaishnavites

✔ Dedicated to

Lord Vishnu (in the form of Badri Narayan)

🛕 Badrinath Temple

Main Deity

A 1m black stone (Shaligram) idol of Lord Vishnu sitting in padmasana posture.

Architecture

Traditional Garhwali wooden-style temple
Brightly colored frontage
Gold canopy over the sanctum

Temple Timings

Opens: April/May (Akshay Tritiya)
Closes: October/November (Vijaya Dashami/Kartik Purnima)
Closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.

🏞 Mythology Behind Badrinath

🔹 Meditation of Lord Vishnu

Vishnu performed penance here in extreme cold.
Lakshmi stood beside him as a Badri (berry) tree, protecting him.
Thus he is called Badri-nath (Lord of Badri Trees).

🔹 Pandavas and Mahabharata

The Pandavas visited Badrinath before leaving for heaven (Mahaprasthan).

🚗 How to Reach Badrinath

By Air

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (≈ 310 km)

By Train

Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (≈ 295 km)

By Road

Well connected with:

Rishikesh
Haridwar
Dehradun
Srinagar Garhwal
Joshimath

From Joshimath, Badrinath is about 45 km uphill.

⭐ Major Places to Visit Near Badrinath

1.

Tapt Kund

Natural hot water spring
Pilgrims take a holy dip before darshan.

2. Mana Village

india last vilage

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India’s last village near the Tibet border.
Attractions:
- Vyas Gufa
- Ganesh Gufa
- Bhim Pul

3. Charan Paduka

A rock with Lord Vishnu’s footprint.

4. Neelkanth Peak

A stunning snow-covered mountain seen behind the temple.

5.

Famous UNESCO World Heritage site.

🌤 Best Time to Visit

May to June (pleasant weather)
September to October (post-monsoon)

Avoid rainy season due to landslides.

🧭 Yatra Tips

Carry warm clothes (weather is very cold)
Keep basic medicines
Walk carefully due to altitude
Pre-book hotels in peak season (May–June)
Carry a power bank; electricity can fluctuate

Below is more detailed and expanded information about Badrinath, including history, weather, rituals, festivals, temple rules, travel routes, accommodations, and interesting facts.

🛕 BADRINATH – MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION

✨ 1. Detailed History of Badrinath Temple

The original temple is believed to be established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
He found the idol of Lord Vishnu in the Alaknanda river and installed it in a cave.
Later, the kings of the Garhwal dynasty developed the temple structure.
The temple has been rebuilt multiple times due to landslides, avalanches, and natural calamities.

🌄 2. Geography & Environment

Located in the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges.
Behind the temple stands the majestic Neelkanth Peak (6,597 m).
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains for most of the year.
River: Alaknanda flows beside the temple.

🌤 3. Badrinath Weather (Month-wise)

Month	Temperature	Condition
April–May	5°C–18°C	Temple opens; cold & pleasant
June	10°C–20°C	Best time; heavy crowd
July–August	8°C–16°C	Monsoon, landslide-prone
September–October	5°C–15°C	Clear weather; ideal for travel
Nov–Mar	–5°C to –15°C	Heavy snowfall; temple closed

🔱 4. Important Rituals at Badrinath Temple

Daily Rituals

Abhishek Puja (4:30 AM)
Maha Abhishek
Geeta Path
Bhog Aarti
Evening Aarti

Special Pujas

Vedic chanting
Vishnu Sahasranama Archana
Tapt Kund holy bath before puja

(These pujas can be booked online or on arrival.)

🎉 5. Festivals Celebrated at Badrinath

Opening Ceremony (Akshay Tritiya): Idol brought from Pandukeshwar in a grand procession.
Badri-Kedar Festival (8 days)
Mata Murti Ka Mela (honors the mother of Nar-Narayan)
Closing Ceremony (Bhaiduj/Kartik) – Idol taken to Narad Kund for winter worship.

🧭 6. Detailed Routes to Reach Badrinath

By Road (Most Common)

Route from Rishikesh → Badrinath:
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Chamoli → Joshimath → Badrinath
(Approx 295 km, 10–12 hours)

From Delhi

Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Badrinath (approx 525 km)

Helicopter Service

You can take a helicopter from:

Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad) → Badrinath
Travel time: ~45 minutes
Mostly available May–June & Sept–Oct.

🏨 7. Accommodation in & around Badrinath

Near the Temple

GMVN Guest House
Hotel Narayan Palace
Sarovar Portico (in Joshimath)
Badri Vishal Hotel

Budget Facilities

Dharamshalas
GMVN Tourist Rest Houses
Private lodges

(Booking recommended in May–June.)

🛒 8. Local Food near Badrinath

Pure vegetarian food only
Famous items:
- Aloo Puri
- Khichdi
- Garhwali dal
- Kadi chawal
- Herbal tea
- Rajma chawal
Many small eateries and ashram kitchens are available.

🛕 9. Important Nearby Pilgrimage Places

🔹 Yogadhyan Badri (Pandukeshwar)

Idol of Lord Vishnu in a meditating posture.

🔹 Bhavishya Badri

One of the Panch Badri temples.

🔹 Adi Badri

Ancient group of temples built by Adi Shankaracharya.

🔹 Hemkund Sahib (Near Joshimath)

Sacred Sikh shrine at 4,329 meters.

🥾 10. Famous Treks around Badrinath

Valley of Flowers (UNESCO Heritage Site)
Hemkund Sahib Trek
Satopanth Lake (Sacred triangular lake)
Charan Paduka Trek

⚠️ 11. Safety Tips

Do not trek alone.
Weather changes suddenly; keep warm clothes.
Carry identity proof.
Start journey early in the morning.
Avoid monsoon months (July–August).
High altitude → risk of AMS; walk slowly & stay hydrated.

🕉 12. Interesting Facts

The idol of Badrinath is made of Shaligram stone, extremely rare and sacred.
The temple is managed by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).
During winter, the worship of Badrinath shifts to Narasimha Temple (Joshimath).
Mana Village near Badrinath is famously called “India’s Last Village.”
Bhim Pul in Mana is believed to be built by Bhim (Pandava) using a huge rock.

Here is even more detailed, deep, and rare information about Badrinath, including geography, legends, architecture details, scientific facts, rituals, hidden places, Panch Badri, and more.

I’m adding information that most websites don’t mention.

🔱 1. Hidden & Rare Legends of Badrinath

⚫ Nar-Narayan Tap Sthal

At Badrinath, Lord Vishnu appeared as:

Nara (Human form)
Narayana (Divine form)
Both did penance for the welfare of mankind.

⚫ Lord Shiva Story

According to a legend, Lord Shiva first lived here.
When Vishnu arrived for penance, Shiva peacefully moved to Kedarnath.
Thus:

Badrinath → Vishnu’s seat
Kedarnath → Shiva’s seat

⚫ Panch Pandav Route

The Pandavas are believed to have crossed Badrinath and Mana village on their Mahaprasthan (final journey) to heaven.

⚫ Badri Tree Miracle

Lakshmi took the form of a Badri (berry) tree to protect Vishnu from harsh snow during meditation.

🛕 2. Architecture Details (Not Commonly Explained)

✔ Temple Height: ~50 feet

✔ Structure Material: Stone & colourful wooden façade

✔ Important Architectural Parts

Garbhagriha: Main sanctum where the idol sits
Darshan Mandap: For viewing the idol
Sabha Mandap: Assembly hall for devotees
Bronze Gilded Entrance: Shining gold-like décor
Temple flag: Changed daily, offered by devotees

✔ Idol Details

Sitting posture: Padmasana
Material: Black stone (Shaligram)
Right hand: Raised in abhaya mudra
Left hand: On the lap in meditation
Around the idol:
- Nar-Narayan
- Uddhava
- Many sages

🌌 3. Scientific Facts About Badrinath

🔬 Hot Springs (Tapt Kund)

Water remains 55–60°C even in snow
Rich in sulphur and healing minerals
Helps with skin & joint ailments

🔬 High-altitude conditions

Oxygen level: 60–70% of sea level
UV radiation: 2–3 times higher
Weather changes every 10–15 minutes

🔬 Neelkanth Peak Reflection

The blue-white reflection makes the mountain appear glowing at sunrise.

