About
Badrinath
Badrinath is in the hilly terrain and one of the most lofty hill
destinations in India. Situated in the high altitude of Uttarakhand,
Badrinath is situated at a height of 10,248 feet above the sea level.
Splendid Nar and Narayan mountain peaks of Himalayas surrounds the place
from two sides and Neelkanth peak located behind provides more glory. It is
one of the Chardham described in the Purans (Hindu mythological books).
Through out the route to Badrinath there are innumerable pilgrimages like
Devaprayag, Rudra prayag, Karana Prayag, Nandaprayag, Vishnuprayag and
Pandukeswar etc. Jyotirmath(44 km) and Govindghat(20 km ) are the other two
laces of interest to the Hindu pilgrims. Hemkund sahib (15 km from
Govindghat), is a famous pilgrimage of Sikhs lies in the same region.
There are many varieties (more than 300 species) of flowers which add a
colorful look to Badrinath. Moreover there are many species of birds and
butterflies. River Alkananda flows nearby and the massive Rataban peak is in
the backdrop of the valley. Mata ka mela, Badri Kedar utsav and Janmasthami
are well known festivals of Badrinath, attended by a huge number of folk.
Badrinath Temple – The prime attraction of Badrinath is
Badrinath temple. Devotees from far places of India come to visit the
temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to there from
Vedic times. According to legend Lord Vishnu came to the place for penance
and meditated her for long. The present structure of the temple was built by
Garhwal Kings three centuries ago. The temple is about five meter height and
a small cupola of gilt bull and spire. The temple is seperated by three
sections; the Garbha Griha or the sanctum sanctorum is the place where the
main deity placed, there is another section where pilgrims pays their
respect and a hall called Sabha Mandap where devotees assemble together.
There are all together 15 idols in the temple and all are in black. The
temple remains closed during winters as the entire area is covered with
snow.
Panch Badri- Panch means five. The main temple of Badrinath along
other four temple combines to known as Panch Badri. The other four temples
are scattered near by the main temple. First Badri Yog Dhyan Badri is
located 24 km away from main temple. Bhavishtya Badri, the second one is
located at Subain near Tapovan. Adi Badri ,the third one is at Kamprayag.
And last one is Vriddha Badri, located 7 km from Joshimath. It is said that
Badrinath main idol was worshiped here before the main temple of Badrinath
was built.
Tapt
Kund – Tapt means heat and kund means spring. Its a natural hot
spring on the bank of Alaknanda river. Before entering the temple devotees
bath in the hot water. Tapt Kund is believed to have a holy significance and
also said here water has medicinal properties.
Rudraprayag – Rudrapraya is also popular among devotees and
located at the meeting point of the rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. The
place is adorned with several temples, most notable one is Chamunda Devi
temple.
Not To Overlook- Excursions From Badrinath
Hemkund Sahib- Hemkund Sahib is revered place of Sikh, located 43 km
from Badrinath. Hemkund Sahib lake is nestled in the lap of Himalayas at
4,572m and one of the highest shrines of India. It is believed that Guru
Govind Singh Meditated here, the lake is surrounded by seven peaks. for
eight months Hemkund Lake is inaccessible due to snow. One can also trek
from Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib, which takes about six days.
Valley Of Flowers – This is one of the rarest places in world
where you can see so much variety of flowers. The park is spread over 87.50
km square and a World Heritage Site. A place is heavenly embellished by
countless species of flowers, shrubs, orchids and a must see place for any
naturalist. Along side of Valley Of Flowers, famous national park known as
Nanda Devi National Park is situated. A good place to visit where you find
endangered species like snow leopard, and White Tigers.
Mana Village- The last village of India before Tibet is about 4 km
away from Badrinath. Mostly inhabited by Indo-Mongolian tribe. The people
living in the village are hardworking and industrious. They mostly engage in
small scale industry of woolen clothes, women knit sweaters, carpets and
other hand made items.
Auli - The place is located about 57 km away from Badrinath and
renowned for skiing. Popular known as ski resort, the slopes are one of the
best in the world for skiing. It is located at the height of 2,500 meters
from where you can have the most beautiful experience of Himalayan ranges.
Location : Badrinath is situated in the Tehri-Garhwal hill track, at
an altitude 3133 meters off the sea level. Nearest airport at Dehradun, the
Jolly Grant airstrip, is 315 km away. Nearest railway station is Rishikesh,
297 km away. It's within 30-degree north latitude and 70 degree east
longitude.
Climate : Badrinath is a cool place. Average maximum temperature
stands around 16 degree Celsius and the average minimum temperature is
around 8 degree Celsius. Winter sees sub zero level temperatures along with
snows.
By Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, which is about
300 km away from Badrinath in Dehradun. Dehradun is connected with major
cities of Northern India.
By Rail : Badrinath do not have any railway station. If
you want to go by tran, you have to board at Rishikesh about 300 km away.
Rishikesh is well connected with cities likeDelhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow.
By Road : Badrinath is well connected with Rishikesh by
road network. If you want to go to Badrinath from Delhi or Dehradun, first
go to Rishikesh, from there take private or public vehicle to Badrinath.
From Rishikesh to Badrinath is about 300 km.
Related Traveller's Storie(s)
Allahabad - The City Of Sangam-
By Ankit Surekha
Badrinath - A Confluence Of
Spiritual Fervor- By Ramashish Chaturvedi
Haridwar - Sacred Place Of
Uttarakhand-By Ginny Bansal
Dhanaulti – A Paradise
In Uttarakhand-By Abhishek Kumar
