It is one of the four
destinations that constitute the chardham, a sacred pilgrimage for every devout
Hindu. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in northern India,
Badrinath also happens to be the most revered of the four sacred shrines in
Garhwal, the other three being Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath ji.
The Himalayan town occupies a place on the banks of the River Alaknanda and is
located at an altitude of 3,133 m above sea level. The Badrinath shrine is
dedicated to Lord Vishnu, considered to be the preserver of the universe in the
Hindu mythology. The original structure of the temple was destroyed many times
due to avalanches.
The structure was restored in the 19th century by the royal houses of Scindia &
Holkar. The temple complex at Badrinath 15 idols, wonderfully carved out of
black stone.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Altitude: 3,133 mts
Climate: Summer: Cool during the day and cold at
night.
Winter: Snow-bound touching sub-zero.
Clothing: Summer-Light woollens, Winter- Heavy
woollens.
Languages: Hindi, Garhwali, English.
HOW TO REACH US
Air: Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant, around 300
kms.
Rail: Nearest Railway Station is Rishikesh, around
297 kms., Haridwar 317 kms.
Road: Taxi: Private taxies are also available
between Haridwar and Badrinath on hire. Bus: GMVN operates daily bus services.
POPULAR PLACE
Panch (Five) Badris |
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The five Badris
are five different sites in Badrinath. At all these places, Lord
Vishnu is worshipped in five different forms and under five
different names. The eternal search of the man has never come to
an end and never will. As travellers visit these Panch Badris in
Badrinath, they will come to learn how Lord Vishnu, the
preserver of the universe, is glorified in five different forms.
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Vishal Badri |
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It is the main shrine of Lord Badrinath. Also known as Badrinath ji, the
Badrinath shrine attracts around six lakhs pilgrims every year. The Badrinath
temple is located in the middle of two mountain ranges - Nar and Narayan.
Badrinath was anciently known as Badrivan, due to the abundance of wild
'berries' or Badris here. |
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Yogdhyan Badri |
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The Badri has immense importance. The Yogdhyan Badri is at an altitude of 1,920
m in Pandukeshwar. According to the Hindu mythology, it is here that the
Pandavas, after gaining victory against the Kauravas, handed over Hastinapur to
Raja Parikshit. The place Pandukeshwar, where Yogdhyan Badri is located, takes
its name from Pandu, who is believed to have meditated at the place. |
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Bhawishya Badri |
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At this Badri is enshrined the lion-headed idol of Narsingh. Perched at an
elevation of 2,744 m, it is located in the midst of thick forests. To reach
Bhavishya Badri, tourists and pilgrims need to get to Joshimath, the entry point
to this Badri. While pilgrims reach the place, they also pass through Tapovan,
popular with tourists for its hot water springs. |
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Bridha Badri |
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Also spelt Vridha Badri, Bridha Badri means Old Badri. The place is situated at
a distance of 7 km from the pilgrimage town of Joshimath. Before the advent of
Shankaracharya, the idol of Badrinath was worshipped here for many centuries.
Owing to its long age, the idol enshrined here is known as Vridha Badri or the
First Badri. |
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Adi Badri |
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The sacred site is located at a distance of 17 km from Karanprayag. At the
place, you will find a group of sixteen Gupta-period temples. Hindus believe
that these temples were founded by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Visitors can easily
distinguish the main Narayan temple, as it is built on an elevated platform. |
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SPIRITUAL PLACES |
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HARIDWAR |
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DETAILS
: The sacred Himalayan town of Haridwar represents a
living lesson on Hinduism.
PLACES TO VISIT : Har ki Pauri
- Mansa Devi |
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RISHIKESH |
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DETAILS : The holy town of Rishikesh has the
eminence of being the International capital of Yoga and
meditation.
PLACES TO VISIT : Laxman Jhula
- Bharat Mandir |
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BADRINATH |
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DETAILS : It is one of the four destinations that
constitute the chardham, a sacred pilgrimage for every
devout Hindu.
PLACES TO VISIT : Panch Badri- Vishal Badri |
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KEDARNATH |
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DETAILS : Kedarnath has the remotest location, a 2-day journey from
Gangotri in Uttarakhand.
PLACES TO VISIT : Tungnath -
Rudranath |
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GANGOTRI |
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DETAILS : sIt is the place from where originates
the Ganges, one of the most sacred rivers of the Hindus.
PLACES TO VISIT : Gaumukh - Gaurikund |
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YAMUNOTRI |
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DETAILS : Yamunotri is an highly significant
Hindu pilgrim's destination
among the four Hindu shrines
PLACES TO VISIT : Surya Kund - Divya Shila |
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TUNGNATH |
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DETAILS : Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in
the world and is one of the five and the highest Panch Kedar
temples.
PLACES TO VISIT : Himalaya View |
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