Sri Badrinath

Badrinath is a Vaishnavite holy town in Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand. According to the Skanda Purana: “There are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth, and in hell; but there is no shrine like Badrinath.” Badrinath is the most important of the four sites in Char Dham pilgrimage. Badrinath is in the Garhwal hills, on the banks of the Alaknanda River, at an elevation of 3133 meters. Badrinath was established as a major pilgrimage site by Adi Shankara in the ninth century. Since then, its popularity has increased significantly, with an estimated 600,000 pilgrims visiting during the 2006 season, compared to 90,676 in 1961. The temple in Badrinath is also a sacred pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites.

Badrinath has been mentioned as a holy place in scriptures and legends for thousands of years. According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, "There in Badrikashram the Personality of Vishnu, in his incarnation as the sages Nara and Narayana, had been undergoing great penance since time immemorial for the welfare of all living entities." (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.4.22). Badri refers to a berry that was said to grow abundantly in the area, and nath refers to Vishnu. Badri is the sanskrit name for the Indian Jujube tree, which has an edible berry. Some scriptural references also refer to Jujube trees being abundant in Badrinath. Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi took the form of the berries to protect Lord Vishnu from the harsh climate during his long penance.

Shri Badrinath Temple: The temple has been renovated several times due to damages brought about by avalanches. The present temple was built the king of Garhwal a century ago. Mighty Nar and Narayan Parbat encircle the temple adding divinity to the ambience. The hot water tank or Tapt Kund  is a boon of nature to the pilgrims. Other hot water tanks in the vicinity are Narad Kund and Surya Kund. The Idol of Lord Badri-vishal is made of Black Shaligram  seated in a meditative posture. The idol is in Padmasan pose having four arms. The temple structure is divided into three parts. The lord is seated in the innermost part called Garvagriha. A canopy covered with gold sheet was offered by Queen Ahilyabai.  The lord is worshiped by Nambodari Brahmins from Kerala. Before having Darshan of the lord, devotees take a dip in the Tapt Kund.

Mana Village: Four/six kilometers from Badrinath is the last inhabited Indian village before Tibet starts, another sight worth visiting is Vasudhara falls also lies nearby.

Distance of Badrinath

Kedarnath- Badrinath  243 KM
Rishikesh- Badrinath  292 KM