Badrinath

“There are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth and in hell; but there is no shrine like Badrinath” – Skanda Purana

Badrinath is one of the most popular religious towns of Hindu located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India. Badrinath is the most important of all four Dhams in India. The town of Badrinath lies between Nar and Narayana mountain ranges and in the shadow of the mighty Nilkantha peak, 301 km north of Rishikesh. The temple is located at an elevation of 3,133 mt. above sea level on the bank of Alaknanda River.  The route to Badrinath is one of the most fascinating ones due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves, and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on earth.

 This shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is said that Lord Vishnu sat in penance in these mountains, his consort Goddess Laxmi took the form of Badari (berry) tree and shaded him from the harsh sun and harsh weather conditions. Therefore the place was named Badari Narayan. It is believed that Lord Vishnu revealed to Narad Rishi that Nar and Narayans forms were his own. It is also said that Narad Rishi, who also did his penance here is even now worshiping the supreme God with Ashtakshara mantras.  It is not only the dwelling place of the Lord himself but also to countless pilgrims, saints and sages, who meditate here in search of enlightenment.

The temple’s present structure was built by the king of Garhwal. The temple has three sections – Garbhagriha (Sanctum), the Darshan Mandap and Sabha Mandap. The Garbhagriha houses Lord Badari Narayan, Kuber (God of Wealth), Narad Rishi, Udhava, and Narayan. The image of Badrinarayan here is fashioned out of Saligramam. Badrinarayan is seen under the Badari tree, flanked by Kuber and Garuda, Narad, Narayan, and Nar. Goddess Mahalakshmi has a structure outside in the parikrama. There is also a shrine of Adi Shankara here. Lord Badri Narayan is armed with Shankha (Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a lifted posture and two arms rested on the lap in Yogsmudra. The principal image is of black stone representing Lord Vishnu in a meditative pose. The temple also houses Garuda that is said to be the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. At Badrinath, one can witness one of the greatest wonders of nature in the hot water springs of Taptkund on the banks of river Alaknanda. The temperature of the water in kund is 55 degree centigrade whereas normal temperature in this region for the most part of the year remains at 9-10 degree centigrade to sub-zero levels. Before visiting the temple the pilgrims take a holy bath in the Taptkund.

The Badari Kedar festival is celebrated during the month of June in both the temple and the Kedarnath temple. The festival lasts for eight days; artists from all over the country perform during the function. The major religious activities performed every morning are mahabhishek (ablution), abhishek, gitapath and bhagavat puja, while in the evening the pujas include geet govinda and aarti.  Recital in Vedic scripts like Ashtotram and Sahasranama is practiced during all the rituals. After aarti, the decorations are removed from the image of Badrinath and sandalwood paste is applied to it. The paste from the image is given to the devotees the next day as prasad during the nirmalaya darshan. All the rituals are performed in front of the devotees, unlike those in some Hindu temples, where some practices are hidden from them.

How to reach Badrinath Dham

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. This airport is 314 km away from Badrinath by road. Regular flights are operated out of New Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis and Buses are available from the Airport to Badrinath. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh which is 295 km away. Trains to Rishikesh are available from all major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Badrinath is well connected to other parts of the Uttarakhand state. One has to take a bus from New Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh, from where the state transport buses are available to Badrinath. Buses and Taxis are available from major places in Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli and Ukhimath. However many travelers and devotees prefer to visit this shrine by road taking a view of beautiful Himalaya on the way to Badrinath Dham.

The legend of Badrinath keeps motivating devotees to work for a good purpose and no matter how much difficulties are there in life, it has another face of happiness as well. May Lord Badrinath give you strength to realize your capabilities and live every moment of your life.

Jai Badri Vishal