Badrinath

Sri Badri Naryanji ki, jai
Sri Badri Vishalji ki, Jai

Badrinath is one of the char dhams (four pilgrim centers), which is visited by thousands of Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Badrinarayan / Vishnu. The temple is situated at 11,000 feet above sea level on the banks of Alakananda River surrounded by Nara and Narayana mountain ranges.

The beautiful and majestic Nilakantha Parvath is visible for here. When the early morning sun rays touch the snow-clad peak of Nilakantha Parvath, it is an unforgettable sight.

The journey to Badrinath is along narrow roads carved into the rocky Himalayan Mountain surrounded by pine forests and gorges gurgling with aquamarine water.

During the journey the roads get blocked due to landslides. From Joshimath it is one-way traffic and the opening of the road on either side is regularized at regular intervals. Traffic is closed from Joshimath to Badrinath after 6:00 p.m.

Sri Adi Shankaracharya the renowned saint from Kerala visited this holy place, which is mentioned in Padma Purana / ancient texts as a place surrounded by spiritual energy. While bathing in river Alakananda, the saint discovered the idol of Lord Badrinarayan and installed the idol in a cave close to the hot sulphur spring Tapt Kund in 9th century C.E. Later, the king of Garhwal shifted the idol to the current location and built a temple.

The temple was damaged by an avalanche and the temple was rebuilt and expanded by the kings of Garhwal.

Due to an earthquake in the 18th century the temple was further damaged and was rebuilt by the King of Jaipur.

Badrinath temple is opened on Akshaya Tritaya day in the month of May and the Utsav Murthy is brought back from Joshi Math. The temple closes again in November due to heavy snow fall and harsh winter.

The highly respected chief priest known as Rawal is a Kerala Namboodari Brahmin selected by erstwhile rulers of Garhwal and TravancoreThis tradition is being following since the time of Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

The temple, which is 50 feet tall is visible from a distance. Colorful entrance leads to the courtyard with many shrines dedicated to Nara & Narayana, Narasimha (the fourth incarnation of Vishnu), Lakshmi, Narada, Ganesha, Uddhava, Kubera, Garuda (the vehicle of Lord Narayan), and Navadurga.

A small hall with pillars will lead you to the sanctum sanctorum. The black stone idol of Badrinarayan is just a meter tall in a meditating posture under a Badri tree (Ber). The architecture of the temple is inspired by Buddhist temples.

Badrinath is one of the five holy places where Hindus offer the last rites to their departed ancestors. The other four are Kashi / Baranasi, Gaya, Prayaga / Allahabad, and Rameswaram. It is believed that if the rites are performed here, then the descendants need not perform the annual rituals.

Tapt Kund is a hot sulphur spring in Badrinath where you can take a dip. There are separate bathing sections for men and women.

During May-June, the mountains are filled with dandelions and other wild flowers in various hues.  Wild Iris in between the bed of flowers makes the place more exotic.  Black Birds are spotted in this region.

Interesting places around Badarinath:
Mana village
Valley of flowers during July-August
Auli
Vasundhara falls during summer
Trek to Gangothri glaciers with permission from Army
Hemkund Sahib

Place Statistics:
Type of place: Ancient Himalayan Temple
Situated: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
Distance: 293 km from Rishikesh
Transport: Well connected by roads
Facilities: Hotels with lodging and boarding facilities

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