badrinath dham

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BADRINATH DHAM :

Badrinath dham is considered as one of the most sacred centres of pilgrimage situated in the lofty Himalayan heightsin the Tehri-Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand) at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. Located on the right bank ofriver Alaknanda, an abode of seers, saints and yogis from time immemorial, Badrinath is one of the four Dhams, adevout Hindu has to visit in his lifetime to attain salvation.One of Hinduism's holiest sites, it was founded by SriShankaracharya, in the ninth century. The temple, also known as Badri Narayan, is dedicated to Vishnu, who is saidto have done penance in the mythical Brindavan that once covered the mountains of Uttarakhand.

The route to Badrinath is one of the most arduous one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the mostscenically beautiful place on the earth. Throughout the route to Badrinath there are numerous pilgrimage sites atDeva Prayag, Rudraprayag, Karana Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Vishnuprayag as well as Pandukeswar where thePandavas are believed to have been born, and the site where Bhima and Hanuman (sons of Vayu) met. LordMahaVishnu is believed to have done his penance in this place. Seeing the Lord doing his penance in the open,Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed to have assumed the form of Badri tree to provide him shelter to face the onslaughtof the weather conditions, therefore the name Badri Narayan. It is believed that Lord Vishnu revealed to Narad Rishithat Nar & Naryan forms were his own. It is also believed that Narad Rishi, who also did his penance here, is even nowworshipping the supreme God in the form of Nar and Narayan with Ashtakshara mantras.

There is also a shrine to Adi Sankara. The image of Lord Badrinarayan here is fashioned out of Saligrama. ShriBadrinarayan is seen under the Badri tree, flanked by Kuber and Garuda, Narad, Narayan and Nar. Mahalakshmi has asanctum in the prakaram.

Behind the temple of Lord Badrinarayan is the Lakshmi Narasimha Mandir, with shrines to Desikacharya andRamanujacharya.At Badrinath one can witness one of the greatest wonders of Nature in the Hot water springs ofTaptakund on the banks of river Alaknanda. The temperature of the water in this Kund is 55 degree centigradewhereas the normal temperature in this region for most part of the year is 9-10 degree centigrade to sub-zero levels.

Before visiting the temple the pilgrims take a holy bath in the Taptakund. Known as 'Tapobhumi', a land of meditationand penance, and 'Bhubaikunth', heaven on earth, it is surrounded on either side, by two mountain ranges known asNar and Narayan, with the Neelkanth peak, providing a spectacular backdrop. Facing the Badrinath temple, is a hotwater spring, known as 'Tapt Kund'. Other famous springs, here, are the Narad Kund and the Surya Kund.

Badrinath is presided over by a Namboothiri Brahman from Kerala, the Rawal, who also acts as the head priest forKedarnath.

BADRINATH TEMPLE :

The temple's present structure was built by the Kings of Garhwal about two centuries ago.The temple has threesections - Garbhagriha (Sanctum), The Darshan Mandap, and Sabha Mandap. The Garbhagriha (Sanctum) housesLord Badri Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad Rishi, Uthavar, Nar & Narayan. Lord Badri Narayan (also called asBadri Vishal) is armed with Shankh (Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a lifted posture and two arms rested on the lapin Yogamudra.The principal image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in meditative pose. The templealso houses Garuda Vahana - vehicle of Lord Narayan and Goddess Mahalaxmi. Also here are the idols of AdiShankar, Swami Desikan and Shri Ramanujan .Guru-Shisya parampara is supposed to have its roots here.

Opening Timings : As per the tradition decided by Lord Brahma the temple would be open for six months i.e fromHindu calender month Vaishaka to Karthik for darshan to common people. For the remaining six months i.e fromMargashsish to Chaitra the temple would be closed for darshan for common people as it is Devas turn for Lord'sdarshan. This year in 2004, the temple reopened for common people at 5 A.M. on 25th April 2004.

As per the established Hindu rituals the pujas have to be conducted without a break and therefore the Utsavars (theBronze images of Lord) are taken with all reverence to Pandukeshwar - Abode of Lord Badrinarayan during winter. Onthe day of re-opening of the main shrine at Badrinath. These images are taken back for puja and darshan.

Pooja / Rituals Timings : Temple rituals begin at 7 a.m.

Nimalyan Darshan: Chandan (sandalwood paste) left on the image of Badrinarayan from the previous night, isremoved to enable devotees to have full view of the image.


