You already know about lots of religious and historical significance points related to our Hindu rich diverse culture and heritages, But I have found that Adi Badri - Yamunanagar has its unique place that has been mentioned in the main texts of Hindus like Padma Purana, Mahabharata, Bhagwat Puran, etc. situated in the foothills of the Shivaliks it's a beautiful picturesque location with abundant natural beauty and tranquility.
According to legends, this is the place where Ved Vyasa wrote Bhagavata Purana, and Pandavas stayed here during the last year of their exile
Name:
The word “Adi” means “ancient” and the word “Badri” is the name of God, so that is why its name is in from Lord Badrinath
History:
Adi Badri in Yamunanagar is a group of Hindu temples from the 9th century. Ancients believed that Lord Vishnu, stayed here during the eras of Satyuga, Treta, and Dwapar before he moved to his newer abode during Kalyuga, which is the modern Badrinath, which is currently in Uttaranchal.
Group of Hindu Temples:
During our last visit, we found many must-visit locations. I’m sharing them in order to get an overview of hows your visit would be like.
Saraswati river origin:
It was believed that it is an inception point of the Saraswati river. known as the Shri Saraswati Udgam Sthal or Gomukh Saraswati Udgam. At this point this river comes out of the mountains and enters the earth. It is said that the Saraswati river was born here before it was dried due to the curse from the sage Uthaya
Adi Badri Pond: is an artificially created pond near that point to collect water for the dried season The water of the river was also considered to be very holy, which could free the person from sins.
Adi Badri Buddhist Archaeological Site:
There is a small place where an idol of Lord Buddha was found from the 12th century CE. Buddha statue suggests that this rare ancient monastery was meant for meditation with a cubicle cell structure that is big enough to accommodate one person to do meditation.
Aadi Badri Hub:
It is the last point for any vehicle, from this point onwards you have to walk uphill while doing the trekking to reach Siddhpeeth Shri Mantra Devi Mandir. It is about a 1.5 to 2 Km trek with the 2 ways to go on the top
But before that there were two historical temples lying on the ground level, we asked local pandit Ji, he said “you must visit those temples before your trek. So that your yantra would be sampan”. So on that note, we plan to visit those temples are as
Adi Badri:
The main temple, by which name this place is famous for. The historical tales suggest that Lord Vishnu, stayed here during the eras of Satyuga, Treta and Dwapar, before he moved to his newer abode during Kalyuga, which is the modern Badrinath, which is currently in Uttaranchal.
It fluorescent yellow color can be seen from a distance even from the base point of the road when we were reaching that place
Kedarnath (Aadi Kedarnath) :
The second one is Kedarnath (Aadi Kedarnath) temple It is also believed that Jagat Guru Shankracharya built a temple dedicated to Lord Badri Narayan or Lord Vishnu, which stands tall on the northern side of the River Somb. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is said to have been here during the inception of Kalyuga and had practiced his asceticism here.
With that, there was Shani dev mandir, with a large banyan tree in the base of the aadi Kedarnath temple
After having an essence of those places we are ready for our trek to Siddhpeeth Shri Mantra Devi Mandir. Again someone would tell us that it’s a 1.5 to 2 Km trek with the 2 ways to go on the top.
1st one is the old one, which goes from the back of the mountain. You will feel that you are walking in nature while so the trek. There are some points where one has to keep an eye on your step but otherwise it was a great cardio trek to test your inner strength some parts of it are still in the developing phase.
The second one is, having builtin with stairs like structure to the top, less difficult but more challenging to walk on stairs than on natural path.
So we chose to opt for the old one for climbing and revert from the stair one.
Siddhpeeth Shri Mantra Devi Mandir:
Mata Mantra Devi is the Hindu Goddess and the youngest daughter of King Viraat. Once you reached that place you will an intrinsic satisfaction. Just because that trek tests your endurance and worship. Trust me it was not easy but with the prayer and chanting on the trek, we have finally reached the top.
After having a rest for quite a while, we went for darshan and enjoyed the view of being in the top. From a particular point, you can have a mesmerizing complete 30 km view of areas around you. It looks fascinating and astounding how our ancients built such wonderful things when there were no machines or tools available.
After staying there we enjoyed Mata ka Bandara. Believe it or not, while having it felt like you had accomplished a kind of inner peace, every bite of it energizes you. I can’t explain in words but you can take it as it felt like that was the last piece to complete your inner satisfaction.
Though after some time of rest and exploration, we have found out there was a Hanuman temple on the other side of the mountain, when we enquire pandit Ji about this temple's significance he said “there were some signs that you will always find a hanuman temple with Mata temple”. On that note, we asked for permission and went for it.
Adibadari Mountin Hanuman Idol:
When you look over it seems impossible to climb on the steep way. Especially at 38 C . when the sun is in on your top. I have never seen such type of steep in my entire life. Being on the top means who were at the highest point of that place, although it was only 400-600 Metres trekking on it needs lots of patience with self-control. And there were dead ends from sides.
Some home I have tried it and fortunate to be on place and return back, but that experience was an eye-opening one. Somehow I have been able to click some snaps to that you can have an idea. Here are the photo
During our return, we collected some more memories of another river staircase that was full of excitement and another set of challenges. But that trip was worth memorable for decades especially when you have enthusiastic friends who have a set of great PJs to entertain and be with you on every turn to lift up your energy.
I recommended you to do that one-time traveling trek to know how things involve in our heritages and culture.
Some references I have taken help with
https://www.thedivineindia.com/adi-badri/601
Adi Badri in the city Yamunanagar (worldorgs.com)
Adi Badri near Yamunanagar, History of Adi Badri Temple Yamunanagar (yamunanagaronline.in)