Discover Badrinath Uttarakhand India | Temple, Temperature, Weather
Badrinath Uttarakhand India stands as one of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites among the 108 divya desams, which are incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The town of Badrinath is not just home to the main Badrinath temple but also encompasses the Panch Badri temples, which include Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and Vriddha Badri.
Badrinath Temple
The imposing entrance gate of the Badarinath temple, known as Singhdwar, welcomes visitors with its vibrant colors. Rising approximately 50 feet tall, the temple boasts a gold gilt roof atop a small cupola. The temple complex is in three parts, the temple comprises the Garbha Griha, the Darshan Mandap where rituals take palce, and the Sabha Mandap where pilgrims gather.
At the temple gate, opposite the main idol of Lord Badarinarayan, sits the idol of Garuda, the divine vehicle of Lord Badarinarayan, depicted in a reverent posture with folded hands. The walls and pillars of the mandapa exhibit intricate carvings, adding to the temple’s grandeur.
Garbha Griha
The Garbha Griha houses Lord Badari Narayan along with Kuber, Narad rishi, Udhava, Nar, and Narayan. Noteworthy among the fifteen idols within is the finely sculpted one-meter high image of Lord Badarinath, crafted in black stone.
Legend has it that Adi Guru Shankaracharya discovered a black stone image of Lord Badarinarayan in the Alaknanda River, which was originally enshrined in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs. Later, in the sixteenth century, the King of Garhwal relocated the Murti to its current location within the temple.
Badrinath History
The name “Badrinath” is derived from the local word “Badari,” referring to a type of wild berry. It is believed that when Lord Vishnu meditated in these mountains, Goddess Laxmi took the form of a berry tree to provide shade from the harsh sun. Apart from being the abode of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath attracts countless pilgrims, saints, and sages in search of enlightenment.
In Skand Puran
According to the Skand Puran, Adiguru Shankaracharya retrieved the idol of Lord Badarinath from Narad Kund and reinstated it in the temple in the 8th century A.D. This act was part of Shankaracharya’s efforts to revive the glory of Hinduism and foster national unity during a time when Buddhism was gaining prominence in the Himalayan region.
Pandvas in Badrinath
The Badrinath Uttarakhand India’s temple holds rich significance in Hindu tradition, with numerous ancient scriptures recounting its tales. It is associated with the Pandavas’ final pilgrimage, Lord Krishna’s visit, and the penances performed by sages like Nara and Narayana.
Best Time to Visit Badrinath Uttarakhand India
Winter in Badrinath, spanning from October to April, brings chilly days with temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels, often accompanied by frequent snowfall. These months are not ideal for travel due to the harsh weather conditions.
Summer, from May to June, offers a pleasant respite with moderately cold temperatures, making it the perfect time for sightseeing and embarking on the holy Badrinath Uttarakhand India pilgrimage.
During the Monsoon season, from July to mid-September, the region experiences regular rainfall and a decrease in temperature. Travelers must check the condition of the route between Rishikesh and Badrinath Uttarakhand India before starting their journey.
The holy city of Badrinath Uttarakhand India is open for public viewing from April or May to November. Summer provides a comfortable climate for visiting and exploring the sacred sites, while winter sees chilly temperatures and snowfall, making it a challenging time for travel.
Things to Do: Badrinath Uttarakhand India
Narad Shila
Narada Shila holds a significant place in the lore surrounding Badarinath. Legend has it that Narada Ji, the celestial sage, performed rigorous penance atop this rock, standing on one foot, for a staggering sixty thousand years. During this time, he sustained himself solely on air, abstaining from food. Impressed by his unwavering devotion, Lord Vishnu granted Narada Ji the boon to worship Him at Badarikashram.
Markandeya Shila
Upon hearing about the benefits of penance at Badarikashram from Naradji. The Sage Markandeya journeyed to the sacred land and undertook rigorous penance on a rock near Narada Shila. After just three nights of intense meditation, Lord Vishnu appeared before Markandeya ji in a quadrilateral form, bestowing divine blessings upon him.
