BADRINATH TOURS

According to local legends, the place got its name from the plant of Badri, a local wild berry. The story goes that Lord Vishnu was sleeping at this place when the sun trays started to disturb him. His consort Parvati, took the shape of the Badri plant to provide shade to the lord. Vishnu, happy with her devotion, told her that the place would become known by her name since then. Hence, the place got the name Badrinath.

Badrinath is situated in the Indian Himalaya, at about 3,133 mtrs. above sea-level. It lies in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand, and is one of the Char Dham.

The journey to Badrinath, most likely from Haridwar - Rishikesh, is through Rudra Prayag. From Rudra Prayag the road to Badrinath is a single way route, passing through mountainous ranges with ever changings vieuws on the snow-clad peaks. The meandering Alaknanda and the innumerable milky water falls add to the scenic beauty of the entire route.

The distance from Rudraprayag to Badrinath is some 160 kms. The travel time greatly depends on weather conditions and the number of passengers enroute. It is advised to check for departure times of the convoys.

The temple of Shri Badrinathji is flanked by two mountain ranges known as Nar and Narayan, with the towering Neelkanth peak providing a splendid backdrop. This spot was once carpeted with wild berries which gave it the name ‘Badri Van’,meaning ‘forest of berries’.

Facing the temple at the bank of Alaknanda river is a hot water spring known as ‘Tapt Kund’. A bath in this spring is very refreshing. A separate tank is available for women.

It is believed that worshipping at this shrine is a means of liberating the soul from the bound of transmigration.

The original temple that was here is said to have been of very great antiquity, dating back to the times when the Vedas were written. It was destroyed by avalanches or by Buddhists. It is said that the image of Badrinath had been thrown into the Alaknanda during the time of the Buddhist era and was later retrieved and reinstalled by Adi Shankara during the following Hindu revival. The present temple is believed to have been established by him. Others say the present temple was built about 400 years ago bye the king of Garhwal. The temple looks modern now with a colorful “Singh Dwara” or the main entrance gate.

The idol of Lord Badrivishal is made of black stones haligram. The details are not well defined, perhaps the result of weathering, when thrown in the Naradkund for several years. The Lord is seated in a "padmasana" posture.

The temple is divided into three parts - the "garbagriha", the "darshan mandap" and the "sabha mandap". The idol of the Lord Badrivishal is seated in the inner most part - garbhagriha. The canopy is covered with a sheet of gold, and this was an offering made by queen Ahilyabai. Badrivishal is flanked by the idols of Nar Narayan on the right end of Kubera and Narada on the left. The other important idols are those of Uddhava and Garuda (Vishnu’s vehicle). In the courtyard of the temple, to the right, stands a small shrine dedicated to Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort, and the idols of Ghantakaran (the kshetrapal on guard), Hanuman and Ganesa stand in the wings. The darshan mandap is a small rectangular area where puja is performed. It accomadates only a few people.

Shri Badri - Kedareswaro Vijayate darshan in Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Temples are free for all irrespective of caste, creed or status. No fee or any other kind of tax is realized for special puja, path, Aarti or to offer Bhog to the Lord. People should deposit an amount in the Temple treasury for which a receipt is issued by the Temple staff. Material for puja, Bhog, Aarti is arranged by the Temple Committee. The money so received is accounted for in Temple Accounts and is utilized for Temple management and pilgrim welfare works.

Re-opening of the temple takes place at 4.00 p.m. for commencement of evening rituals which lasts till 8.00 p.m. During this period, Ashotothram and Sahasranamam recitations take place. Around 7.30 p.m. Mangal aarti – called as Geetgovind takes place. On completion of aarti, the Chief Priest removes the flowers & jewels in the full view of devotees. The image of Badrinarayan is now left only with sandal paste, to be removed only the next morning and distributed as prasad.