Badrinath (Uttaranchal)

There are several stories that go with this temple. Its features look Buddhist – may be a stamp of the time in which it was built or it was built as a Buddhist shrine to be converted later into a Hindu temple. There are no records attesting to the age of the temple, yet Adi Shankaracharya is credited for its revival in the 8th century. Whatever the case, it is an imposing structure and well worth a visit.

The tourist season is a short, lasting five to six months here in the mountains. Many times over the past centuries the village has been 'swept' clean by glaciers only to be rebuilt again. The temple however has not been bothered by the glaciers. Attempts have been made to divert glaciers by constructing dykes just behind the temple, but if a glacier does come down they would do precious little to stop their might!

Population: 978

Best Time to Visit: May to September

Places of Interest

Badrinathji Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinathji is five metres high, built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. The temple opens every year in the month of April-May and closes for winters in the third week of November. Even though legend dates the temple back to the Vedic age, Guru Adi Shankaracharya has established the present temple.

Legend has it that Lord Vishnu came to the area, called ‘Badri Van’, or the berry garden, to meditate after Narad rebuked the Lord for being immersed in worldly pleasures. The main deity is a meditating Lord Vishnu. Facing the temple at the bank of Alaknanda River is a hot water spring known as "Tapt Kund", a bath in which is very refreshing to all travellers.

Excursion

Mana Village
Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.

Vasundhara
As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent waterfall. This place is 5 kms. From Badrinath out of which 2 kms. Is motor able up to Mana.

Mata Murty Temple
Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.

Panch Dharas
(a) Prahalad Dhara (b) Kurma Dhara (c) Urvashi Dhara (d) Bhrigu Dhara (e) Indra Dhara

Panch Shilas
Narad - Shila, varaha Shila , Garurh Shila , Markandeya Shila , Narshingh Shila.

Tapt Kund
Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.

Narad Kund
A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Brahama Kapal
A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

Sheshnetra
1.5 kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.

Charanpaduka
3kms. Away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

Neelkanth
A pyramidal shaped snowy peak (6,600mts.) towering above Badrinath presents a dramatic sight. It is popularly known as the ' Garhwal Queen'.

How to get there

Airport:
Jolly Grant (317 kms.)

By Rail:
Rishikesh (300 kms.), Kotdwar (327 kms.)

By Road:
Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, Kotdwar and other hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon.