This is a complete Badrinath temple travel guide that will help you in planning your Badrinath Dham Yatra with ease.
Badrinath Dham Overview
Location | Badrinath, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand |
Elevation | 3,100 m (10,171 ft) |
Dedicated to | Lord Vishnu |
Built In | 8th – 9th Century |
Established By | Adi Guru Shankaracharya |
Temperature | Below Zero from November to March |
Timing | 6 AM to 9 PM (April to October) |
Best Time To Visit | April to October |
Distance from Dehradun | 327 KM |
Nearby Attractions | Tapt Kund, Brahma Kapal, Vyas Gufa, Charan Paduka, Bheem Pul |
Are you in a hurry? Check out the given story.
One of the holy Char Dham sites is the Lord Vishnu-dedicated Badrinath Temple which is located in Uttarakhand in extreme northern India.
The Alaknanda Stream at Badrinath Mandir, the Ganges River, the Yamuna River at Yamunotri Mandir, and the Mandakini Water at Kedarnath Temple are all recognized as the spiritual origins of these four historic Hindu complexes. Hindus think that going to these temples will help them atone for their sins and achieve moksha.
Along with the Chota Dham, the renowned city of Badrinath is one of India’s four main Char Dham pilgrimage locations. It is located on the shores of the Alaknanda River at a height of 3,300 meters (10827 ft) above sea level.
The Badrinath temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu, the sustainer, gave rise to the name of this sacred town. This holy shrine’s allure draws a lot of Hindu followers since it has classic Garhwali timber construction.
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History of Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand
The temple has no recorded history; however, the Vedic literature makes reference to the governing god Badrinath. Some sources claim that the temple was revered in some way during the Vedic era.
Due to the later expansion of Buddhism throughout Ashoka’s administration, this sanctuary may have been transformed into a Buddhist temple. Up until the 8th century, the mandir was a Buddhist monastery, but Adi Shankara brought it back to life and turned it into a Hindu temple.
Badrinath Temple Architecture
The claim is based on the temple’s architecture’s resemblance to a Buddhist temple complex (temple) and its very vividly painted exterior. According to some versions, Adi Shankara founded it as a spiritual place in the 9th century.
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Places to See around Badrinath Temple
1. Tapt Kund
The Tapt Kund, a thermal spring that heats to 45 degrees Celsius next to the Badrinath Shrine, is said to be the residence of Lord Agni. Visitors use medicinal baths here, which are situated near the Alaknanda riverside.
It is said that the water from the Kund has healing powers that can treat several skin conditions. Worshippers take a bath in the Tapt Kund before going to the Badrinath Temple.
2. Brahma Kapal
Lord Brahma is said to still be present at Brahma Kapal, a sacred location in Uttarakhand close to Badrinath. According to legend, people who carry out funeral rites for family members who have passed away also reach Nirvana.
Several people go to the holy place to bury a loved one’s ashes in the River Alaknanda, where Brahma Kapal is situated along.
3. Vyas Gufa
Maharishi Ved Vyas recorded the Mahabharata in Vyas Gufa, a holy location in Mana, close to Badrinath, Uttarakhand, with the aid of Lord Ganesha.
In this cave, Maharishi Ved Vyas also wrote several additional Puranas, Sutras, and Vedic texts. The ceiling of the tunnel, which mimics the sheets of a script, is one of its distinctive features.
4. Charan Paduka
At a height of 3380 feet and a distance of 3 kilometers from Badrinath, the rock known as Charanpaduka bears what are said to be the footsteps of Lord Vishnu.
One can arrive there after a difficult trip. Every year, thousands of devotees and tourists visit this boulder rock, which is considered to be a sacred place. This, according to popular belief, is where Lord Vishnu first stepped foot on earth.
Badrinath town is only three kilometers from Charan Paduka, which is situated on Narayan Parvat. You may hike up to the mountain, which will take you around 1.5 hours.
