Badrinath JI Dham

Located on the right bank of holy river Alaknanda in the Tehri-Garhwal region, Badrinath is on of the four dhams. Built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire, the temple of Shri Badrinathji is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The present temple is believed to be established by Adi Shankaracharya, although legend dates the temple prior to the Vedic age. The temple has three parts - Garbha Griha (the sanctum sanctorum), Darshan Mandap (for pujas) and Shobha Mandap (for devotees to assemble). During the time of the Buddhist era the image of Badrinath had been thrown into the Alaknanda River and later it was retrieved by Shankaracharya during the following Hindu revival.

The main idol of Badri Narayan is made of black stone and is armed with a conch shell (Shankh) and Chakra in two arms and the other two arms are resting in his lap in a Yogamudra position. The temple also has a Darshan Mandap and a Sabha Mandap. 

 

Pilgrimage Attractions

There are 15 idols in the temple complex. Apart from Badrinath (Vishnu) image there are other images including Laxmi (Vishnu's consort), Garurh (Vishnu's mount), Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesh etc. Panch Shilas

Panch Shilas include Narad Shila, Varaha Shila, Garurh Shila, Markandeya Shila and Narsingh Shila. 

Panch Dharas 

Panch Dharas involve Prahalad Dhara, Kurma Dhara, Urbasi Dhara, Bhrigu Dhara and Indra Dhara. 

Narad Kund 

This is the pool wherefrom the Badrinath idol was recovered. 

Tapt Kund 

It is customary to take bathe in the natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda before entering the Badrinath temple. 

Brahma Kapal 

Brahma Kapal is a flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda where Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors. 

Charanpaduka 

Charanpaduka is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

Other Four Badris

Yogadhyan Badri

The temple of Yogadhyan Badri is located at Pandukeshwar 24 km short of Badrinath on Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. 

Bhavishya Badri

Located at Subain near Tapovan about 17 km east of Joshimath The temple of Bhavishya is surrounded by dense forests. Pilgrims have to trek beyond Tapovan, up the Dhauliganga River. Traditionally it is believed that a day will come when the present route to Badrinath will be inaccessible and Lord Badrinath will be worshipped here. Thus the name 'Bhavishya Badri' which literally means the Badri of the future. 

Bridha Badri

About 7 km short of Joshimath, on the main Rishikesh- Badrinath motor road, is Animath. 

Adibadri

Adibadri is also one of five Badris and is situated quite far from the other four and is approachable from Karnaprayag by a motorable road on way to Ranikhet.

Fairs & festivals

Mata Murti Ka Mela 

Every year in the month of September a big fair is organized in honor of the mother of Lord Badrinath called Mata Murti Ka Mela.

Badri Kedar Festival 

This festival is held in the month of June in the shrines of both Badrinath and Kedarnath. The festival lasts for 8 days.

How to Get There

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.