Badrinath

Badrinath

Badrinath is a sacred town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, along with Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Here’s an overview of Badrinath:

Key Highlights

1. Badrinath Temple:

   • Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a significant shrine for Vaishnavites.

   • The temple is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

   • The idol of Lord Vishnu is made of black stone (Saligram) and represents him in a meditative posture.

2. Geographical Location:

   • Situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level.

   • Nestled between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges with the Alaknanda River flowing nearby.

3. Religious Significance:

   • Badrinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

   • It is also a part of the Panch Badri temples (others include Adi Badri, Vridha Badri, Bhavishya Badri, and Yogadhyan Badri).

4. Pilgrimage Season:

   • The temple opens every year in late April or early May and closes in November due to heavy snowfall.

   • The closing ceremony includes a grand ritual where the idol is covered in a thick layer of ghee to preserve it during winter.

Nearby Attractions

1. Tapt Kund:

   • A natural hot spring near the temple where pilgrims take a holy dip before entering the shrine.

2. Mana Village:

   • The last village before the Indo-China border, known for its scenic beauty and mythological significance.

3. Vasudhara Falls:

   • A stunning waterfall about 9 km from Badrinath, believed to be a purifying site.

4. Charanpaduka:

   • A rock with footprints of Lord Vishnu, located about 3 km uphill from the temple.

5. Neelkanth Peak:

   • A towering snow-capped mountain that forms a picturesque backdrop to Badrinath.

Travel Information

• Access:

  • By Road: Well-connected by road; part of the NH-7 highway.

  • Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (about 293 km away).

  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (about 317 km away).

• Best Time to Visit:

  • May to October (excluding the monsoon months of July and August).

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