🏞 4. Panch Badri (All Five Sacred Badris)

These are five holy temples of Vishnu in Uttarakhand:

Badrinath (Main Badri)
Yogadhyan Badri – Meditation form of Vishnu
Bhavishya Badri – Future seat of Vishnu during Kali Yuga
Vridha Badri – Ancient elderly form
Adi Badri – Old group of temples built by Adi Shankaracharya

🕉 5. Winter Worship (Very Important)

When Badrinath closes:

The idol is shifted to Narsingh Temple, Joshimath
Worship continues there for 6 months
In this period, Badrinath receives 3–4 meters of snow

🧭 6. Rare Places to Visit (Most People Don’t Know)

🌟 a) Saraswati River Origin (Mana)

Tiny river before it meets Alaknanda
One of the three “invisible rivers” of India
(Saraswati → Yamuna → Ganga)

🌟 b) Swargarohini Path

Believed to be the path taken by Pandavas to heaven.

🌟 c) Satopanth Lake

Sacred triangular lake → Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva each own one corner.
Crystal clear, high-altitude lake.

🌟 d) Vasudhara Falls

120-meter waterfall
Belief: Water touches only those whose hearts are pure.

🎶 7. Temple Traditions

✔ Daily Decoration

The idol is decorated differently each day, using:

Tulsi leaves
Flowers
Kesar
Chandan
Jewellery

✔ Special Guest Priests

Priests are from Kerala (Namboodiri Brahmins).

✔ No leather items allowed

Belts, wallets, jackets → must be kept outside.

🚫 8. Rules for Devotees

No photography inside the temple
No alcohol or non-veg in the entire area
Polythene banned
Maintain silence near the sanctum
Must bathe in Tapt Kund before puja (optional for general darshan)

🚗 9. Vehicle & Road Details

✔ Last Fuel Station: Joshimath

No petrol pumps afterwards.

✔ Roads can close due to:

Landslides
Avalanche
Rockfall
Cloudburst

✔ Zero Point

Beyond Mana, civilian entry stops (Border Road).

🧘 10. Spiritual Experiences Reported by Devotees

Many visitors say:

They feel extremely calm inside the temple
“Divine vibration” during aarti
Goosebumps when seeing Neelkanth Peak
Positive energy after dipping in Tapt Kund

(This is based on pilgrim experiences.)

💠 11. Economic & Cultural Importance

Major part of Chamoli district’s tourism income
Provides seasonal employment to thousands
One of the top pilgrimage destinations of India
Strong link with Garhwali culture & traditions

Here is much more detailed information about Badrinath Temple, covering history, mythology, rituals, architecture, and the pilgrimage experience.

📍 Overview

Badrinath Temple, also called Badrinarayan Temple, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Badrinath town, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Alaknanda River, at an elevation of about 3,300 meters (10,800 ft) in the Himalayas.

It is:

One of the Char Dham (Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, Rameswaram)
Part of the Chota Char Dham (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri)
One of the 108 Divya Desams sacred to Vaishnavites

🕉️ Mythological Significance

Lord Vishnu’s Penance

According to legend, Lord Vishnu meditated here to attain spiritual balance.
Goddess Lakshmi protected him from harsh weather by taking the form of a Badri tree (berry tree).
Hence the name “Badri-Nath” (Lord of the Badri tree).

Nar & Narayan

The twin sages Nara and Narayana (incarnations of Vishnu) are believed to have performed penance here.
The nearby Nar Parvat and Narayan Parvat symbolize them.

Connection to Mahabharata

The Pandavas passed through Badrinath on their journey to heaven.
Bhima is said to have discovered Mata Murti Temple nearby.

