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The Abode Of Lord Vishnu
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.
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.
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.
Geographical Information:
Area 2.5 sq. km.
Altitude 3133 Mts. above sea level
Ideal time to visit May-mid-November
Clothing Woolens to Heavy woolens
Local Transport Taxis/Dandies/Ponies
Population 978
Clothing (Summer) : Woollens
(Winter) :Heavy Woolens.
Festivals Mata Murti ka Mela (Sept.); Krishna Janmashtami;
(Jul/Aug), Badri-Kedar Utsav
Language Hindi, Garhwali
STD Code 01381
Bank : State Bank of India, Badrinath
Post Offices : Sub-Post Office, Badrinath, Ph : (01381)2201
Hospitals :State Allopathic Dispensary; Ph : (01381)2217
Distances from Major Cities:
Rishikesh : 297 kms
Joshimath : 42 kms
Haridwar : 321 kms
Karnaprayag :123 kms
Rudraprayag : 155 kms
Deoprayag : 225 kms
Dehradun : 343 kms
Nearest airport - Jolly Grant Air Strip ,is located at Dehradun,
which is 315 kms away. The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh,
which is at a distance of 292 kms.
Ideal time for visiting the shrine will be between May to
November. One should, without fail, carry Sweaters, woolen
clothing, Umbrella and required medicines during the trip.
Minimum luggage should be preferred. Non-vegetarian food and
alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited in this place.
Reasonable accommodation, at cottages managed by Temple
committee is available at Badri. Postal and Banking facilities
are available. A State Allopathic Dispensary is also available.
The shrine closes in early November and most people come down to
Joshimath. Road access is usually prohibited till May the next
year.
Where To Stay:Chand
Cottage, Modi Bhavan and Gujarat Bhavan, PWD Inspection House,
Hotel Devlok, Travellers Lodge, Kale Kambli Wale's Ashram behind
the temple, are the available means of accommodation.
Restaurants :Local
eateries/dhabas which offer vegetarian food. Non-vegetarian food
and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.
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