Aaochale ( Let's Go )
Badrinath
देवभूमि उत्तराखण्ड
About Badrinath Uttarakhand
Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the form of Badrinarayan. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters above sea level on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
The temple has a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu that is considered to be self-manifested. The history of the temple dates back to the 9th century, and it has been renovated and expanded several times over the years.
The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season. The temple is open for six months every year, from May to November, due to heavy snowfall during the winter months. The temple complex also includes several other smaller shrines, hot water springs, and a sacred pond called Tapt Kund.
Apart from its religious significance, Badrinath also offers beautiful views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains, making it a popular tourist destination. There are several other attractions in the area, including Mana village, Vasudhara Falls, and the Valley of Flowers National Park.
Overall, Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and a beautiful place to visit for anyone interested in religious and cultural tourism.
Who Should Visit Badrinath
Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and is visited by people of all ages and backgrounds who wish to seek blessings and pay their respects to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that a visit to Badrinath Temple can wash away one’s sins and lead to spiritual awakening. The temple is also a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts as it offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and opportunities for trekking and other adventure activities. Anyone who is interested in exploring Hindu culture, religion, and mythology or is seeking an immersive spiritual experience can visit Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple.
Best Time To Visit Badrinath
The best time to visit Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple is between the months of May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather remains pleasant and the temple is open for darshan. The monsoon season (July to August) and the winter season (November to April) are not recommended for visiting Badrinath due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and extreme cold weather respectively.
How to Reach Badrinath
Badrinath Uttarakhand is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is well-connected by road and air.
By Road: The nearest major city to Badrinath Uttarakhand is Haridwar, which is approximately 323 km away. Regular buses and taxis are available from Haridwar to Badrinath. Private taxis can also be hired for a more comfortable and personalized experience. The roads leading to Badrinath are scenic but can be challenging due to the hilly terrain and narrow roads. It is recommended to hire an experienced driver and plan the journey in advance.
By Air: The nearest airport to Badrinath Uttarakhand is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 314 km away. Flights from major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore operate to Jolly Grant Airport. From the airport, taxis and buses can be hired to reach Badrinath.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Badrinath Uttarakhand is in Haridwar, which is approximately 310 km away. Regular trains from major cities in India operate to Haridwar. From Haridwar, buses and taxis can be hired to reach Badrinath.
What To Do in Badrinath
Here are some of the things to do in Badrinath Uttarakhand:
Visit Badrinath Temple:
Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the most prominent attractions in Badrinath. The temple is divided into three parts first the sabha mandal, then darshan mandal and the innermost is temple garbhagrah. In the garbhagrah you will see the idol of Bhagwan Vishnu in the form of Badri Narayan, an idol of Bhagwan Kuber, one of Sri Narad Rishi and idol of Nar Narayan. At the entrance of Garbhagrah you will also find the idol of Lord Shiva and also an idol of Adi Sankaracharya. You will find idols of other Hindu Devi & Devtas throughout the temple complex.
Take a dip in Tapt Kund:
Tapt Kund is a natural hot spring located near the Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple. It is believed that taking a dip in the Kund can purify the body and soul.
Explore Mana Village:
Mana is the last village of India on the border of Tibet. It is believed to be the home of the legendary Rishis Vyas and Vashishta, who wrote the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana respectively. The village also has several other attractions, including the Vasudhara Falls and the Bhim Pul.
Visit Charanpaduka:
Charanpaduka is a rock formation located at a height of 3,380 meters above sea level. It is believed that Lord Vishnu took his first step on earth at this spot.
Trek to Vasudhara Falls:
Vasudhara Falls is a beautiful waterfall located about 5 km from Mana Village. The trek to the falls is a moderate one and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Attend the evening Aarti at Badrinath Temple: The evening Aarti at Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple is a beautiful and divine experience. Devotees gather to witness the Aarti, which is performed with great devotion and fervor.
Places to explore in and around Badrinath
There are several places to explore in and around Badrinath Uttarakhand apart from above mentioned, some of which are:
Neelkanth Peak:
It is a snow-capped peak located at a height of 6,597 meters. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Vasuki Tal:
Located at a height of 4,135 meters, it is a beautiful lake that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is a popular trekking destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Bhim Pul:
It is a natural bridge that is believed to have been built by Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. It is located about 3 km from Mana Village and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Satopanth Lake:
It is a glacial lake located at a height of 4,402 meters. It is believed to be the meeting point of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. The trek to Satopanth Lake is challenging but offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Saraswati River:
Saraswati River is a sacred river mentioned in Hindu mythology and is believed to flow underground at the Badrinath Temple in the Uttarakhand state of India. The river is considered to be one of the seven holy rivers in Hinduism and is believed to have originated from the Saraswati Kund near the Mana Village, which is located near the Badrinath Temple.
According to Hindu mythology, Saraswati River was created by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. The river is considered to be the goddess of knowledge, music, art, and learning. The river is often depicted as a beautiful woman with four arms holding a lute, a book, and a rosary.
At the Badrinath Temple, the Saraswati River is believed to appear only at bhim pul and then flow underground, and it is not visible afterwards. It is said that the river flows underground due to a curse by sage Narada, who was offended by the arrogance of the river. As a result of the curse, the river lost its form and disappeared underground.
In the Badrinath Temple, there is a small pool of water known as Tapt Kund, which is believed to be the place where the Saraswati River emerges from the underground. The water in Tapt Kund is believed to have healing properties, and devotees take a dip in the Kund before entering the temple.
In addition to the Badrinath Temple, the Saraswati River is also believed to be associated with other holy places in India, such as the Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan and the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad. The river is also mentioned in the Rigveda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures.
Before You Travel
Before You Travel Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple: Dos and Don’ts
Badrinath Uttarakhan dTemple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Before embarking on a journey to this holy shrine, it is essential to keep in mind certain dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit.
Dos:
- Dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothes. Traditional Indian attire such as sarees, salwar kameez, or dhoti-kurta are appropriate.
- Be respectful towards the temple customs and rituals. Follow the instructions of the priests and authorities.
- Carry a small bag with essential items such as water bottle, snacks, and necessary medication.
- Respect the environment by not littering or polluting the surroundings. Keep the temple premises clean and use dustbins.
- Participate in the aarti and seek blessings from the deity with a pure heart and mind.
- Carry valid identification documents such as Aadhaar card, passport, or driving license.
- Book your accommodation and transport well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
Don’ts:
- Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicating substances during your visit to the temple.
- Do not indulge in any form of illegal or unethical activities.
- Do not carry any electronic gadgets such as cameras, mobile phones, or tablets inside the temple premises.
- Do not touch or damage any artifacts, sculptures, or structures in the temple.
- Do not talk loudly or disturb the peace of the temple.
- Do not disrespect the sentiments of the local people and other devotees.
- Do not travel alone, especially at night. Always travel in groups or with authorized tour operators.
In conclusion, visiting Badrinath Uttarakhand Temple is an experience of a lifetime, and it is essential to follow these dos and don’ts to ensure a safe and fulfilling journey. These guidelines will help you to be respectful and mindful of the temple customs and the natural environment surrounding it.