Badrinath
Location
Badrinath is located 300 Km from Rishikesh, Uttaranchal.
The Pilgrimage
Badrinath Temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage in India, is
dedicated to lord Vishnu. It forms a part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra.
The holy temple is located 3155 Mts above sea level. The temple not only
forms a part of the Uttaranchal Char Dham Yatra, but is also a part of
the India Char Dham Yatra. The name Badrinath has been derived from
Badri, a kind of wild berries liked by Goddess Laxmi, and found in
abundance here. The land is also termed as Tapobhumi, meaning land of
Penance and Meditation. The beautiful temple is conical structured, 15 m
tall and has small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. There are 15 idols
in the temple complex, each sculpted in black stone. The principal idol
represents Vishnu in a meditative posture and is flanked by
Nara-Narayan. Legend dates it prior to the Vedic age.
History and Myths
The temple and its idol of Vishnu is said to be older than Vedic times.
The temple is said to be the place where Vishnu performed absolution and
Laxmi became a Badri tree to protect Vishnu from any adversities. As per
another myth, river Ganga was coming with sufficient force to destroy
earth. Lord Shiva defragmented the river into 12 parts, one of which
fell in Badrinath. This is where Vishnu, Ganga, Saraswati and Alaknanda
met for first time. In 8th century AD, Adi Guru Shankaracharya, to unite
the country on religious terms, established a 'Math' here. Badrinath
(north India) was declared a Dham, along with Dwarkadhish (West),
Jagannath Puri (East) and Rameshwaram (South). The Puranas chronicle the
history of the Chardhaam (the four centres of pilgrimage) and the Four
Yugas (eras). According to them Badrinath belongs to the Satyug,
Rameshwaram to the Tretayug, Dwarka to the Dwaparyug and Jagannath to
the Kalyug. The present temple was built about two centuries ago by
Garhwal Kings. The idol of Vishnu is carved out of Shaligram stone, and
is kept under a Badri tree.
Near-by Attractions
There is a hot water spring, which faces the deity, called Taptaganga.
It is said to be an abode of Fire God to Vishnu. The natural sulphur
spring is believed to be highly curative of skin diseases. Joshimath,
established by Shankaracharya, is also one of the most revered temples
of Badrinath.
Access
Badrinath is accessible by the means of roadways only. The nearest
airport is Dehradun airport, 317 km from Badrinath. Nearest railhead is
Rishikesh, at 300 Km. Badrinath is situated at 3155 mt. above sea level,
and thus leaveing with only one option of roadways. Some major distances
are: Rishikesh- 297 kms, Joshimath- 42 kms, Haridwar- 321 kms,
Rudraprayag- 155 kms, Deoprayag-225 kms and Dehradun- 343 kms.
Accommodations
Small hotels, motels and ashrams are nearby which provide comfortable
stay options. One can also find options for a spiritual stay here.
