BADRINATH

Location :
Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh).
Main Attractions : Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund.
Best Season : May To October.
Languages/Dialects : Garhwali, Hindi, English.


THE HOLIEST HINDU PILGRIMAGE
Cradled in the mountain ranges of the Nar-Narayan, with the spendid Neelkanth peak as the enchanting backdrop, is located the holiest of all the Hindu pilgrimages, Badrinath. Along the left bank of river Alaknanda, the place is called badrinath as it was once carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries.

Legend
When River Ganges was requested to descend to earth to help the suffering humanity, the earth was too feeblw to bear the force of tis descent. Hence the mighty river was split into twelve channels, one of them being Alaknanda, which later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.

The present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings of Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the Panch Badris.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Badrinath Temple:
Perched at an altitude of 3133 metres above sea level, the shrine of Badrinath was built by Shri Shankaracharya. The 15-m high structure, with gilted cupola has been renovated time and again. The rawal or chief priest of the temple is a Namboodripad Brahmin from Kerala. The temple is divided into three parts - the 'garbha griha' or sanctum sanctorum, the 'darshan mandap' where the rituals are conducted and the 'sabha mandap' where devotees assemble.

Tapt Kund:
The famous thermal springs, rich in sulphur, having a temperature of 550C are just below the temple. A dip in 'Tapt Kund' considered holy and refreshing to the body as well as the soul is supposed to cure many ailments.



Neelkanth:
Popularly called as Garhwal Queen, this majestic peak of the Himalayas, towering to 6600 mtrs, presents the most dramatic sight of Badrinath.

Sheshnetra:
Better known as Sheshnag's eye, it is a boulder having the impression of the legendary snake, 'Sheshnag'.
Charanpaduka:
The footprints of Shri Vishnu can be seen here, on a boulder.


HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
Rail: Nearest railheads are at Rishikesh and Kotdwara.
Road: Badrinath is connected by good motorable roads with Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara and other hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
Local Transport: Taxis, horses, ponies.

WHERE TO STAY
Chand Cottage, Shri KedarBadri Temple Committee.
Gujrat Bhawan, Shri Kedar-Badri Temple Committee.
Modi Bhawan, Shri Kedar-Badri Temple Committee. PWD Inspection House.
Hotel Devlok, (GMVN), Near Bus Stand.