Badrinath

By rajneeshtomer

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Badrinath is located on the right bank of river Alaknanda, and it is now in the state of Uttaranchal. An adobe of seers, saints and yogis from times immemorial, Badrinath is one of the four dhams that a devotee Hindu considers necessary to visit in his lifetime to attain salvation.

Legend has it that Badrinath was the home of Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. It is known as tapo bhumi, a land for meditation and penance, and as bhu-baikunth, i.e., heaven on earth.

It is surrounded on either side by two mountain ranges known as Nar and Narayan, with the Neelkanth peak providing a spectacular backdrop. Facing the badrinath Temple is a hot water spring known as Tapt Kund. Narad Kund and Surya Kund are the other springs found here.

Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch Badris. The main entrance gate to the temple is 15m high and is a major attraction. The complex has 15 idols. A one-meter-high image of Badrinath is finely sculpted in black stone. The image depicts Lord Vishnu seated in a meditative pose. The temple remains closed from October to April due to the severe winter conditions. It was in Badrinath that Adi Sankaracharya established a matha in the ninth centuary. This matha is also known as Jyotirmath.

Things to see in Badrinath

•Tapt Kund - This kund is infused with medicinal properties and devotees before visiting the temple take a holy bath in it.
•Brahma Kapal- On the bank of river Ganga, visitors perform prayers for their deceased ancestors. This place is called Brahma Kapal.
•Sheshnetra – Visitors can visit shesnetra, believed to have the impression of an eye.
•Charanpaduka- Famous footprints of Lord Vishnu are visible on this majestic field.
•Neelkanth- This is a triangle shaped mountain covered with snow all the year round and form the amazing background of Badrinath Temple.

General Information on Badrinath.

•Badrinath is situated at an altitude of 3133m so carry heavy woolens along with you.
•Best time to visit Badrinath is from June to September and Badrinath is closed for six months in every year due to heavy snowfall.


Air- Dehradun is the nearest airport some 317 Km away from Badrinath.

Train- The nearest Railway station is at Rishikesh and Haridwar and about 310 Km away from Badrinath. Some of the names of trains to Rishikesh and Haridwar are:-
• Shatabdi leaves New Delhi daily at 06:55 and arrives at Haridwar at 11:22 .
• 9019 leaves Delhi daily at 06:50 and arrives at Haridwar at 15:10 .
• 4309 and 4317 leaves New Delhi at 10:55 and arrives at Haridwar at 16:47 .
•Train 2055 (Jan Shatabdi) leaves New Delhi (not Sundays) at 15:25 and arrives at Haridwar at 19:25.

Road - You can opt for buses from Dehradun to Badrinath or from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Badrinath directly. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun are frequent in number from all major cities.




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