The land where Lord Vishnu meditated for thousand years for the welfare of mankind and bore many burdens is the perfect place for spiritual regeneration. Meditated under the Badri tree, lord Vishnu taught us the ultimate way of humanity and this is the sole message spread across the country through Badrinath Yatra. Situated along the Alaknanada River at Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, the Badrinath Dham offers the enchanting image of Lord Vishnu that impresses us with its legendry importance. The shrine of Lord Vishnu which is made up of Shaligram stone is a one meter tall statue in the form of Lord Badrinarayan.
Badrinath templeis one of the famous shrines of Chardham Yatra and has many reasons to catch attentions of large number of pilgrims. Chardham tour that comprises of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath is the one and only sacred expedition that amalgamates spiritual, psychological and historical teachings. Not only the Indian devotees but the foreign tourists also find spiritual uplifting once they mark their presence to the great valleys of Garhwal Himalayas.
Photo Credit- Shivam Bhutnath
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is built in 8th century by the Hindu reformist Adi Shankaracharya. The famous temple captivates many attentions in the form of Garbha Griha, Darshan Mandap and Sabha Mandap. To find complete peace of mind, the eloquent image of Lord Badrinarayan enthroned in Garbha Griha fascinated many pilgrims all over the world. The Badrinath temple is made more pious with the presence of Tapt Kund, which is a natural thermal spring, where the devotees take a holy bath to purify their body and mind before paying their homage to the holy temple. The water in Tapt Kund has also some medicinal and healing properties and that is the reason for large gathering of people.
Adding more pleases to the spiritual journey, the visitors upon returning from the Badrinath pilgrimage can find the most astounding place called Rudraprayag where the famous confluence of rivers Alaknanada and Mandakini mesmerizes senses.
Nearby places to Badrinath pilgrimage
The devotees can find enumerating visiting places near to the Badrinath Dham out of which the Panch Badris are the famous one. These are the small temples which are five in number and collectively they are called Panch Badri. The Badri Vishal the main Badrinath temple is the major one and the others are:
Yogadhyan Badri
This temple is the winter home for the Badrinath idol and is very closely located to the main temple. It is situated at an altitude of 1920 m and is an important archeological site.
Bhavishva Badri
The Bhavishya Badri or the future Badri is elevated at the height of 2744 m and is 17km east of Joshimath. It is to be believed that in future, the two mountains Nar and Narayan will come closer and the way to Badrinath will collapse. This will also mark the end of the present world and the beginning of the new one. Lord Badrinath will reappear in the Bhavishya Badri and will be worshipped here only.
Vridha Badri
It is the third temple which is 7kms away from Joshimath. It was believed that it is the ancient and the origin of Lord Badrinath temple before the enshrinement by Shankaracharya at the main Badrinath temple. The Vridha Badri temple remains open throughout the year.
Adi Badri
It is the farthest temple from other Badri temples which is approachable from Karnaprayag. The temple complex has 16 small temples with intricate carvings.
How to Reach:
The devotees can approach to Badrinath pilgrimage from the nearest airport at Dehradun. One can also find the redemption by visiting Badrinath through Rishikesh also. The road route is also approachable here with bus services or through own conveniences. The most advantageous factors while making the trip to Badrinath Dham is that the tourists can witness picturesque surroundings and natural heart-melting surroundings through the routes of Chardham Yatra.
Weather:
The weather remains pleasant throughout the year and the surrounding is very attractive. The atmosphere during morning and the evening is chilly and so the pilgrims are always advised to carry woolen clothes with them whenever they plan their trip to Badrinath temple.
On the way to this temple the devotees can also pay their homage to the most respected sites including Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Deo Prayag and Vishnuprayag. Thus a trip to Badrinath temple is the combination of spiritual, inspirational, educational, devotional and captivating journey for a new beginning of life.
