Badrinath Temple - The Ultimate Guide You'd Ever Need To Plan Your Next Trip

According to one mythological tale, Lord Vishnu had performed rigorous atonement at this place. He was completely ignorant of the harsh weather conditions while meditating. To protect him from the scorching heat of the sun, his spouse Goddess Lakshmi acquired the shape of the Badri tree and draped herself over him.

Lord Vishnu was impressed by her devotion and named the place Badrikashram after her. Badrinath Dham also has a connection to the story of Dharma's two sons, Nar and Narayana, who wanted to build a hermitage and expand their religious foundation in the holy Himalayas.

The exact date of the creation of the Badrinath Dham temple is still unknown. However, the presiding deity Badrinath is mentioned in Vedic scriptures (c. 1750–500 BC). During the 16th century, the King of Garhwal moved the murti to the present temple. The temple has undergone several major renovations due to its age and damage by an avalanche.

In the 17th century, the temple was expanded by the Kings of Garhwal. After significant damage during the great 1803 Garhwal earthquake, it was largely rebuilt by the King of Jaipur.

About the temple:

The main entrance gate of Badarinath temple, popularly known as Singhdwar, is colourful and intimidating. The temple is around 50 feet tall, with a little cupola on top and a gold gilded roof.

The Badarinath temple is divided into three sections:

(a) The Garbha Griha, also known as the sanctum sanctorum,

(b) The Darshan Mandap, where rites are performed,

(c) The Sabha Mandap, where pilgrims congregate.

Lord Badari Narayan, Kuber (God of Wealth), Narad rishi, Udhava, Nar, and Narayan are all housed in the Garbha Griha section, which features a gold-covered canopy. There are 15 idols in the temple complex. The one-meter-high image of Lord Badarinath, finely sculpted in black stone, is especially appealing.

Best Time to visit

The best time to visit Badrinath is in the month of October. However, the busiest season is from May to June, when the temple is extremely crowded. Because of the inclement weather, you should bring umbrellas and warm clothing. It may be cold at night and rainy throughout the day. In August or early September, a fair is organized here every year which is quite famous.

The holy shrine of Badrinath in Uttarakhand will open for pilgrimage 2022 on 8th May at 6:15 a.m.

The Badrinath opening date of 2022 was declared by the chief priest on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami held in the month of Feb.

How to reach

Out of the four Char Dham shrines in Uttrakhand, Badrinath seems to be one of the most accessible. The most common way of reaching the temple is by organising a day trip from Joshimath.

However, you will get an ample number of staying options in Badrinath. If you are coming by flight, Jolly Grant Airport (35 km from Dehradun) is the nearest airport to Joshimath which is 267 km apart. The nearest railway station is Haridwar which is situated 275 km before Joshimath.

To go to Joshimath, you can take a taxi or take a bus from either location. The mountainous roads leading to Badrinath from Joshimath are tricky so driving at night isn't allowed. People can also opt for shared jeeps from Haridwar or Rishikesh.

To know more about road trip to the Badrinath Temple, click here.

Places to visit near Badrinath Temple

1. Tapt Kund

Taptakund, as the name suggests is a hot water spring, which lies between the Badrinath shrine and the Alaknanda River. Despite the freezing temperature and snowfall, it extracts hot water and is regarded as the residing place of Lord Agni. It is believed that having a sacred bath in Taptkund cures all body ailments as it possesses healing qualities.

2. Bramha Kapal

Situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, Brahma Kapal is a place in Badarinath which is of great importance for Hindus. It is here they pay homage to the dead souls of their ancestors as it is said that Lord Brahma himself exists at this place and if someone performs rituals, they get salvation from the cycle of birth and death one after another.

3. Panch Shila

Near the Tapt Kund are five stones collectively known as the Panch Shilas. These include Narad Shila, Narsimh Shila, Barah Shila, Gaur Shila, and Markandeya Shila.

4. Panch Dhara

The Panch Dhara is a group of five water streams that originate in Badrinath. These streams are named Prahlad Dhara, Kurma Dhara, Bhrigu Dhara, Urvashi Dhara, and Indira Dhara. Out of the five, the most striking stream is the Indira Dhara, which is located at a distance of 1.5 km from Badrinath. The Urvashi Dhara is on the right of the Ganga River while the Bhrigu Dhara passes through several caves. The Kurma Dhara is known for its extremely cold water whereas, the Prahlad Dhara has lukewarm water that flows down the rocks of Narayan Mountain

5. Sheshnetra

A famous boulder located a few miles from the Badrinath Temple, Sheshnetre is one of the prominent points of interest for tourists in Badrinath. This boulder has been named after the legendary mythological snake, Sheshnag. Many believe that a natural formation of an eye can be seen on the boulder giving it an uncanny resemblance to the Sheshnag snake. The boulder is tucked between two small seasonal lakes on the opposite bank of the fast-flowing River Alaknanda.

6. Mana Village

Mana is the last Indian village on the border of India and Tibet/China in the Himalayas. Mana village holds a huge religious significance for the Hindus, as the place is related to the time of Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas (the five mythological characters from the epic Mahabharata) passed through Mana Village when they made their final journey to heaven.

To know more about Mana village and Vasudhara Falls Trek, this article may be helpful for you.

7. Bheem Pool

The Bheem pul is located at the point where the Saraswati River meets River Alaknanda at a tremendous speed. According to legend, when the Pandavas of the Mahabharata were on their ultimate journey to heaven, known as swargarohan, they passed through a place near Badrinath Temple where they had to cross the Saraswati River.

Bheema took a massive boulder and positioned it above the river stream in such a way that it served as a bridge when their wife, Draupadi, was unable to cross the river. That rock is now known as the Bheem Pul and is located in Mana village near Badrinath.

8. Vyas Gufa

This is the place that is popular because the great Hindu Sage Ved Vyas lived in the Mana town and it is said that he wrote the 4 Vedas in this very cave. This cave is just 200 meters away from the village.

9. Vasudhara Falls

The Vasudhara falls, which are around 8 kilometers from Mana village, are another popular tourist destination. It's only a 2.8-kilometer drive, then a 5- or 6-kilometer hike to see this spectacular waterfall. Though it is a long and exhausting hike, the panoramic vistas of the valley will wash away your exhaustion.

10. Satopanth Tal

Satopanth Tal is a triangular lake with crystal clear green water, located at an elevation of 4600 meters above sea level and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The lake is revered for its serenity and mysticism, luring many intrepid travellers to begin their journey. The virgin trail leading to Satopanth can be easily accessed by crossing Lakshmi Van and Chakratirtha. This pleasant hike will provide you with an unimpeded glimpse of the Chaukhamba and other peaks.

Where to stay near Badrinath Temple

Apart from being the spiritual heaven it is, the cozy town of Badrinath in the laps of the Garhwal Himalayas extends warm hospitality to the visitors. Here you will get an ample number of staying options, from the frugal dharamshalas to affordable guesthouses to 3-star hotels.

If you are travelling in the off-season, it is very easy to find a place to stay in Badrinath. But during peak season it is very difficult to get a staying option here. In that case, you can stay in Joshimath.

1. Sarovar Portico

Sarovar Portico Badrinath is located very close to the sacred Badrinath Temple. This hotel was opened to guests in 2007 with a motive to provide guests with comfortable accommodation and world-class amenities. It serves a total of 56 fully furnished rooms and suites. Being the first of its kind in this religious town, the hotel has earned a good name with most tourists coming to Badrinath. The hotel offers scenic views of the snow-capped Nilkanth peak and picturesque valleys.

