Badrinath

Cradled in the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges with the grand Neelkanth peak forming an enchanting backdrop, Badrinath is among the holiest of Hindu pilgrimages. It is located on the left bank of river Alaknanda in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Badrinath along with Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath form the Chota Char Dham, among the important pilgrimages for Hindus.

Though legend dates the Badrinath temple prior to the Vedic age, the present temple is believed to have been established by saint-philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. Chota Char Dham is often confused with the Char Dham (four abodes or centres of pilgrimage) pilgrimage necessary for Hindus to perform in their lifetime. Badrinath temple along with the temples at Puri, Dwarka and Rameshwaram form the Char Dhams. Nowadays, the Himalayan temple circuit is often referred as Char Dham.

Badrinath, at 3133 metres, remains snowbound for over six months. During the period, the temple remains closed and Lord Badrinath is shifted to Joshimath; one of the four "Maths" (monasteries) established by Shankaracharya. Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath temples also close at the same time.

Though road access to Badrinath has improved, safety is a major concern. Landslides and bus/jeep accidents are a regular occurrence. The road to Badrinath remains crowded as the route is also the way route to Hemkund Sahib, an important Sikh pilgrimage site. All motorized transport from Joshimath is obliged to move in convoys and the road is closed at night. The route to Badarinath is very fascinating with hilly terrain, hairpin bends and scenic Himalyan vistas. Hot water springs are among the natural wonders at Badrinath. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, Vishnuprayag and Pandukeswar are among the other pilgrimage sites on the route to Badarinath.

TIPS

The Kapat of Badarinath Temple closed on November 17.  Temple opening date in 2012 will be decided on Shivaratri.

Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited.

Route to Badrinath requires some steep climb and height of about 10000 ft. is often reached. Carry necessary medicine to combat altitude sickness and potable water too.

Pitthu or porters are available at Badrinath.

Bus services from Rishikesh generally stop after 4 pm. Be prepared for a night halt if a bus leaves after that.

Two days are all you need to see the whole of Badrinath town.

HISTORY

The popular legend says that that Badrinath was the domain of Lord Shiva, but Lord Vishnu managed to unseat Shiva who later took up residence in Kedarnath.

The mountains around Badrinath even find mention in Mahabharata. Local legend has it that the Pandavas passed through Badrinath and the town of Mana on their way to Swarga (heaven). There is also a cave in Mana, where according to folklore, Vyasa wrote the Mahabharata.

At Badarinath, Lord Vishnu is believed to have performed his penance. Seeing the Lord doing his penance in the open, Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed to have assumed the form of Badari tree to provide him shelter and hence, the name Badari Narayan. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu revealed to Narad that Nar and Narayan were his own manifestations.

According to another legend goddess Ganga was requested to descend on earth to help the suffering humanity, but earth was unable to withstand the force of her descent. So the mighty Ganga was split into 12 holy channels with Alaknanda being one of them.

The Temple's present structure was built by the Kings of Garhwal. Adi Shankaracarya installed the idol of Badrinath and appointed Namboodiri priests from Kerala just as he appointed priests from Ayodhya to perform the rituals at Rameshwaram.

CULTURE

The main Badrinath 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 the devotees gather. The temple complex has 15 idols.

The attractive image of Badrinath is finely sculpted in black stone and is one meter high. The image fashioned out of Saligramam shows Vishnu seated in meditative pose. Badarinarayan is seen under the Badari tree, flanked by Kuber and Garuda, Narad, Narayan and Nar. Mahalakshmi has a separate shrine. Temple also has shrines dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya, Desikacharya and Ramanujacharya.

The temple facade is made of wood and repainted each May, once the snows recede.

SHOPPING

Idols of gods and goddess, souvenirs devoted to religion are the main things to shop here. One can also purchase woolen clothes, stone carvings and wall paintings.

WHERE TO STAY

The town witnesses huge crowds of pilgrims from all over the country during summer. So making advance bookings for accommodation would be advisable. As it is located among the mountains, no air conditioning is needed in Badrinath.

In addition to hotels, there are several ashrams in Badrinath which offer accomodation. Ashrams are quite cheap and also provide food at minimal costs. Ashrams cost less than Rs 100 a day, but do not provide any luxury services. Economy class rooms cost lesser than most other tourist places. Luxury suites cost at least Rs 3,000.

Tourists are allowed to pitch their own tents and one can get readymade tents from local shops. However, it is advisable to stay in hotels that provide easy access to the temple and main parts of the town.

Hotels in Badrinath 

narayan palace hotel

Rs: 3,539

narayan palace hotel

Rs: 3,539

narayan palace hotel

Rs: 3,539

Search Hotels

Enter City Name:

Check-in:   

Check-out:   

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Ideal time to visit Badrinath is from May to October, except monsoons. Threat of landslides during monsoon makes the journey risky. The temple doors close after Diwali and the idols are shifted to Joshimath. Badrinath is cool during the day and cold at night. Carry light woollens. In winter, temperature plunges to sub-zero. Heavy woolens are required.

Related Articles

Char Dham: In search of gods in Himalayas

Kashmir's temples: Ruins of a glorious past

Golden Temple: The most sacred shrine for Sikhs

Coorg experiences: On the Haleri trail

Five top monsoon destinations

Give routine activities a break; pump up the adrenaline this summer

Destinations

Joshimath

Kedarnath

Yamunotri

Haridwar

Rishikesh