This rock came to be known as Markandeya Shila, where the hot stream from Taptkund continuously falls. According to the Skanda Purana, the sacred Shaligram Shila of Lord Badarinarayan was once also distinguished within this Markandeya Shila, highlighting its significance in Hindu mythology.
Barahi Shila
Hiranyaksha, known for his audacious act of taking the earth (Prithvi) to the abyss (Rasatal), met his demise at the hands of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha avatar. Following the slaying of Hiranyaksha, Lord Varaha resided in the waters of Alaknanda in Badarikashram, manifesting as a sacred rock known as Barahi Shila. This significant rock, located near Narada Shila, holds immense spiritual significance.
Garud Shila
On this rock, Garuda Ji engaged in thirty thousand years of rigorous penance, aspiring to become the divine vehicle (Vahana) of God. Impressed by Garuda’s unwavering devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him with divine vision. The Garuda rock is near the Aadi Kedareshwar temple, with the hot water of Taptkund flowing beneath it.
Narsingh Shila
When Lord Narsingh vanquished the demon king Hiranyakashyap, his ferocious form evoked awe from the other gods. To pacify his divine fury, Lord Narsingh sought refuge in Badarikashram. There, he bathed in the purifying waters of Alaknanda, which calmed his anger. Responding to the prayers of the ascetic sages dwelling in Badarikashram, Lord Narsingh consented to reside in the form of a rock in the middle of the Alaknanda river.
This sacred rock, known as Sinha Aakar, still retains its form in the river. The presence of Sinha Aakar in the midst of Alaknanda symbolizes the divine grace and benevolence of Lord Narsingh.
How To Reach Badrinath Uttarakhand India
By Flight:
If you prefer air travel, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located 35 km away from Badrinath Uttarakhand India. It is the nearest airport. The airport is well-connected to Delhi with daily flights. From Jolly Grant Airport, taxis are readily available to take you to Badarinath.
By Train:
For those who prefer train travel, Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Badrinath Uttarakhand India. It lies 295 km away. Rishikesh is well-connected by rail networks to major destinations across India. From Rishikesh, you can easily find taxis and buses to Badrinath Uttarakhand India.
By Road:
Badarinath is accessible by motorable roads with major destinations in Uttarakhand. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi. Additionally, buses and taxis to Badarinath runs from various destinations within Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Ukhimath, Srinagar, and Chamoli.
Road Routes: Depending on your starting point, there are multiple road routes to reach Badrinath Uttarakhand India:
- Kedarnath to Badarinath (247 km): This route passes through various towns and landmarks including Rudraprayag, Gauchar, Karnaprayag, and Joshimath before reaching Badrinath Uttarakhand India.
- Kedarnath to Badarinath via Guptakashi, Ukhimath, Chopta, Gopeshwar, Chamoli, and Pipalkoti (229 km): This route offers a slightly shorter distance and passes through scenic landscapes.
- Haridwar/Rishikesh to Badarinath (324 km from Haridwar, 298 km from Rishikesh): This route takes you through picturesque towns like Deoprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag before reaching Badarinath.
Accommodation in Badrinath Uttarakhand India
Here are the accommodation options available at Shri Badrinath and nearby places:
- Guest Houses of BKTC at Shri Badrinath: The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) provides guest houses for pilgrims at Shri Badrinath, offering a comfortable stay within close proximity to the temple.
- Guest Houses at Shri Badrinath: In addition to BKTC guest houses, other guest houses are also available at Shri Badrinath, providing accommodation options for pilgrims visiting the sacred shrine.
- Dharamshalas of various organizations: Several organizations offer Dharamshalas at nominal charges, providing budget-friendly accommodation options for pilgrims.
- Private Hotels: Private hotels in the area offer a range of accommodation options, catering to different preferences and budgets of pilgrims.
Additionally, accommodation options are available at Joshimath, which is approximately 45 km from Badrinath. Pilgrims can opt to stay in Joshimath and make a single-day trip to Badrinath for darshan. Accommodation in Joshimath includes guest houses, hotels, and dharamshalas, providing pilgrims with a convenient base for their visit to Badrinath.
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