Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four main shrines of Uttarakhand, and it is located between the two mountains, Nar and Narayan. The Dham is a majestic sight and the most important of all the Char Dhams. Many tourists come here every year to this sacred Badrinath town to seek out blessings and get a glimpse of the famous temple of Shri Badrinathji. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built about two centuries ago by the Kings of Garwal. The temple is divided into the Garbha, the Darshan Mandeep, and Sabha Mandeep. The principal idol is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose and flanked by Nara Narayan.
Badrinath Temple
TAPT KUND and SURYA KUND are famous sulfurous water springs at 55 C. A dip, considered holy and refreshing for the body and soul, is a must before offering prayer to Shri Badrinathji. Pujas are held during the opening and the closing of the temple. The temple is open for six months of the year, from April-May to October-November, but its day of space is determined on the day of the Basant Panchami in February-March, according to astrological configurations. The Badrinath temple opens at 04:30 am & closes at 01:00 pm, and once again, it begins at 04:00 pm & closes at 09:00 pm after the sacred song Geet Govind.
Around Badrinath:
Auli: This world-class winter games resort is 57 km from Badrinath Temple. The 3 km long ski slope ranging from 2519 meters to 3049 meters, is a major attraction. There are 500 meters long ski lift which carries skiers back to the slope top. The best known seasons are from the last week of December to march.
Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund or the “Snow Lake” nestles at the height of 4329 amidst seven snow-covered mountains, collectively called Hemkund Parvat. The sacred star-shaped Gurudwara near the lake is one of the most important Sikh Pilgrims centers. It is believed that Guru Govind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated here. Saints like Rishi Medhasa of the Markandeya Purana and Lakshman, the brother of Lord ram, also performed penance here. A temple dedicated to Lakshman is also located near the Gurudwara. The 15 km trek from Govindghat to Hemkund is top-rated. The best time to come here is from July to October.
Joshimath: The winter home of Badrinathji lies on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauuliganga. It is a virtual halt en route to Badrinath and a base for trekkers to the famous Valley of Flowers. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have gained enlightenment here. The main attractions are – Narsingh and Garuda Temple, the Shankaracharya Math, and the Amar Kalp tree.