Tariff: Starting from Rs. 5000 per day per double room

Email: bpo@sarovarhotels.com

Ph. No.: 9310333317, 9582216963

2. Narayan Palace

Hotel Snow Crest is a star category hotel in Badrinath where you will get all modern amenities during your stay. The decor of the rooms has been designed to make you feel right at home with wooden furnishing to keep you warm throughout your stay. In a blissful slumber, one can hear the tranquil rendition of the Maha Abhishek Aarti with a view of the magnificent Neelkanth Parvat. The summer heat is unexpectedly pleasant, and the coolness of the snow-capped mountains adds to the experience.

Tariff: Starting from Rs. 3000 per day per double bedded room.

Email: hotel_snowcrest@yahoo.com

Ph. No.: 9871212938, 9873082466

4. Hotel Devlok GMVN Tourist Bungalow

GMVN Tourist Bungalow Devlok at Badrinath is a budget hotel by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) in the holy town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand. The hotel provides a deluxe and economy class accommodation with basic facilities to the tourists mostly pilgrims. The hotel is just 500 meters away from the Badrinath bus stand.

For reservation, click the link.

5. Bholagiri Ashram

Since this holy abode of Lord Vishnu is only available for half of the year, it compensates for the other six months of solitude by being gracious in terms of culture, landscapes, and, of course, food. Though it is not exactly a foodie's paradise, it does offer a glimpse into the region's experimentation with basic items and spices. Pilgrims from all across India and even from abroad visit the place and are not disappointed by the platters featuring a combination of regional cuisines, as well as the delectable Garhwali cuisine. Also, please note that, you will not find any Non-Vegetarian food in Badrinath. Here is a list of some of the finest veg restaurants and eateries in Badrinath.

1. Saket Restaurant

Saket is one such name that is recommended by the experienced traveller to the first-time traveller. It is located on the road leading to Badrinath. Tourists can order delicacies from both the north and south of India at this restaurant. The meals are reasonably priced, and the pleasure of eating on the hotel's balcony is just unforgettable. One specialty of this restaurant is paratha with Chutni you can order Lachcha paratha or stuffed tandoori paratha. The portions are large enough to keep you full for hours, and the flavour is absolutely amazing.

Cost for two: Approx Rs. 200

2. Sardeshwari Restaurant

Chole bhature, Makki di roti with Sarson ka saag, North Indian thali, and whatnot, they serve almost every Indian delicacy at their outlet. Their sandwiches are fantastic and a good choice to have for breakfast. Also, they have many Bengali dishes available on their menu for lunch and dinner.

Cost for two: Rs. 250 to 300

3. Brahma Kamal

Another pure vegetarian restaurant overlooking Alaknanda, Brahma Kamal is recommended for its tranquil atmosphere. It is located close to Badrinath Temple and has nice-looking interiors. You may also get some fresh and wonderful beverages here, in addition to food.

Cost for two: Rs. 150 to 200

4. Café in the Park

This in-house restaurant of Sarovar Portico boasts exquisite interiors. It is located about 850 meters from the main temple and is completely vegetarian. While dining at this restaurant, you will be treated to a view of Badrinath's picturesque grandeur. The multi-cuisine menu features delectable North Indian food. Let the flavors of freshly ground spices tickle your taste buds. The quick and impeccable service provided by this luxurious restaurant will leave you speechless.

Cost for two: Rs. 600

5. Big Daddy

Badrinath Temple is not as tough to reach as other char dhams in Uttarakhand. It is, however, very natural to feel dizzy as a result of the low oxygen levels in the air. Also, avoid travelling during the rainy season because landslides are likely to disrupt your plans.

You must treat the pilgrims with respect and refrain from engaging in any activity that may harm their feelings. This includes consuming alcoholic beverages and tobacco, as well as eating non-vegetarian foods.

Badrinath is a must-see for both religious pilgrims and explorers, and it has a lot to offer. Situated amongst the most scenic of locations – Badrinath offers something for everyone.

With a lot of positive vibes and beautiful prayers all around – you will be hard pressed to feel anything but contentment. Enjoy the scenery, surround yourself with positive energy, and take one breath after another — Badrinath will supply you with far more than you can imagine.

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