Badrinath Temple
A Divine Journey into the Himalayas
Introduction
Badrinath is an ancient religious centre, famous for its profound spiritual significance and stunning natural beauty. The religious importance of Badrinath was established by the great philosopher Shankaracharya. The town gets its name from the word ‘badri’, meaning ‘berries’, as these once grew here abundantly. Situated near the confluence of the Alaknanda and Rishi Ganga rivers, the sacred shrine of Badrinath attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India and the world.
The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu Trinity. The main deity of the temple is Badrinath (also known as Badri Vishal or Badrinarayan), a form of Vishnu. Legend says the idol was recovered by Shankaracharya from the nearby Narada Kunda (a hot water spring) and re-installed in the shrine. The idol depicts Badrinath in a meditative lotus posture (padmasana), surrounded by other deities like Kubera (God of Wealth) and Ganesh (God of Wisdom).
A Pilgrim's Guide to Badrinath
How to Get There
Badrinath is well-connected by road to major towns in Uttarakhand. As there is no direct train or flight to Badrinath, the journey typically involves:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (approx. 314 km away). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus.
- By Train: The nearest major railway stations are in Rishikesh (approx. 297 km) and Haridwar (approx. 321 km). From these stations, buses and taxis are readily available.
- By Bus: State transport and private buses operate regularly from major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh to Badrinath during the visiting season.
Where to Stay / Accommodation
Accommodation is no problem in Badrinath. A wide range of options, from government tourist hotels and guesthouses to private big and small hotels, are available to suit everyone's budget.
When to Visit
The best time of the year to visit Badrinath is from May to June and from September to October. The temple is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
What to See
The climate and scenery of Badrinath are mind-blowing. Besides the main temple, there are many interesting places to see:
- Tapt Kund & Narada Kunda: Natural hot springs near the temple where pilgrims take a holy dip.
- Mana Village: The last Indian village before the Tibet border, with sites like Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa.
- Neelkanth Peak: A majestic snow-covered peak that forms a breathtaking backdrop to the temple.
- Charanpaduka: A beautiful meadow with a boulder said to have the footprints of Lord Vishnu.
Shopping
Shopping in Badrinath is a fun experience. One can buy traditional and religious items like holy books, brassware, woollen clothing, and local handicrafts. The town is famous for these traditional goods.
Anything Special
As for food, Badrinath offers simple, vegetarian North Indian cuisine. You can find local eateries serving dishes like dal, roti, sabzi, and rice. The people are very culture-oriented and highly intelligent, giving great importance to education and their religious heritage.