Badrinath - Uttarakhand

Badrinath is a village and temple in the state of Uttarakhand, northern India, which remains deserted in winter. Situated on the banks of the mainstream of the Ganges River, this pilgrimage centre is located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea level. It is situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda between two mountain ranges named Nar and Narayan. Badrinath was named after Badri, a wild berry once found in abundance here. It is one of the four major Dhams of India.

Badrinath

Description:: Situated on the banks of the mainstream of river Ganges, this pilgrimage centre is situated at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea level.

Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Constructed By: Adi Shankaracharya

Construction Period: 9th century

Deity: Badrinarayan (Vishnu) Geographical Location: 30° 44′ 40.9″ North, 79° 29′ 28.23″ East

Famous For: It is one of the four major Dhams of India.

Other Information: Badrinath was named after Badri, a wild berry once found in abundance here.

Importance of Shri Badrinath Temple

Badrinath is considered to be the main pilgrimage destination of Hindus on the Himalayan peak in the north direction. The Nar-Narayan Deity is worshipped in the temple and the Akhand lamp is lit, which is a symbol of immovable enlightenment. Badrinath is a major pilgrimage among the Char Dhams of India. It is the wish of every Hindu that he must visit Badrinath once. Here bathing in Alaknanda is very difficult due to the cold. Only darshan of Alaknanda is done. Travellers take bath in Taptkund. Offerings are made of Vanatulsi garland, raw rice, kernel balls and sugar candy etc.

Idol Installation

The idol of Badrinath, made of Shalagram rock, is in quadrangular meditation posture. It is said that this idol was installed by the deities after taking them out of Naradkund. Siddha, Rishi, and Muni were its chief archakas. When Buddhists prevailed, they started worshipping it as an idol of Buddha. During the preaching tour of Shankaracharya, the Buddhists threw the idol in Alaknanda while fleeing to Tibet. Shankaracharya again took it out of Alaknanda and established it. After that, the idol was shifted again and for the third time, Ramanujacharya established it after taking it out of Taptkund. There is an idol of Kubera on the right side of Badrinath in the temple. Uddhavaji is in front of him and Utsavmurti is in front of him. Utsavmurti is taken to Joshimath in winter when the snow freezes. Uddhavji has his Charanpaduka. On the left is the idol of Nar-Narayan. Near them are Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Badrinath Town

Mythological Belief

According to mythological beliefs, when the river Ganges descended on the earth, it split into 12 streams. The current at this place came to be known as Alaknanda and this place became Badrinath, the abode of Lord Vishnu. The present temple with the idol of Lord Vishnu is situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters and is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya, the philosopher saint of the eighth century. Located at a distance of 27 km to its west, Badrinath Peak has an altitude of 7,138 m. There is a temple in Badrinath, which houses the altar of Badrinath or Vishnu. It has been a famous pilgrimage site for more than 2,000 years.

Places to visit near Badrinath

• Hot spring located on the banks of Alaknanda- Tapt Kund

• A flat platform used for religious ceremonies - Brahma Kapal

• snakes mentioned in mythology

• A boulder with the alleged imprint of Sheshnag - Sheshnetra

• Charanpaduka- which is said to be the footprints of Lord Vishnu.

• Neelkanth, a high snow-capped peak as seen from Badrinath, is popularly known as the 'Garhwal Queen'.

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