🏛️ Temple Architecture

Built in North Indian (Nagara) style
Colorful façade with arched windows
Gold-gilded roof
Sanctum (Garbhagriha) houses a 1-meter tall black stone idol of Lord Vishnu
Vishnu is depicted in Padmasana (lotus posture) — rare among Vishnu temples

Key Areas Inside

Garbhagriha – main shrine
Mandapa – for prayers and rituals
Tapt Kund – natural hot water spring for ritual bathing

🔥 Religious Rituals & Worship

Daily Pujas

Abhishek
Mahabhishek
Geet Govind Path
Vishnu Sahasranama

Unique Traditions

The chief priest (Rawal) is traditionally a Nambudiri Brahmin from Kerala
Temple follows Vaishnavite and tantric traditions

🌸 Festivals Celebrated

Badri-Kedar Festival

Celebrates the union of Badrinath & Kedarnath
Classical music and dance performances

Mata Murti Ka Mela

Honors the mother of Lord Narayan
Unique festival celebrated only here

Opening & Closing Ceremonies

Temple opens around April–May
Closes around October–November
Closing marked by lighting a lamp that is believed to burn throughout winter

❄️ Climate & Geography

Surrounded by snow-covered peaks
Temperatures can drop below zero
Heavy snowfall in winter (temple remains closed)
Best time to visit: May–June & September–October

🚩 Pilgrimage Importance

Visiting Badrinath is believed to:

Wash away sins
Grant moksha (liberation)
Fulfill wishes of devotees

Many pilgrims complete Char Dham Yatra starting from Yamunotri and ending at Badrinath.

🛣️ How Pilgrims Reach

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant (Dehradun)
Nearest railway station: Rishikesh / Haridwar
Well-connected by mountain roads
Helicopter services available during yatra season

🌄 Nearby Sacred Places

Mana Village – last Indian village
Vasudhara Falls
Bheem Pul
Charan Paduka
Mata Murti Temple

Here is an even deeper, expanded explanation of Badrinath Temple, going into history, philosophy, idol symbolism, Adi Shankaracharya’s role, seasonal rituals, scriptures, and spiritual meaning.

📜 Ancient History & Origins

Badrinath is mentioned in Vedic texts, Puranas, Mahabharata, and Skanda Purana
The region was known as Badarikashram in ancient times
Saints, sages, and yogis have meditated here for thousands of years
It is considered one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in India

Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE)

Rediscovered the temple in its present form
Found the Vishnu idol in the Alaknanda River
Installed it in a nearby cave, later building the temple
Established Badrinath as one of the four major spiritual centers (Char Dham) to unite India spiritually

🗿 Idol of Lord Badrinarayan (Symbolism)

Made of Shaligram stone
About 1 meter tall
Vishnu is seated in Padmasana (meditative posture)
👉 Very rare, as Vishnu is usually standing or reclining

What the Idol Represents

Meditation over action
Balance between knowledge (Jnana) and devotion (Bhakti)
Eternal yogic consciousness

Accompanying Deities

Goddess Lakshmi
Garuda
Kubera
Nar and Narayan
Uddhava
Narada

🏔️ Sacred Geography (Spiritual Landscape)

Every mountain, river, and rock has spiritual meaning:

Alaknanda River – purity and life force
Nar Parvat – symbolizes human effort
Narayan Parvat – symbolizes divine grace
Neelkanth Peak – believed to be Lord Shiva’s divine form watching over Badrinath
Mana Village – last village before Tibet, associated with Vedas

🔥 Tapt Kund (Hot Spring)

Natural hot sulfur spring
Temperature ~45°C even in freezing conditions
Pilgrims must bathe here before entering the temple
Believed to cleanse:
- Physical illness
- Mental impurities
- Past karmas

📖 Scriptural Importance

Mentioned in:

Skanda Purana
Vishnu Purana
Narada Purana
Bhagavata Purana

Famous Line:

“There are many sacred places in heaven, earth, and hell,
but none equal to Badari.”