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Abhishek Darshan: Process begins with Kalsa Puja. Abishekam (ablution) is then carried out in the presence ofpilgrims.

Alankar Darshan: After Abhishekam, the decoration process begins in the full view of devotees. Firstly, the entire idol,excluding the face, is covered with sandal paste and followed by the decoration with flowers & jewels.

Aarti Darshan: On completion of alankars, aarti (lighting of camphor) is held. This marks the completion of forenoonpuja rituals and will end around 11.30 am - 12.00 p.m., after which the temple is closed.

Re-opening of the temple takes place at 4.00 p.m. for commencement of evening rituals which lasts till 8.00 p.m.During this period, Ashotothram and Sahasranamam recitations take place.

Around 7.30 p.m. Mangal aarti - called as Geetgovind takes place. On completion of aarti, the Chief Priest removes theflowers & jewels in the full view of devotees. The image of Badrinarayan is now left only with sandal paste, to beremoved only the next morning and distributed as prasad.

PANCH BADRIS OR FIVEBADRIS :

Besides the main temple of Badrinath there are four other smaller Badri temples. These are collectively called thePanch Badris or five Badris. Very few pilgrims however, visit the other four Badri temples.

YOGADHYAN BADRI (1920 m.)Closest to the main temple of Badrinath lies this tiny, sleepy hamlet which remains unnoticed by most pilgrims and isthe winter home for the idol at Badrinath. Pandukeshwar is also an important archaeological site. Some years ago,four ancient metal foils engraved with a description of several kings in the region were discovered here. Believed tobe over 1500 years old, these foils are kept at Joshimath, 30 km downstream.

BHAVISHYA BADRI (2,744 m.)The bhavishya or future badri is situated at Subain near Tapovan, about 17 km east of Joshimath. According to Hindubelief, when evil is on the rise in this world, the two mountains Nar and Narayan at Badrinath will close up on eachother and destroy the route to the present Badrinath. This would also mark the end of the present world and thebeginning of a new one. Lord Badrinath will then appear at the Bhavishya Badri temple and be worshipped hereinstead of at the present one.

BRIDHA BADRI OR THE 'OLD BADRI'Bridha Badri or the 'old Badri' is the third temple about 7 kms short of Joshimath, on the main Rishikesh-Badrinathmotor road at Animath. It is believed that Shankaracharya at the main Badrinath seat worshiped Badrinath here beforeits enshrinement. The temple of Bridha Badri is open throughout the year.

ADI BADRIAdi Badri is the farthest from the other four Badris. It is approachable from Karnaprayag by a motorable road enrouteRanikhet. The temple complex has 16 small temples with intricate carvings.

Seven of these temples belong to the late Gupta period. Local tradition assigns these buildings to Shankaracharya. Apyramid shaped raised platform, with a black stone idol of Vishnu, distinguishes the main temple.

TAPT KUND AND SURYA KUND :

Famous hot water springs below the temple. A dip in these is considered holy and mandatory before a visit to thetemple.

JOSHIMATH :

The religious centre, established by Adi Shankaracharya, which he called Jyotirmath, later came to be known asJoshimath. The other sites of interest are the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh. Apart from its obvious religiousimportance, this place is unparalleled for its scenic beauty.


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VALLEY OF FLOWERS :

One of the most idyllic valleys in the world was discoverd by Frank S. Smythe, in 1931. The valley is profuse with aplethora of vibrant flowers, hence the name. Nearby, flows the river Pushpavati, while the massive Rataban peakforms a splendid backdrop.

NEELKANTH :

This majestic peak of the Garhwal Himalayas at 6600 mts is one of the most dramatic sights.

MATA MURTI MANDIR :

Dedicated to the mother of Lord Badrinath, this temple stands 3 km from Badrinath on the right bank of theAlakananda

MANA VILLAGE :

At a distance of 4 Km is this last Indian village before the Tibet border inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe.

SATOPANTH LAKE :

Situated 18 kms from Mana Village amidst the difficult Himalayan terrain. The water in the lake is very calm. On the

banks of this lake are innumerable lotus flowers. To get here one has to come via Lakshmi Forest. To return from hereto Badrinath on foot it takes 3 days.

PANDUKESAR :

20 kms from Badrinath, this is a memorial for the Pandavas. Two temples situated here have intricate carvings. Thisvillage is quite big. During the season one finds huge crowds here.

