 General Information
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.
Area : 2.5 sq. km.
Population : 978
Altitude : 3133 Mts. above sea level
Season : May-mid-November
Clothing Summer : Woollens
Clothing Winter : Heavy Woollens
Language : Hindi, Garhwali
Festivals : Mata Murti ka Mela (Sept.); Krishna Janmashtami; (Jul/Aug), Badri-Kedar Utsav
Local Transport : Taxis/Dandies/Ponies
STD Code : 01381
Quick Getaways: Joshimath - 42 km,
Haridwar - 321 km, Karnprayag - 123 km, Rudraprayag - 155 km, Deoprayag - 225 km, Dehradun 343 km.
Places to visit
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.
Excursion
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.
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