20 Points about Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand
Ancient Heritage
Badrinath Temple is one of the most ancient and revered Hindu temples, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. 2.
Spiritual Significance
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, specifically in the form of Badrinath, and is a crucial pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially those following the Vaishnavism tradition. 3.
Char Dham Yatra
Badrinath is one of the four prominent destinations of the Char Dham Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage circuit that also includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath. 4.
Location Amidst the Himalayas
Situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level, Badrinath is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. 5.
Opening and Closing Dates
The temple is open to visitors for a limited period each year, generally from late April or early May to November, due to extreme weather conditions in the region. 6.
Architecture
Badrinath Temple showcases the traditional Garhwali wooden architecture and features intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various mythological stories. 7.
Murti of Lord Badri Narayan
The main deity, Lord Badri Narayan, is represented in a black stone idol seated in a meditative pose, exuding serenity and divine grace. 8.
Hot Springs
Tapt Kund, a natural hot water spring near the temple, is believed to have medicinal properties. Pilgrims take a ritualistic dip in its holy waters before entering the temple. 9.
Brahma Kapal
Located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, Brahma Kapal is a flat platform where rituals for the deceased are performed, aiming to help them attain moksha. 10.
Mana Village
Badrinath is close to Mana, the last village before the Indo-Tibetan border. Pilgrims often visit Mana as part of their spiritual journey. 11.
Neelkanth Peak
The majestic Neelkanth Peak, with its snow-covered summit, serves as a picturesque backdrop to the Badrinath Temple. 12.
Alaknanda River
The temple is perched on the banks of the sacred Alaknanda River, adding to the spiritual aura of the surroundings. 13.
Narad Kund
Narad Kund is a hot water spring near Badrinath, known for its religious significance and believed to be the home of the sage Narada. 14.
Hemkund Sahib
Badrinath serves as a base for the trek to Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh pilgrimage site located at an altitude of 4,329 meters. 15.
Vasudhara Falls
Pilgrims often visit Vasudhara Falls, a stunning waterfall near Badrinath, as part of their spiritual journey. 16.
Charan Paduka
Charan Paduka, a rock with what is believed to be the footprint of Lord Vishnu, is a revered spot visited by pilgrims. 17.
Panch Badri Temples
Badrinath is part of the Panch Badri temples, which also include Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Vriddha Badri, and Adi Badri. 18.
Narsingh Temple
Adjacent to Badrinath Temple is the Narsingh Temple, dedicated to Lord Narsingh, a half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 19.
Yogadhyan Badri
Yogadhyan Badri, one of the Panch Badri temples, is located at Pandukeshwar and is associated with the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. 20.
Cultural Festivals
Badrinath witnesses various cultural festivals, including the Badri-Kedar Utsav, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.