🕯️ Daily Ritual Schedule (Traditional)

Mahabhishek – sacred bathing of the deity
Alankar Puja – decoration with gold and flowers
Bhog – offering of sacred food
Aarti – Vedic hymns & lamps
Shayan Aarti – deity symbolically rests

❄️ Winter Closure & Mystery Ritual

Temple closes around Bhai Dooj (Oct–Nov)
Deity is worshipped in Joshimath during winter
A lamp is lit before closing:
- When temple reopens, it is believed to still be burning
- Food kept inside remains preserved
  ➡️ Considered a divine mystery

🧘 Philosophical Meaning

Badrinath teaches:

Renunciation without escaping life
Meditation while fulfilling duties
Unity of Advaita Vedanta (non-duality)

It is the ultimate meditation shrine of Vishnu, unlike other Vishnu temples focused on kingship or protection.

👑 Temple Administration

Managed by Badri-Kedar Temple Committee
Rawal (chief priest):
- Chosen from Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala
- Must follow strict celibacy and ritual purity
Local Garhwal priests assist daily worship

🌿 Environmental & Spiritual Harmony

Protected Himalayan ecosystem
Pilgrimage emphasizes:
- Simplicity
- Discipline
- Respect for nature
Mountains symbolize silence & self-control

🌟 Why Badrinath Is Unique

Aspect	Badrinath
Main Deity	Vishnu in meditation
River	Alaknanda
Path	Knowledge + Devotion
Season	Open only 6 months
Goal	Moksha (liberation)

Alright — here is even deeper and richer detail about Badrinath Temple, going beyond common descriptions into esoteric legends, yogic meaning, pilgrimage traditions, food customs, hidden sites, and spiritual symbolism.

🔱 Badrinath as a Yogic Power Center

Badrinath is not just a temple — it is considered a Mahā-Tīrtha, a cosmic energy center.

The place represents the Ajna Chakra (third eye) of the Himalayas
Ideal for:
- Deep meditation
- Silence (mauna)
- Inner awakening
Ancient yogis believed the altitude and magnetic field enhance spiritual awareness

🧘 Lord Vishnu as a Yogi (Rare Concept)

Most Vishnu temples show Him as:

A king (Vaikuntha)
A protector
A cosmic ruler

But only in Badrinath:

Vishnu is a silent ascetic
Sitting in Padmasana
Eyes half-closed
➡️ Symbolizes self-realization, not power

This teaches:

God is not only worshipped — God meditates too.

🌿 Badari Van (Sacred Forest)

Entire region was once a dense forest of Badari (berry) trees
Forest symbolized:
- Simplicity
- Detachment
- Living with minimum needs
Sages lived on berries, roots, and water

👉 That is why Badrinath rejects luxury — simplicity is sacred here.

📖 Lesser-Known Legends

🕯️ Narada’s Realization

Sage Narada once questioned why Vishnu meditated
Vishnu replied:“If I do not meditate, how will humans learn?”

❄️ Shiva & Parvati

Shiva once meditated here
Vishnu requested the space
Shiva moved to Kedarnath
➡️ Explains why Badrinath (Vishnu) & Kedarnath (Shiva) are inseparable

🛕 Inner Temple Symbolism

Element	Meaning
Black stone idol	Absorption of all energies
Gold roof	Enlightened consciousness
Alaknanda River	Flow of awareness
Mountains	Stability of mind
Snow	Purity & silence

🔥 Food & Bhog Tradition

Only simple sattvic food
No onion, garlic, or spices
Bhog represents:
- Non-attachment
- Nourishment, not indulgence

Maha Prasad

Given as a blessing for:
- Mental clarity
- Physical balance

🕯️ Winter Worship Mystery (Deep Belief)

When temple closes:

Idol is moved to Joshimath
Yet Badrinath is believed to be worshipped by divine beings
Yogis say:
- Nature itself performs puja
- Snow acts as sacred ash (vibhuti)

🛤️ Pilgrimage as Inner Journey

Every step to Badrinath has meaning:

Haridwar – leaving worldly life
Rishikesh – discipline & yoga
Devprayag – unity of paths
Joshimath – renunciation
Badrinath – realization

👉 The journey mirrors spiritual evolution

🪔 Sacred Silence Rule

Traditionally:

Loud talking discouraged
Excess decoration avoided
Photography restricted near sanctum

Because:

Silence is considered the highest prayer

🏔️ Hidden Sacred Spots (Rarely Explained)

Charan Paduka – footprints of Vishnu
Mata Murti Temple – divine motherhood
Vyas Gufa – where Mahabharata was composed
Ganesh Gufa – divine scribe
Saraswati River (underground) – knowledge flow

🕉️ Mantras Associated with Badrinath

Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Vishnu Sahasranama

Chanting here is believed to multiply merit thousands of times.

