Badrinath India

Built in the ninth century, the temple of Badrinath was constructed by Adi Shankaracharya. Well known as Tapobhumi and Bhubaikunth, Badrinath lies at an elevation of 3133 mts above sea level and is called the 'Garhwal Queen'. It is one among the chardham pilgrimages, and also an elegant Vaisnava temples in India. Surrounded by beautiful valley, this 15mts high temple houses 15 idols, Lord Vishnu, being the main diety. The temple divided into three parts, includes the 'garbha griha', 'the darshan mandap' and 'the sabha mandap'. Nearby the temple is a hot water spring called the Tapta kund. The temple remains closed in the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

Getting There

By Air : The closest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun(315kms).

By Road : The town is well connected by road to Rishikesh and other towns of the region.

By Rail : The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh(297kms).

Related Accommodations

There are hotels for every pocket and one can choose from a range of government approved hotels to cheap budget hotels here.

Did You Know?

• Badrinath was established as a major pilgrimage spot by Adi Shankara in the ninth century.
• The word Badrinath has been derived from two words - 'Badri', which means berry and 'nath' means Vishnu.
• Legend has it that goddess Lakshmi took the form of berries to protect Lord Vishnu from the pains and harshness of climate during his penance.
• According to the Skanda Purana - "There are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth and in hell but there is no shrine like Badrinath.

Attractions

Valley of Flowers

Discovered by Frank S.Smythe in 1931, this pleasant valley is known for the varied flora and exquisite avifauna. Covering the area of 87sqkms, this valley lies between an altitude of 3352 to 6500mts. Declared as National Park, this valley houses 300species of indigenous flowers which can be seen blooming in the monsoons. One can also see the diverse fauna comprising of snow leopard, brown bear, musk deer, bharal, birds and butterflies.

Hemkund Sahib

The famous gurudwara, lies at an elevation of 4320mts above sea level. The Hemkund Lake is a major attraction here and one must not miss it. Surrounded by seven snow covered mountains and associated glaciers, the lake is alluring. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru of the Sikhs meditated on the banks of the Hemkund Lake. The Gurudwara on the edge of the lake is not only a pilgrimage centre for the Sikhs but also Hindus.

Tapta Kund

This hot spring lies on the banks of the Alaknanda river. Devotees take bathe on this natural thermal springs before visiting the Badrinath Temple. It is believed that water of the kund has medicinal properties.

Mana Village

It is near Badrinath and one can see the Indo-Mangolian tribe residing in this village. The Vyas Gufa, the Bhim Pul on the river Saraswati river and the Vasundhara Falls pull in tourists to this village.

Location

Holy town of Badrinath lies amidst the two mountain ranges namely Nar and Narayan along the left banks of river Alaknanda. Located in the Chamoli district, Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.