Located
at an altitude of 3133 mts above sea level in the lap of the Nar-Narayan
Parvat, with the towering Neelkanth peak in the background (6597
mts),standing guard over this holiest of shrines. Badrinath is one of the
most revered Hindu shrines of India. Founded by Sri Adi Guru Shankaracharya
in the ninth century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Legend has it
that he had done penance in the legendary Brindavan which was once spread
over the mountains of Uttarkhand.
A dwelling place of seers,
saints and yogis for centuries the place arouses intense religious feelings.
Located on the right bank of the Alaknanda river, it is one of the four
Dhams, which a Hindu devout has to visit at least once in his lifetime to
attain salvation.
The shrine is encompassed on either side
by the two mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan. The Neelkanth peak
provides a fantastic background. Badrinath is also known as 'Tapobhumi', the
land of meditation and penance and 'Bhubaikunth', which means heaven on
earth. In fact in early times the land was carpeted by wild berries known as
'badris' hence it was also known as "Badrivan". 'Tapt Kund', the
hot water spring faces the shrine. Narad Kund and Surya Kund are other well
known springs in its vicinity.
Namboothiri Brahman from Kerala, the
Rawal presides over Badrinath and also is the head priest for Kedarnath.
Prime Attractions of
Badrinath » Badrinath Temple The
Badrinath Temple lies on the right bank of the river Alakhnanda. It
is situated at an altitude of 3133 metres above sea level. This 15 metre
high temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is built in the form of a cone
with a small cupola of a guilt bull and spire. Built by Adi Guru
Shankaracharya, the temple was renovated several times due to damage by
avalanches.
The
main entrance gate to the temple is a major attraction. The complex has 15
idols. The one metre high image of Badrinath, finely sculpted in black
stone, is a must-see. The image depicts Lord Vishnu seated in a meditative
pose.
» Tapt Kund Tapt Kund appears before
entering the Badrinath Temple. Many people throng to this place to take a
dip in the holy waters of the natural thermal springs. The water of the kund
is believed to possess medicinal properties.
» Bramha
Kapal Bramha Kapal is a flat platform on the bank of the river
Alakhnanda. Here, the Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased
ancestors. Sheshnetra is a boulder having an impression of the legendary
serpent. Charanpaduka are the footprints of Lord Vishnu on a boulder in this
beautiful meadow.
» NeelkanthNeelkanth is a
pyramidical-shaped snowy peak towering above Badrinath and is known as the ‘Garhwal
Queen’. The Mata Murti temple stands on the right bank of the
Alakhnanda River. It is dedicated to the mother of Shri Badrinathji. Mana
Village nearby, is the last village before Tibet on this route. The Vyas
Gufa is the rock cave of Saint Ved Vyas. The Bhim Pul is a natural bridge
over the Saraswati River.
Places around Badrinath » Joshimath 42 kms from
Badrinath, Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of
Alaknanda and Dhaulinganga, it displays unrivalled scenic beauty and also is
a well known religious centre. This centre was established by Adi
Shankaracharya who called it Jyotirmath, which later came to be known as
Joshimath. Nav Durga and Narsingh are other interesting temples.
»
Panch PrayagDeoprayag is the confluence of the Bhagirathi and the
Alakhnanda Rivers. Ancient stone scriptures are found here. The most visited
pilgrim spots here are the Shiv temple and the Raghunath Temple. The
Rudraprayag is the confluence of the Alakhnanda and the Mandakini rivers.
The Rudranath temple and the Chamunda Devi temple are sites worth seeing.
»
Nand Prayag It is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and
Mandakini rivers. The Nanda Prayag houses the Gopalji temple, which is a
must-see. Karna Prayag is the confluence of the Alakhnanda and the Pindar
rivers with temples of Uma and Karna. Vishnuprayag is the confluence of the
rivers Alakhnanda and Dhauliganga. An ancient temple of Lord Vishnu stands
here by a pool called Vishnu Kund.
» Panch Badris The Yogadhyan Badri is located
at Pandukeshwar on the Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway. The image of the lord
here is in the meditative posture. The Bhavishya Badri is situated at a
height of 2744 metres. The temple is surrounded by dense forests. The
picturesque Tapovan valley lies nearby. The valley is famous for its hot
springs.
» Chamoli It's a scenic
spot 10 kms. form Gopeshwar on Badrinath Highway. Chamoli is a tiny mountain
retreat with verdant landscapes and fresh mountain air.
»
Gobindghat Situated between Joshimath and Badrinath, at the
confluence of the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers, Gobindghat is the
starting point for the trek to the valley. Here the road diverts to the
Valley of Flowers National Park (19 kms) and Hemkund Sahib (20 kms).
» Valley of Flowers The valley gets its
name from the plethora of enchanting flowers that it houses. This valley is
one of the most enchanting valleys in the world and was discovered in by
Frank S. Smythe. Just close by meanders the Pushpavati river and just
providing a picturesque background is the majestic Rataban peak.
Places to Stay in
BadrinathHotel Devlok, Jhunjhunwala Cottage, Modi Bhavan, Mittal
Cottage, Chand Cottage, Badrish Sadan, Pilo Dharamshala, Kali Kamli
Dharamshala, PWD Inspection House, Jal Nigam Rest House, Forest Rest House,
DGBR Rest House.
