Protected
by two mountain ranges 'Nar' and 'Narayan' on either sides is the
holiest of pilgrimage place of Hindus, Badrinath. With Neelkanth
peak forming a beautiful backdrop, Badrinath, the abode of Lord
Vishnu is in the itinerary of every devout Hindu. It is one of the
four pilgrimage places called Chardham which every Hindu must undertake
to attain salvation. The place is called Badrinath because of the
wild berries found here ('badri' means berries). Every year thousands
and thousands of pilgrims pay a visit to this place in summers,
since due to snowfalls, the temple remains closed during winters.
»The
Temple
The
main temple where people seek blessings is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The temple is considered to be here since Vedic times. However according
to the history, Adi Shankaracharya established it here in 8th century.
The present structure of the temple was built three centuries ago
by Garhwal kings. It is a five metre high complex built like a cone
with a small cupola of gilt bull and spire.
The
temple has three sections to it, a Garbha Griha or the sanctum sanctorium
where the main deity rests, a Darshan Mandap for puja and a Sabha
Mandap for devotees to assemble. In all there are 15 idols in the
complex, all in black stone. These consist of idols of Lakshmi,
Vishnu's wife, Garud, his mount and Lord Shiva, his wife Parvati
and and son Ganesha. The idol of Lord Vishnu is sitting with crossed
legs in a meditative posture, his hands folded.. Its often argued
that it is an idol of Buddha, though Buddha is considered to be
the ninth incarnation of Vishnu himself.
»Panch
Badri
The
main temple of Badrinath along with four other temples or Badris
forms Panch Badri , Panch meaning five. The temples of these other
badris are located within few kilometres of the temple of Badrinath.
Yog Dhyan Badri is located 24 kms from here at Padukashwar(1920
mts). Pandavas handed over their empire to King Parikshit here before
retiring.
The second Badri is Bhavishtya Badri at Subain near Tapovan. Bhavishya
Badri means future badri. It is beleived that a time will come in
history when the present route to Badrinath will become inaccessible
and then Bhavishya Badri will be worshipped instead. Adi Badri is
the remains of 16 temples, it can be reached from Karnprayag. And
lastly Vriddha Badri, situated 7 kms from Joshimath, is believed
to be here several years before the existence of Adi Shankarcharya,
idol of Badrinath was enshrined and worshipped here.
» How
to reach Badrinath
By
Air : The nearest airport to Badrinath is Jolly Grant in Dehradun
which is 317 kms from here.
By Rail : The nearest railheads from Badrinath
are at Rishikesh(297 km) and Kotdwar(327 Km).
By Road : Regular buses are
available for Badrinath from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and
other important Kumaon regions.
Badrinath, Religious Places in India Reservation Form
