Badrinath Yatra - A Holy Journey to the Abode Of Lord Vishnu
Cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan will be the holiest in the 4 principal shrines, Badrinath alongside the left bank river Alaknanda. Using the splendid Neelkanth mountains because the backdrop, it truly is an important location on the scared itinerary of every devout Hindu. As soon as the spot was carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries and hence was well-known as 'Badri Van'. Badrinath Yatra is regarded as a need to for each pious Hindus, Should you have not undertaken the journey until now, let us give you details of the Badrinath Yatra.
Mythological Legend
Legend has it, once the Ganga was requested to descend to earth to help struggling humanity, the earth was unable to resist the force of its descent. Therefore the mighty Ganaga was split into twelve holy channels. Alaknanda was 1 of them that later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.
The temple of Shri Badrinathji on the banks in the Alaknanda river, dates back to the vedic times. Situated at an altitude of three,133 mts., the present temple is believed to are built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya- an eighth century's philosopher-saint, who also set up a 'math' here. Also known as 'Vishal Badri', Badrinath is among the Panch Badris.
Panch Badris or Five Badris
In addition to the primary Badrinath temple, you will find four other smaller badri temples. These are collectively referred to as the panch badris or five badris. Very couple of pilgrims nonetheless, check out the other four Badri temples.
Yogadhyan Badri (1920 m.)
Closest to the main Badrinath temple lies this little, sleepy hamlet which continues to be unnoticed by most pilgrims and will be the winter house for your idol at Badrinath. Pandukeshwar can also be an essential archaeological web site. Some many years ago, four historical metal foils engraved with a description of many kings in the area were found here. Thought to be over 1500 decades previous, these foils are stored at Joshimath, thirty km downstream.
Bhavishya Badri (2,744 m.)
The bhavishya or future badri is situated at Subain near Tapovan, about 17 km east of Joshimath. According to Hindu perception, when evil is around the rise in this globe, the 2 mountains Nara and Narayan at Badrinath will close up on each other and demolish the route to the present Badrinath. This might also mark the finish from the existing globe and the beginning of a brand new 1. Lord Badrinath will then appear at the Bhavishya Badri temple and be worshipped here as opposed to in the existing 1.
Bridha Badri or even the 'Old Badri'
Bridha Badri or even the 'old Badri' may be the 3rd temple about 7 kms short of Joshimath, on the main Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road at Animath. It truly is believed that Badrinath was worshipped here ahead of its enshrinement by Shankaracharya at the principal Badrinath seat. The temple of Bridha Badri is open all through the year.
Adi Badri
Adi Badri is the farthest in the other four badris. It is approachable from Karnaprayag by a motorable road enroute Ranikhet. The temple complicated has 16 modest temples with intricate carvings.
Seven of these temples belong towards the late Gupta period. Nearby tradition assigns these buildings to Shankaracharya. The main temple is distinguished by a pyramid formed raised platform, with a black stone idol of Vishnu.
Pilgrimage Attractions in Badrinath
Badrinath Temple
On the proper bank of Alaknanda lies the sacred spot perched at an altitude of 3,133 metres above the sea degree. Encircled by a lovely valley, the 15mtrs. Higher temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it's constructed in the form of a cone with a small cupola of gilt bull and spire. Constructed by Adi Guru Shankaracharya - the philosopher-saint with the 8th century, the temple has become renovated a number of times because of harm by avalanches. Its vibrant 'Singh Dwara' or the main entrance gate provides it a brand new, contemporary look.
The temple divided into 3 elements - the 'garbha griba' or sanctum sanctorum, the 'darshan mandap' exactly where the rituals are conducted and also the 'sabha mandap'where devotees assemble. The complicated has fifteen idols. Especially attractive is the one metre substantial image of Badrinath, finely sculpted in black stone. It represents Lord Vishnu seated in meditative pose.
Tapt Kund
Devotees consider a holy dip within the normal thermal springs on the banking institutions from the river Alaknanda, prior to getting into the Badrinath Temple. The drinking water from the kund is thought to own medicinal attributes.
Hemkund Sahib (43 kms.)
Close to the Valley of Flowers will be the holy lake Hemkund- an crucial pilgrimage of the Sikhs and Hindus. Alongside its shores may be the sacred Sikh Shrine exactly where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru unified with God following prolonged mediation in his prior birth.
Close by may be the Lakshman Temple exactly where Lakshman - the brother of Lord Rama performed his penance. The reflection of bordering snow-clad peaks in its placid waters provides a scenic sight.
Brahma Kapal
A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda where Hindus carry out propitiating rites for his or her deceased ancestors.
Neelkanth
A Pyramidical-shaped snowy peak towering previously mentioned Badrinath, popularly recognized because the 'Garhwal Queen'.
Mana Village (four kms.)
Inhabited by Indo-Mangolian tribe, it's considered to be the final Indian village before Tibet on this route. Close by are Vyas Gufa- the rock cave of saint Ved Vyas, the writer of Mahabharata; Bhim Pul- a all-natural bridge over the Saraswati river and Vasundhara Falls- a 122 mts. high waterfall- all forming and critical component of the pilgrimage to Badrinath.
Mata Murti Temple (three kms.)
On the proper financial institution of Alaknanda stands the temple devoted to the mom of Sri Badrinathji.
Alka Puri (fifteen kms.)
The source of Alaknanda river through the glacier snouts of Bhagirath- Kharak and Satopanth glaciers.
Satopanth (25 kms.)
A 3 cornered lake with a circumference of about one km., located at an elevation of 4,402 mts. above sea level. It truly is named following the Hindu triad- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who are believed to occupy one corner every with the lake. The trek is hazardous with extraordinary landscapes. An experienced manual is a good idea. Govindghat (twenty five kms.)
The confluence of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. It's an imposing Gurudwara named following Guru Gobind Singh.
Joshimath (44 kms.)
The winter season property of Shri Badrinathji is situated around the slopes previously mentioned the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. It truly is 1 in the 4 'maths' proven by Adi Guru Shankaracharya.
Panch Prayag
The 5 critical confluences- Deoprayag, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Vishuprayag, kind the Panch Prayag.
Deoprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. Ancient stone scriptures are discovered right here. Essential pilgrim spots are Shiv Temple and Raghunath Temple.
Rudraprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The temples of Rudranath and Chamunda Devi are noteworthy.
Nandprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The Gopalji Temple is really worth a visit.
Karnaprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar rivers with temples of Uma and Karna.
Vishnuprayag
The confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. An ancient temple of Lord Vishnu stands here by a pool referred to as Vishnu Kund.
Srinagar
The previous funds of Garhwal, it really is an critical cultural and academic centre. Places to visit include Kamleshwar and Kilkeshwar temples and the Shankar Math.
Accessibility
- Airport
Jolly Grant (317 kms.)
- Railhead
Rishikesh (300 kms.), Kotdwar (327 kms.)
- Road
Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, Kotdwar and other hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
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