5. Bheem Pul
Bheem, a member of the Pandav brothers, is said to have found Bheem Pul, a spontaneous rocky outcrop on the Saraswati Riverbed close to Badrinath, Uttarakhand.
Some claim that Bheem tossed a boulder between the peaks to build the bridge and clear a route over the river. However, the magnificent geological bridge is fascinating to see, especially with the ferocious River Saraswati rushing over it.
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Interesting facts about Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand
- Badrinath is among the most fabled temples. Badrinath has a lot of myths attached to it.
- Based on one belief, Lord Vishnu has carried out a thorough atonement here.
- In the past, in Badrinath, Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri were engaged in Tapasya.
- When it happened, Lord Vishnu interrupted them by wailing aloud while appearing to be a young kid.
- Badrinath Monastery is also linked to the story of Dharma’s two sons, Nar and Narayana, who want to establish their monastery and broaden their religious foundation amidst the holy Himalayas.
- This beautiful temple is situated between two amazing warm and cold springs.
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Best Time to Visit Badrinath Temple
October is regarded as the ideal month to visit to avoid the masses and bad weather. The rainy June to September, rainy season is finished, and it’s not as crowded as the peak season of May to June.
Be aware that Badrinath’s climate may be unpredictable, with chilly nights and bright or rainy days. Prepare appropriately, then. You can visit Badrinath temple from 6 AM to 12 PM.
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How to Visit Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple is located here between the twin mountainous regions of Nara and Narayana, at a height of around ten thousand feet above sea level, close to the commanding Neelkanth Peak.
It is situated in Badrinath Town, some 28 miles north of Joshimath’s base town. Despite the short distance, it often takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to go from Joshimath to Badrinath because of the difficult driving circumstances and steep terrain.
1. By Road
Sadly, Haridwar, which is roughly 10 hour’s drive from Joshimath by road, is the place with the closest railroad terminal to Badrinath. The most practical way to go is by vehicle with a driver, which is accessible at the station.
The majority of automobile rental agencies charge per day, which must include round-trip transportation. Based on the sort of automobile, the budget is up to 3,000 rupees each day. You must go as soon as feasible, as Joshimath must be reached before dusk. Due to safety concerns, nighttime driving is not permitted in Uttarakhand on mountainous routes.
2. By Train
One cannot travel to Badrinath temple via train.
3. By Air
Helicopter travel is the quickest but most expensive method of getting to the mandir. From the Sahastradhara airfield in Dehradun, the private firm Pilgrim Aircraft provides one-day trips to Badrinath.
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Why is Badrinath Temple famous?
One of the purest of the sacred temples of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage is the main home of Lord Vishnu, which is situated at a height of 3,133 meters in the Chamoli region of Uttarakhand. Rameswaram, Puri, and Dwarka are other Char Dham destinations. Legends abound in Badrinath, each of which adds to the splendor of the region.
In addition to the myths, the snow-capped mountain peaks, the lyrically flowing Alaknanda River, and the breathtaking scenery form the ideal setting for fostering a special dimension.
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FAQs – Badrinath Temple Travel Guide
1. Who is the main priest/pundit of Shri Badrinath Temple?
Traditionally a Nambudiri Brahmin chosen from the South Indian state of Kerala is the main priest of the Shri Badrinath Temple.
2. Where is Badrinath Temple Located?
Shri Badrinath Temple is located in the town of Badrinath, Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
3. Is Badrinath also accessible by Helicopter?
Yes, there is also a Helicopter service available for Shri Badrinath Dham.
4. To which Hindu God is the Badrinath Temple dedicated?
Shri Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
5. What are the best accommodation options in Badrinath?
Sarovar Portico Badrinath, Bhumika Guest House, Hotel Shiv Inn Rishikesh, Harela Inn are some of the best accommodation options in Badrinath.
6. What are the tourist attractions around Badrinath Temple?
Tapt Kund, Brahma Kapal, Vyas Gufa, Charan Paduka, and Bheem Pul are some of the most popular tourist attractions around Shri Badrinath Temple Dham.
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