BADRINATH DHAM

Badrinath is a beautiful town where holiness meets the calmness of nature. It’s in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, India, at a height of 3,133 meters. Badrinath is an important place for people on the Char Dham pilgrimage, a sacred journey that includes Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram.

Badrinath is located between the Nar and Narayan peaks and is part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. This pilgrimage includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath as the final and most celebrated stop in the Garhwal Himalayas. You can easily reach Badrinath by road, and the temple is accessible through a simple trek. Just 3 km away is the village of Mana, one of the last villages before the border of India and Tibet.

Neelkanth Peak stands proudly, casting its powerful presence over pilgrims and travellers alike. Badrinath is filled with legends that add to its glory. Alongside these tales, the snowy mountain peaks, the flowing Alaknanda River, and breathtaking landscapes create the perfect setting for a spiritual connection.

Now, let’s talk about the legend behind Badrinath Dham, known as Badrikaashram. In one myth, Lord Vishnu did intense meditation here, unaware of the harsh weather. To protect him from the sun, his spouse, Goddess Lakshmi, turned into a Badri tree and covered him. Pleased by her devotion, Lord Vishnu named the spot Badrikashram.

Another legend tells us that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati meditated in Badrinath. In disguise as a small boy, Lord Vishnu came there.

Once, Lord Narayan disguised himself and went to meditate in Badrinath. However, he started crying loudly, disrupting the peaceful surroundings. Goddess Parvati, curious about his sorrow, asked him why he was so sad. Lord Narayan revealed that he desired to meditate in Badrinath. Upon discovering Lord Narayan’s disguise, Shiva and Parvati left Badrinath and went to Kedarnath.

Now, let’s explore the tales related to Badrinath Dham. Nar and Narayana, the two sons of Dharma, wanted to set up their hermitage in the sacred Himalayas. During their search, they discovered Panch Badri, including Dhyan Badri, Yog Badri, Bridha Badri, and Bhavishya Badri. Finally, they found a spot with cold and hot springs behind the Alaknanda River, naming it Badri Vishal, giving rise to Badrinath. According to another legend, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata climbed via Swargarohini and Mana town, north of Badrinath, on their way to heaven.

There’s also a tale about the origin of the River Alaknanda. The holy river Ganges, to relieve humanity from suffering and sins, granted Bhagiratha’s request. Lord Shiva bore the intense river on his braids, and it divided into twelve holy rivers, with Alaknanda flowing past the sacred Badrinath Temple.

Now, let’s explore what you can see in Badrinath Dham:

Badrinath Temple: At a height of 3,133 meters, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered very sacred. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have established it, housing the Saligram idol of Lord Badri.
Tapt Kund: A natural thermal spring below the temple believed to have therapeutic properties. Devotees take a dip in these holy waters before visiting the shrine.
Brahma Kapal: A flat platform by the banks of Alaknanda where propitiating rites for deceased family members are performed to free them from the cycle of life and death.
Neelkanth Peak: This majestic peak, standing at 6,597 meters, is a stunning backdrop to the Badrinath shrine. Named after Lord Shiva, its snow-covered beauty is enhanced at dawn.
Mata Murti Mandir: Located 3 km from Badrinath, this temple is dedicated to Mata Murti, the mother of Nara and Narayan. Pilgrims gather for the Mata Murti ka Mela (fair) in September.
Charanpaduka: A significant spot associated with Lord Vishnu’s footprint, Charanpaduka is a place of reverence for pilgrims. Badrinath Dham offers a blend of spirituality and natural beauty, making it a cherished pilgrimage destination. Embarked with boulders and caves, a challenging ascent approximately 3 km from Badrinath town leads you to Charanpaduka. This rocky spot is believed to bear the footprints of Lord Vishnu, marking his descent from Vaikunth, his heavenly abode, to Earth.
Sheshnetra: Situated between two seasonal lakes on the opposite bank of the Alaknanda River, there stands a sizable rock resembling Shesh Nag, the legendary serpent of Lord Vishnu. About 1.5 km from the temple, Sheshnetra features a natural mark resembling the eye of the Shesh Nag. It is believed that this serpent guards the sacred shrine of Badrinath.
Vasudhara Falls: A magnificent waterfall, towering at 122 meters, is nestled in the serene Himalayan surroundings. Accessible by covering 3 km by road (up to Mana village) and trekking an additional 6 km on foot, Vasudhara Falls provides a breathtaking spectacle in the lap of nature.

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HOW TO REACH BADRINATH DHAM?

ROUTE

Haridwar – Rishikesh – Deoprayag – Kirtinagar – Shrinagar – Rudraprayag – Gauchar – Karnaprayag – Nandprayag – Chamoli – Birahi – Pipalkoti – Garur Ganga – Helang – Joshimath – Vishnuprayag – Govindghat – Pandukeshwar – Hanumanchatti – Badrinath.

Badrinath by Air