Badrinath Yatra 2012 begins with the opening of the sacred Badrinath temple. Book your tour now
Opening and Closing Dates of Badrinath Trip 2012 :- The dates will soon be annouced by Vijaydashmi by Mandir Committee on the eve of Basant Panchami. It will open in April-May and will close somewhere in Novemeber.
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Badrinath Travel - A Holy Journey to the Abode Of Lord Vishnu
Cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan is the holiest of the four main shrines, Badrinath along the left bank river Alaknanda. With the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, Badrinath mandir is an important destination on the scared itinerary of every devout Hindu. Once the spot was carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries and hence was famous as 'Badri Van'. Badrinath Yatra is considered a must for every pious Hindus, If you haven't undertaken the journey till now, let us give you details of the Badrinath tour.
Badrinath Religious Tours
Discount Available on on Badrinath Tour Packages
Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Places Covered : - Haridwar - Janakichatti - Uttarkashi - Guptkashi - Kedarnath - Birahi - Badrinath - Kirtinagar - Rishikesh - Haridwar
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Badrinath Temple - Mythological Legend
Legend has it, when the Ganga was requested to descend to earth to help
suffering humanity, the earth was unable to withstand the force of its
descent. Therefore the mighty Ganaga was split into twelve holy channels.
Alaknanda was one of them that later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or
Badrinath.
The temple of Shri Badrinathji on the banks of the Alaknanda river, dates
back to the vedic times. Situated at an altitude of 3,133 mts., the present
temple is believed to have been built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya- an 8th
century's philosopher-saint, who also established a 'math' here. Also known
as 'Vishal Badri', Badrinath is one of the Panch Badris.
Panch Badris or Five Badris
Besides the main Badrinath temple, there are four other smaller badri
temples. These are collectively called the panch badris or five badris. Very
few pilgrims however, visit the other four Badri temples.
- Yogadhyan Badri (1920 m.)
Closest to the main Badrinath temple lies this tiny, sleepy
hamlet which remains unnoticed by most pilgrims and is the winter
home for the idol at Badrinath. Pandukeshwar is also an important
archaeological site. Some years ago, four ancient metal foils
engraved with a description of several kings in the region were
discovered here. Believed to be over 1500 years old, these foils are
kept at Joshimath, 30 km downstream.
- Bhavishya Badri (2,744 m.)
The bhavishya or future badri is situated at Subain near Tapovan,
about 17 km east of Joshimath. According to Hindu belief, when evil
is on the rise in this world, the two mountains Nara and Narayan at
Badrinath will close up on each other and destroy the route to the
present Badrinath. This would also mark the end of the present world
and the beginning of a new one. Lord Badrinath will then appear at
the Bhavishya Badri temple and be worshipped here instead of at the
present one.
- Bridha Badri or the 'Old Badri'
Bridha Badri or the 'old Badri' is the third temple about 7 kms
short of Joshimath, on the main Rishikesh-Badrinath
motor road at Animath. It is believed that Badrinath was worshipped
here before its enshrinement by Shankaracharya at the main Badrinath
seat. The temple of Bridha Badri is open throughout the year.
- Adi Badri
Adi Badri is the farthest from the other four badris. It is
approachable from Karnaprayag by a motorable road enroute Ranikhet.
The temple complex has 16 small temples with intricate carvings.
Seven of these temples belong to the late Gupta period. Local
tradition assigns these buildings to Shankaracharya. The main temple
is distinguished by a pyramid shaped raised platform, with a black
stone idol of Vishnu.
Pilgrimage
Attractions In Badrinath
- Badrinath Temple
On the right bank of Alaknanda lies the sacred spot perched at an
altitude of 3,133 metres above the sea level. Encircled by a
beautiful valley, the 15mtrs. High temple is dedicated to Lord
Vishnu, it is built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of
gilt bull and spire. Built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya - the
philosopher-saint of the 8th century, the temple has been renovated
several times due to damage by avalanches. Its colourful 'Singh
Dwara' or the main entrance gate gives it a new, modern look.
The temple divided into three parts - the 'garbha griba' or sanctum
sanctorum, the 'darshan mandap' where the rituals are conducted and
the 'sabha mandap'where devotees assemble. The complex has 15 idols.
Especially attractive is the one metre high image of Badrinath,
finely sculpted in black stone. It represents Lord Vishnu seated in
meditative pose.
- Tapt Kund
Devotees take a holy dip in the natural thermal springs on the
banks of the river Alaknanda, before entering the Badrinath Temple.
The water of the kund is believed to have medicinal properties.
- Hemkund Sahib
(43 kms.)
Near
the Valley of Flowers is the holy lake Hemkund- an important
pilgrimage of the Sikhs and Hindus. Along its shores is the sacred
Sikh Shrine where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru unified with God
after prolonged mediation in his previous birth.
Nearby is the Lakshman Temple where Lakshman - the brother of Lord
Rama performed his penance. The reflection of surrounding snow-clad
peaks in its placid waters offers a scenic sight.
- Brahma Kapal
A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda where Hindus perform
propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.
- Neelkanth
A Pyramidical-shaped snowy peak towering above Badrinath, popularly
known as the 'Garhwal Queen'.
- Mana Village (4 kms.)
Inhabited by Indo-Mangolian tribe, it is considered to be the last
Indian village before Tibet on this route. Nearby are Vyas Gufa- the
rock cave of saint Ved Vyas, the writer of Mahabharata; Bhim Pul- a
natural bridge over the Saraswati river and Vasundhara Falls- a 122
mts. high waterfall- all forming and important part of the
pilgrimage to Badrinath.
- Mata Murti Temple (3 kms.)
On the right bank of Alaknanda stands the temple dedicated to the
mother of Sri Badrinathji.
- Alka Puri (15 kms.)
The source of Alaknanda river from the glacier snouts of Bhagirath-
Kharak and Satopanth glaciers.
- Satopanth (25 kms.)
A three cornered lake with a circumference of about 1 km., situated
at an elevation of 4,402 mts. above sea level. It is named after the
Hindu triad- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who are believed to occupy
one corner each of the lake. The trek is hazardous with dramatic
landscapes. An experienced guide is advisable. Govindghat (25 kms.)
The confluence of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. It has an
imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Gobind Singh.
- Joshimath (44 kms.)
The winter home of Shri Badrinathji is situated on the slopes above
the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. It is one of the four
'maths' established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya.
- Panch Prayag
The five important confluences- Deoprayag, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag,
Karnaprayag and Vishuprayag, form the Panch Prayag.
- Deoprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. Ancient stone
scriptures are found here. Important pilgrim spots are Shiv Temple
and Raghunath Temple.
- Rudraprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The temples of
Rudranath and Chamunda Devi are noteworthy.
- Nandprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The Gopalji
Temple is worth a visit.
- Karnaprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar rivers with temples of Uma
and Karna.
- Vishnuprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. An ancient
temple of Lord Vishnu stands here by a pool called Vishnu Kund.
- Srinagar
The old capital of Garhwal, it is an important cultural and
educational centre. Places to visit include Kamleshwar and
Kilkeshwar temples and the Shankar Math.
Accessibility to Badrinath Temple