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Information about
Badrinath
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The Char Dham consists of the four major shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Badrinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas among all these shrines. Badrinath is situated amidst the magnificent background of the Neelkanth mountains in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan, along the left banks of the Alaknanda river. According to the Hindu Shastras, no pilgrimage is complete unless one visit Badrinath, the abode of Vishnu. Along with Rameshwaram, Dwarka and Puri it is one of the four holiest places in India and it is a living faith with every Hindu to visit the shrine of Badrinath once in a lifetime. Once, this place was carpeted with badris or wild berries and hance also known as Badrivan. The Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple remains closed during the winter season and is open from May to November. There are numerous resthouses and dharamshalas in Badrinath to cater the pilgrims and travellers. In summers, the temperature is very cool during the day and cold at night and in winters, it is covered by snow. The best season to visit Badrinath is from May to November. Hindi, Garhwali and English are the main languages which are spoken here. |
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History of Badrinath
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The shrine of Badrinath is full of legends from mythology. Its sanctity is mentioned in the various ancient scriptures. According to the Skanda Purana, there are many shrines on earth, heaven and hell, but, there has been none shrine equal to Badrinath and nor will be. According to the legend, when the Ganga was requested to descend on the earth to help the suffering humanity, the earth was unable to withstand the force of its descent. So, the Ganga was split into twelve holy channels and Alaknanda was one of them which later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or
Badrinath. |
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Tourist Attractions in Badrinath |
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The main tourist attraction in Badrinath is the Badrinath Temple. Besides this temple, the Tapt Kund, Neelkanth, Brahma Kapal and Sheshnetra are the other worth visiting places. |
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Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda river and belongs to the vedic times. This temple is believed to have been built by the Adi Guru Shankaracharya, the 8th century philosopher and saint and has been renovated several times. The temple is built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. The temple is small and brightly painted in green, blue, pink, yellow, white silver and red. Its colourful 'Singh Dwara' gives it a new and modern look. The temple is divided into three parts-the garbha griha or sanctum sanctorum; the darshan mandap, where rituals are conducted and sabha mandap, where devotees assemble. This complex has 15 idols. The main idol is the one metre high image of Badrinath, finely sculpted in black stone. It represents the Lord Vishnu seated in a meditation pose. |
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Neelkanth
Neelkanth is a pyramidal shaped snowy peak towering above the Badrinath Temple. This peak is also known as the Garhwal Queen.
Brahma Kapal
Brahma Kapal is a flat platform on the bank of the Alaknanda river where Hindus perform propitating rites for their deceased ancestors.
Sheshnetra
Sheshnetra is a boulder that has the impression of the legendary serpent, known as Sheshnag's eye.
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Excursions |
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Mata Murti Temple
Mata Murti Temple is situated on the right banks of the Alaknanda river. This temple is dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji.
Mana Village
Mana Village is inhabited by Indo-Mongolian tribe and considered to be the last Indian village before Tibet. On this route, the Vyas Gufa, the rock cave of saint Ved Vyas, Bhim Pul, a natural bridge over the Saraswati river and Vasundhara Falls, a 122 meters high waterfall are situated which form an important part of the pilgrimage to Badrinath.
Satopanth
A three cornered lake with a circumference of about 1 km., is situated at a height of 4402 meters above sea level. It is named after the Hindu triad-Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who are believed to occupy one corner of the lake. The trek is hazardous with dramatic landscapes.
Chamoli
Chamoli is the tiny mountain retreat from Gopeshwar to Badrinath highway. This retreat attracts visitors for its verdant landscapes and fresh mountain air. |
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How to get here |
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By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, about 317 kms. from Badrinath.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located in Rishikesh, about 300 kms.
By Road:
Badrinath is well connected by road to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
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