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The Abode Of Lord Vishnu
Situated 297 kms from the holy town of Rishikesh and
about 600 kms from Delhi, Badrinath lies at an elevation
of 3,133 m above sea-level. Considered to be amongst the
most pious of the eternal Hindu shrines of Kedarnath,
Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Badrinath is located
in the lap of Nar-Narayan Parvat, with the Neelkanth
peak(6,597m) overlooking in the background.
It is to the credit of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who in
order to revive the lost prestige of Hinduism and to
unite the country in one bond, built four dhamas or
pilgrimage centers in four corners of the country.
Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located
on the right bank of river Alaknanda, perched at an
altitude of over 3000m in the middle of a valley full
with scenic beauty.
Whether someone agrees or not, it has been said that:
"there were many sacred spots of pilgrimage in heaven,
earth and the other world, but neither is any equal to
Badrinath nor shall there be one".
Even minus this religious claim, Badrinath has some
scintillating scenic beauty and rare recreational spots
in the vicinity. Indeed, an universal attraction.
The present temple was built about two centuries ago by
the kings of Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple
is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a
meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan. Badrinath
is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch
Badris.
The temple remains closed from October to April due to
severe winter conditions. During this period the idols
of Utsavo Murti are taken to Pandukeshwar.
Badrinath Temple(Adi Shankaracharya Ji)
The Temple has been renovated several times due to
damage by avalanches. The present structure is 15 mtrs
high and has a gilded cupola. The rawal or chief priest
of the temple is a Namboodripad Brahmin from Kerala. The
temple is divided into three parts - the garbha griha or
sanctum sanctorum, the darshan mandap where the rituals
are conducted and the sabha mandap where devotees
assemble.
Tapt Kund And Surya Kund
The famous hot springs just below the temple. The
sulphurous waters have a temperature of 550C. A dip,
considered holy and refreshing to the body as well as
the soul, is a must before offering prayers to Shri
Badrinath ji.
Neelkanth
A majestic peak of the Himalayas, towering to 6600 mtrs,
presents the most dramatic sight of Badrinath.
Mata Murti Mandir
About 3 km from Badrinath, on the right bank of the
Alaknanda stands this temple, dedicated to the mother of
Shri Badrinathji.
Mana Village
4 km. Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the
last Indian village before Tibet on this route.
Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bhimpul and Vasundhara Falls
3-6 km. All these destinations are famous for their
links with Hindu mythology and form part of the
pilgrimage of Badrinath.
Govindghat, Ghangaria
24 km. Here the Alaknanda and Laxman ganga meet.
Provides access to the famous Valley of Flowers National
Park (19 km) and Hemkund Sahib (20 km).
Vasuki Tal
This is high altitude lake which can be reached by an 8
km trek that ascends to 14,200 feet.
Hemkund Sahib
45 km.
Deoprayag
70 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of Rivers Alaknanda
and Bhagirathi this is an important pilgrim spot with
its famous Shiv and Raghunath temples.
Shrinagar
105 km from Rishikesh. An important cultural and
educational centre, this old capital of Garhwal was once
completely destroyed in the Gohna Lake dam-burst. Places
to visit here are the Kamleshwar and Kalpaveshwar
Temples and the Shankar Math.
Rudra Prayag
137 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda
and Mandakini. The temples that dot this region are
those of Rudranath and Chamunda Devi. A road branches
from here to Kedarnath.
Karna Prayag
169 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda
and Pindar rivers, where there are temples dedicated to
Uma and Karn.
Nand Pyarag
169 km from Rishikesh. The confluence of the Alaknanda
and Pindar rivers, where there are temples dedicated to
Uma and Karn.
Nand Prayag
190 km from Rishikesh, where the River Alaknanda meets
the River Mandakini. An important pilgrim centre that
has the temple of Gopalji.
Bhavishya Badri
It is commonly believed that in the course of centuries,
the road from Joshimath to Badrinath will be blocked.
This will happen because the two hills flanking
Badrinath will become joined. Then will the temples at
Bhavishya Badri, one of the Panch Badri's, be
worshipped. The other four are Vishal Badri (Badrinath),
Yoga Badri (Pandukeshwar), Adi Badri and Vridha Badri
(at Animath, near Joshimath).
Adi Badri
Situated at an altitude of 3,200 feet, Adi Badri has
ancient temples. It is 17 km from Karnaprayag on the
Karnaprag-Ganai-Ranikhet route. Accommodation is
available at a PWD Inspection Bungalow.
Geographical Information:
Area 2.5 sq. km.
Altitude 3133 Mts. above sea level
Ideal time to visit May-mid-November
Clothing Woolens to Heavy woolens
Local Transport Taxis/Dandies/Ponies
Population 978
Clothing (Summer) : Woollens
(Winter) :Heavy Woolens.
Festivals Mata Murti ka Mela (Sept.); Krishna
Janmashtami; (Jul/Aug), Badri-Kedar Utsav
Language Hindi, Garhwali
STD Code 01381
Bank : State Bank of India, Badrinath
Post Offices : Sub-Post Office, Badrinath, Ph :
(01381)2201
Hospitals :State Allopathic Dispensary; Ph : (01381)2217
Distances from Major Cities:
Rishikesh : 297 kms
Joshimath : 42 kms
Haridwar : 321 kms
Karnaprayag :123 kms
Rudraprayag : 155 kms
Deoprayag : 225 kms
Dehradun : 343 kms
Nearest airport - Jolly Grant Air Strip ,is located at
Dehradun, which is 315 kms away. The nearest railhead is
at Rishikesh, which is at a distance of 292 kms.
Ideal time for visiting the shrine will be between May
to November. One should, without fail, carry Sweaters,
woolen clothing, Umbrella and required medicines during
the trip. Minimum luggage should be preferred.
Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly
prohibited in this place. Reasonable accommodation, at
cottages managed by Temple committee is available at
Badri. Postal and Banking facilities are available. A
State Allopathic Dispensary is also available.
The shrine closes in early November and most people come
down to Joshimath. Road access is usually prohibited
till May the next year.
Where To Stay:Chand
Cottage, Modi Bhavan and Gujarat Bhavan, PWD Inspection
House, Hotel Devlok, Travellers Lodge, Kale Kambli
Wale's Ashram behind the temple, are the available means
of accommodation.
Restaurants :Local
eateries/dhabas which offer vegetarian food.
Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited. |