GOVIND GHAT :

This is 2 kms before Pandukesar and is the gateway for the Hem Kund Lake and the internationally well-known Valleyof the Flowers. The Hem Kund Saheb is 20 kms by foot from here. There we find a Sikh Temple and some hotels. TheValley of the Flowers is a 17 km walk.

HANUMAN CHATTI :

13 kms before Badrinath this temple is situated in a village. Nearby is a nursery of the rare birch tree.

KHEEERAU VALLEY :

As soon as you cross the bridge on the Alakananda river from Hanuman Chatti to Benakuli , this extremely beautifulvalley comes into view . 4 kms from here, is the Kheerau village where the local people stay for 4-5 months. Manyother interesting spots are there about the village like Tatapani, Unyani lake etc. One road from here heads toBadrinath.

KAGBHUSHANDI LAKE :

On the Valley of Flowers Road, a 20 km trek from a village called Bhyundar is a vast lake, the beauty of which isamazing. Since getting here is very difficult, very few tourists are found here.

BHEEM BRIDGE :

A short distance from Mana Village a natural bridge made of a huge boulder, over the river Saraswati is seen. Thestory goes that Bheem, one of the Pandava brothers put it there. The view of this extraordinary bridge and the din ofthe flowing river make this place interesting.

VASUDHARA FALLS :

5 kms after Bheem Bridge this astonishingly high waterfall is very attractive. The most interesting aspect about thisplace is that all the water here becomes vapour and vanishes into the atmosphere. The view looks like the Ganges isdescending from the sky.


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NEELKANTH :

A pyramidal-shaped snowy peak towering above Badrinath, popularly known as the `Garhwal Queen`.

CHARANPADUKA :

The footprints of Lord Vishnu can be seen on a boulder in this beautiful meadow.

SHESHNETRA :

A boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent - known as Sheshnag's eye.

EXCURSIONS :

HEMKUND SAHIB (43 kms)

Near the Valley of flowers is the holy lake Hemkund- an important pilgrimage of the Sikhs and Hindus. Along itsshores is the sacred Sikh shrine where Guru Gobind singh, the tenth Guru unified with god after prolonged

meditation in his previous birth. Nearby is the Lakshman Temple where Lakshman - the brother of Lord Ramaperformed his penance. The reflection of surrounding snow- clad peaks in its placid waters offers a scenic sight.

MATA MURTI TEMPLE (3 Kms.)

On the right bank of Alakananda stands the temple dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji.

ALKA PURI (15 kms.)

The source of Alaknanda river from the glacier snouts of Bhagirath-kharak and Satopanth glaciers.

SATOPANTH (25 Kms.)

A three cornered lake with a circumference of about 1 km., is situated at an elevation of 4,402 mts. above sea level. Itis named after the Hindu triad - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who are believed to occupy one corner each of the lake.The trek is hazardous with dramatic landscapes. An experienced guide is advisable.

GOVINDGHAT (25 Kms.)

The confluence of Alakananda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. It has an imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Gobindsingh.

JOSHIMATH (44Kms.)

The winter home of Shri Badrinathji is situated on the slopes above the confluence of alaknanda and dhauliganga. Itis one of the four 'maths's established by Adi guru Shankaracharya.

AULI (57 Kms.)

An ideal resort in the Garhwal Himalayas with its slopes comparable to the best in the world. Perched at an elevationof 2,500 mts, Auli not only offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges but is a delight for winter sportsenthusiasts.

VALLEY OF FLOWERS (42 kms.)

An exotic valley in a conical shape lies to the east of Badrinath with river Pushpawati flowing through it. The valleythat is presently a national park, is 19 kms. trek from Govindghat. A must- see for all natural lovers.

PIPALKOTI (80 Kms.)


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A scenic spot amidst snow- clad peaks.

CHAMOLIhamoli (10 Kms.)

From Gopeshwar to Badrinath highway is the tiny mountain retreat that attracts visitors for its verdant landscapesand fresh mountain air.

SRINAGAR (192 Kms.)

The old capital of Garhwal, it is an important cultural and educational centre. Places to visit include Kamleshwar andKilkileshwar temples and the Shankar math.

CLOTHING : Light woollens in summer and heavy woollens in winter.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN : Garhwali, Hindi, English.

STD CODE : 01381

FOOD :

Non-vegetarian food, alcohol and drugs are not

permitted here. Local restaurants serve food,

which is vegetarian.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS : Mata Murti Mela, Janmashtami, Badri KedarFestival.

badrinath dham

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