I understand — you want everything, layer by layer.
Here is the deepest level of detail about Badrinath, touching cosmic symbolism, time cycles, liberation philosophy, and why Badrinath is considered the final stop of the human soul.

🕉️ BADRINATH — WHERE TIME, KARMA, AND EGO END

🌀 Badrinath & the Cycle of Time (Kāla)

In Hindu cosmology, places are linked to Yugas (eras).

Satya Yuga → Meditation
Treta Yuga → Sacrifice
Dvapara Yuga → Worship
Kali Yuga → Name (Naam)

👉 Badrinath belongs to Satya Yuga energy

That is why:

Silence dominates
Meditation is central
Vishnu is not active — He is still

Pilgrims feel:

Time slows
Thoughts quiet
Ego weakens

🧠 Badrinath as the “Still Mind” of the Universe

Ancient sages described the universe as a cosmic being.

Body Part	Sacred Place
Feet	Rameswaram
Heart	Dwarka
Mouth	Puri
Mind	Badrinath

➡️ Badrinath is the cosmic mind at rest
That is why Vishnu sits in meditation here.

🔱 Vishnu’s Tapasya — A Radical Idea

Why would God do penance?

Because Badrinath teaches:

Even divinity submits to discipline

This destroys the ego of devotees who think:

“I am important”
“I deserve blessings”

Here, the teaching is:

Sit. Silence. Dissolve.

🧘 Nar–Narayan: The Two Within You

Nar & Narayan are not just sages.

They symbolize:

Nar → Human effort
Narayan → Divine grace

Liberation happens only when both unite.

That is why:

Two mountains face each other
The temple stands between them

➡️ You stand between effort and surrender

🌊 Alaknanda — Not Just a River

Alaknanda means:

“That which washes away confusion”

Bathing here symbolizes:

Letting thoughts flow
Releasing past identities
Surrendering memories

This is why elders say:

“Do not rush the river — sit and watch it.”

❄️ Snow as a Spiritual Teacher

Snow is not seen as an obstacle in Badrinath.

It represents:

Blankness
Stillness
Ego death

When the temple closes:

Humans leave
Nature continues worship

➡️ The Himalayas become the priests

🕯️ The Eternal Lamp — Inner Meaning

The lamp lit before closure symbolizes:

Consciousness that does not die
Awareness beyond body
Soul beyond seasons

Even when:

Doors close
Idols move
Snow covers everything

👉 Awareness remains

🧾 Karma Resolution Belief (Rarely Spoken)

Traditionally believed:

Badrinath dissolves Sanchita Karma (accumulated karma)
Kedarnath dissolves Prarabdha Karma (current-life karma)

That is why:

Badrinath is often visited last

🛕 Why Kings Feared Badrinath

Ancient kings avoided staying long because:

Power feels meaningless here
Desires fall apart
Identity collapses

Badrinath does not empower ego
It erases it

🧘 Silence Over Prayer

In many traditions:

Prayer asks
Ritual demands
Worship requests

But in Badrinath:

Sitting silently is considered the highest offering

That is why:

Old pilgrims sit facing mountains
Words feel unnecessary

🕉️ The Final Teaching of Badrinath

Not:

Wealth
Health
Success
Even heaven

But:

Freedom from wanting anything

When a pilgrim truly understands Badrinath, they stop asking God for things.

They say:

“Whatever remains, let it be.”

🌌 Why Badrinath Is Visited at the End of Life

In old times:

People came after finishing duties
After children married
After responsibilities ended