Badrinath - Mountain

About the Place

Badrinath is an important pilgrimage town in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand State. It is famous for the temple of Lord Vishnu. It is one of Char Dhams of India and one of the Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. Temple is situated on the banks of river Alaknanda. Temple was built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in 8th century A.D. The elevation of this place from the sea level is nearly 3133 meters nearly. The temple is located between Nar and Narayan parvats (mountains). Due to harsh winters, the temple remains closed for nearly six months. The exact dates are announced by Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). The idol of deity remains in Joshimath at Shri Narsingh Temple.

According to scriptures, Adi Shankaracharya pulled the black stone idol straight from the Alaknanda river, not far from today’s temple during his spiritual journey in the 8th century. He first kept the idol near Tapkund and later moved it to the temple sanctum where it’s still worshiped daily. The idol is made from Shaligram, a naturally sacred stone related to Lord Vishnu. It is believed to be Swayambhu, meaning it appeared on its own, and not man-made. The same idol, still the main murti worshiped today.

Stories

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu meditated here at Badrinath. Goddess Lakshmi (Consort of Lord Vishnu) took a form of Badri (berry) tree and provided the shade to Lord Vishnu to protect his from the harsh weather. That’s why this place is known as Badrinath.

Nar and Narayan performed meditation at Badrinath (according to Vaman Puran). Sages such as Gautam, Kashyap, and Kapil performed meditation here. According to a legend, Badrinath was once a place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati lived. One day, they took a walk and when come back, they found a little boy (Lord Vishnu take the form of a little boy) crying at their home entrance. Goddess Parvati took the child into the house and feed him. Then both of them went for a bath at the nearby hot spring. When they come back, the home was locked inside. After that, Lord Shiva leave Badrinath along with Goddess Parvati and make Kedarnath as their home. After that the place (Badrinath) belong to Lord Vishnu.

According to scriptures, the Pandavas started their journey towards heaven from a place near Badrinath named as Swargarohini. This place is near to a village known as Mana, which is nearly 4 kilometer from Badrinath Temple.

How to reach

By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is nearly 302 km from Badrinath. One can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Badrinath.

By rail: Nearest railway stations are Rishikesh (286 km) and Haridwar (308 km) respectively. Haridwar railway station is connected to the major railway stations of India.

By Road: From Haridwar or Rishikesh, one can take the bus or shared taxi. Haridwar bus stand distance from Badrinath is 311 km, Rishikesh bus stand distance from Badrinath is 284 km, and Dehradun bus stand distance from Badrinath is nearly 327 km. Take a holy dip at Devprayag if you are coming by your own vehicle. You can also stay at Devprayag. The route after Devprayag is: Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Joshimath, Badrinath. The route from Joshimath to Badrinath is very beautiful. Badrinath is well connected with Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Chamoli, Ukimath, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Srinagar.

Registration for Yatra, for online registration for Badrinath Darshan, go to this website link:

https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

Temple darshan

It is advisable to wake up early in the morning and after taking a bath in a hot water spring near the temple, which is known as Tapt Kund, go to the darshan queue. Generally, it takes two to three hours for the darshan, but if you are going in the queue in early morning, then it will take a relatively lesser time. In the evening time also, the queue will take less amount of time for the darshan.

(Note: Indian citizens don’t need a special permit, but foreigners need a need an inner line permit for some areas near the Badrinath)

Places of attraction near Badrinath

Mana village: Nearly 3 to 4 km from Badrinath, it is called the first village of India. It is near India-Tibet border. The place is famous for its culture, woolen items. Important places of Mana are Vyas Gufa, Bheem Pul (On Saraswati River), Ganesh Gufa, Ghanta Karan Temple. You can enjoy village life here and see the beautiful environment.

Bhimpul: A natural stone bridge over Saraswati River. This is the only place where river Saraswati is visible.

Vasundhara Fall: A beautiful waterfall nearly 9 km from Badrinath which can be reached by trekking. Stunning views of mountains can be seen during the trek.

Tapt Kund: Hot water spring for bath near the temple. It is believed that the water has medicinal properties.

Vyas Gufa (Cave): A place where sage Vyas narrated greatest epic Mahabharat.

Ganesh Gufa (Cave): The place where Lord Ganesh wrote down the story of Mahabharat.

Charan Paduka: A sacred rock believed to be the footprints of Lord Vishnu on it. A steep trek in which you can have a nice panoramic view of the valley.

Brahm Kapal: A calm riverside place where one can perform ancestral shradha rituals.

Narad Kund: Near Tapta Kund, where Lord Narayan’s idol was recovered. It is a very peaceful place.

Sheshnetra: Nearly 1 kilometer from the temple, it is a rock formation with markings resembling the eye of Sheshnag, the divine serpent. The place is near a small lake which is peaceful and less crowded.

Satopanth Lake: Nearly 22 km trek from Mana and requires a guide. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by Himalayan peaks. The track is suitable for experienced trekkers.

Mata Murti Temple: A temple dedicated to mother of Lord Badrinath, nearly 3 km from Badrinath Temple. It has beautiful surroundings.

Shri Hemkund Sahib: A beautiful and sacred Sikh pilgrimage site in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is situated nearly at 4,300 meters above the sea level, and surrounded by seven snow-clad mountain peaks. There is a crystal-clear lake known as Hemkund Lake right beside the Gurdwara. The trek to Hemkund starts from Govindghat, passing through Ghangaria.

Valley of Flowers: A region known for variety of flowers is a place nearby Badrinath. The route of Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib overlaps.

How to reach: Badrinath to Govind Ghat is nearly 24 km by road and it takes nearly one hour to complete the journey. Govind Ghat to Gangaria is a 9 km trek. Govind Ghat to Valley of Flowers is nearly a 3 to 4 km trek inside the valley.

Ideal itinerary: (If starting from Badrinath)

Day one: Badrinath to Govindghat (drive), then trek to Gangaria, stay in Gangaria. Day two: Morning trek to Valley of Flowers, explore & return to Gangaria.

Day three: (optional) Visit Hemkund Sahib (same base point), return and go back to Govindghat.

Best time to visit: July to August is when the flowers are in full bloom. June, Valley is mostly green. September, flowers fade but views are beautiful.

Accommodation: Badrinath offers various accommodation options ranging from budget guesthouses to more comfortable hotels. Pilgrims are advised to book their accommodation in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season.

Tips for Travelers:

Clothing: Due to the cold weather, even in summer, it’s advisable to carry warm clothing. Weather conditions can change rapidly.
Pooja and Darshan: Pilgrims should be aware of the temple’s opening and closing timings for daily rituals and darshan (viewing the deity).
Altitude: Badrinath is situated at a high altitude, so it’s important to acclimatize properly. Individuals with health concerns should consult a doctor before the journey.
Local Cuisine: Try the local Garhwali cuisine, which includes dishes like Aloo Ke Gutke and Mandua Ki Roti.

Cautions:

Ponies and Porters: If planning to trek or use ponies for transportation, negotiate prices beforehand.
Environment Conservation: As a responsible traveler, avoid littering and respect the local environment. Follow guidelines for waste disposal.

Badrinath offers a spiritually enriching experience amid the stunning Himalayan landscapes. Pilgrims and travelers alike should plan their trip with consideration for the weather and local customs for a memorable visit to this revered destination.

Places of Stay

Amritara The Avadh

Plot No 834, Near Helipad, Badrinath

011 40752200

reservatios@amritara.co.in

https://www.amritara.co.in/contactus-hotel-in-badrinath.html