Badrinath India

Badrinath - the Seat of Lord Vishnu

Badrinath, the seat of the Lord Vishnu, is cradled amidst the mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan. The place derives its name from the word 'Badri', which means berries that once grew here abundantly. Badrinath is also known as Tapobhumi (land of meditation and penance) and Bhubaikunth (heaven on earth). The town is the holiest of the four main dhams (sites) of Hindus, in Garhwal ranges, and draws pilgrims from all over India. Badrinath lies on the confluence of the river Alaknanda and the Rishi Ganga, with charming Neelkanth mountains in its backdrop. Situated at an altitude of 3,133 metre above sea level, Badrinath is an important pilgrimage centre of Hindus. According to the Puranas (ancient Hindu texts), a visit to Badrinath is must to complete a pilgrimage. The importance of Badrinath is evident from its description in Mahabharata and the Puranas.

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple Barinath Temple, also known as Badri Narayan, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer). It is said that Lord Vishnu, had done penance in the mythical Brindava, which once covered the Uttaranchal mountains. Situated amidst a picturesque valley, the 15 metre high temple, is built in the shape of a cone, with a small cupola of gilt bull and spire. The temple was built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya - the philosopher saint of the 8th century. Since its construction, the temple has been renovated many times due to damage by avalanches. The main entrance to the shrine, called ‘Singh Dwara’ has special importance. The temple appears fairly modern due to this colorful entrance. Badrinath temple is divided into three parts - the ‘garbha griba’ (sanctum sanctorum), the ‘darshan mandap’ (for rituals) and the ‘sabha mandap’ (for devotees to assemble). The temple complex has 15 idols, each sculpted in black stone. The most attractive among the idols, is the one metre high image of Badrinath, which represents Lord Vishnu seated in meditative pose, flanked by Nara-Narayan. Other images include Laxmi (Vishnu’s consort), Garud (Vishnu’s mount), Shiva & Parvati and Ganesha

What attract Pilgrims

Badrinath, is a major tourist attraction for both the Indians and the foreigners. The city is one of the four Dhams, other are Puri, Dwarka and Rameswaram. Badrinath, being an ancient pilgrimage centre, also attracts tourists and nature lovers because of its pristine beauty. Major attraction in and around Badrinath include :

Tapt Kund : Tapt Kund, is a natural hot and cold water spring, on the banks of river Alaknanda. The Devotees take a holy dip here before entering the Badrinath Temple. It is believed that the water of the Kund have medicinal properties.

Hemkund Sahib : Situated 43 Kms away from Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib is an important pilgrimage centre of the Sikhs and Hindus. The sacred shrine is located along the shores of holy lake, Hemkund. It is the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru unified with God after prolonged mediation in his previous birth. Another attraction is the Lakshman Temple, where Laskhman performed his penance.

Brahma Kapal : Brahma Kapal is a flat platform, situated on the bank of Alaknanda river. Here the Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

Mount Neelkanth Neelkanth : Popularly known as the 'Garhwal Queen', Neelkanth is a pyramid shape snow peak towering above Badrinath.

Mata Murti Temple : The temple 3 Kms away from Badrinath lies on the bank of Alaknanda river. The temple is dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji.

Mana Village : The village inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe is located at a distance of 4 Kms for Badrinath. Mana is considered to be the last village before Tibet on this route. Major pilgrimage attractions here are Vyas Gufa (cave), the rock cave of saint Ved Vyas (the writer of the Mahabharata), Bhim Pul (bridge), and Vasundhara Falls.

Alka Puri : Located 15 Kms from Badrinath, Alka Puri is the source of the Alaknanda river. The glacier consists of Bhagirath - Kharak and Satopanth glaciers.

Satopanth : Santopath is a three cornered lake, which lies 25 kms away from Badrinath. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,402 mts. above sea level. Santopath is named after the Hindu triad - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

Govindghat : The ghat 25 Kms away from Badrinath, is situated on the confluence of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. A enchanting Gurudwara named after Guru Gobind Singh is major attraction here.

Joshimath : Situated at a distance of 44 Kms from Badrinath, this is the winter home of Shri Badrinathji. Joshimath is one of the four 'maths' established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Other sites of interest are the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh.

Govindghat ,at Badrinath Panch Prayag : Panch Prayag is the confluence of five important pilgrimage centres, namely Deoprayag, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Vishuprayag.

How to Reach Badrinath

Air : Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun(317 Kms), is the Nearest airport from Badrinath.

Rail : Rishikesh (297 Kms) and Kotdwar (327 Kms) are the nearest railway stations from Badrinath.

Road : Badrinath is connected by good roads to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kotdwar, Dehradun and other hills the Garhwal and Kumaon region.

Accommodation

Bardrinath has several hotels, which cater to the needs of the tourists. Famous hotels include Modi Bhavan, Gujarat Bhavan and Kale Kambli Wales Ashram. The religious organizations have many Dharamsalas, which are cheap and good to stay.