The state of mountains known as Uttarakhand is an undiscovered treasure trove of natural beauty and spiritual sights that have made it the most sought-after destination by tourists looking for a mixture of tranquility, adventure, and spiritual illumination. Indeed, in the stunning Himalayan peaks is an area that is among the top sacred spots in India the holy city of Badrinath. Badrinath along alongside Puri, Dwarka, and Rameswaram is among the four most holy pilgrimage destinations in India.
The Importance Of Badrinath Dham
Badrinath Dham is considered a extremely important temple. It is among the four Dhams that includes Badrinath, Dwaraka, Jagannath Puri and Rameshwaram. Also, it is one of four Chota Dham of the north, namely Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
It’s not so much the temple that is reverent as the area itself. It is often known as Deva Bhumi, the area of Badrinath has a number of snippets from Hindu mythology, and is a place as a place where deities gathered.
It is the place of Lord Vishnu which has been mentioned throughout Bhagavad Purana, Skandha Purana and Mahabharata which makes it unique. The location can also be listed by the Padma Purana as very spiritual and unique.
History Of Badrinath Dham
There are a myriad of myths surrounding Badrinath Dham – its origins as well as a variety of occasions that occurred within these valleys over the course of several centuries. We’ll start with the beginning. It was the time that Lord Vishnu was in meditation at this spot. He was not aware of the extreme cold which is why his wife goddess Laxmi transformed into the form of a Badri (Indian Ber Fruit) tree that grew around him, and protected him. He was so enthralled by her love for him that he decided to name the area Badrika Ashrama.
According to Hindu legend, Badrinath was re-established by Adi Shankaracharya in order to restore the lost glory of Hinduism against the increasing acceptance in Buddhism throughout the area. Adi Shankaracharya took it upon himself to restore the splendor of Hinduism in the region and built a variety of shrines and temples dedicated in the name of Lord Vishnu as well as Shiva.
It is also the place the location where many great saints have come to offer penances, such as Nara and Narayana which is known as the final personification of Vishnu. Just a little further, close to Mana’s village Mana is the location where Pandavas and Draupadi took their last pilgrimage, climbing the mountain’s slope known as ‘Swargarohan’ which is also called”the Way to Heaven. These are just a few of the numerous stories about this area.
Where Is Badrinath Located?
Badrinath is situated in the interior of the Garhwal region within the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand located just a bit ahead of the Indo-Tibetan border. It is located around 291km from Rishikesh and 46km away from Joshimath. Badrinath is situated at an altitude of 3,100m, or 10,170ft. you can get there through a helicopter, or by road.
Even though Kedarnath, as well as Badrinath, are typically visited as pairs, however, they aren’t so far apart. Badrinath is about 182km away from Guptakashi and it can take as long as 8 hours to complete the trip by road. They are, however, geographically near each other.
How to Reach Badrinath?
Badrinath is located in the hills of the Himalayas and getting there is an extremely stressful and difficult task. It is linked to major cities through state highways as well as national highways, they aren’t all-weather routes as during periods of rain, they are susceptible to flooding and heavy fogging which can disrupt the flow throughout the year.
By Road
Badrinath is accessible via the National Highway 58 which connects the town with Delhi as well as NCR regions such as Noida Gurugram and other cities in India. There are numerous facilities provided by tour operators who provide taxis, buses, and Tempos between Delhi towards Badrinath. You can go directly to Badrinath or go from Badrinath through Haridawar as well as Rishikesh. The bus services are available all year round.
By Train
The closest rail stations for Badrinath are located at Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Kotdwar. Of these three stations, Haridwar has a good connection to the other parts of India via a wide network of railways. However, the stations of Rishikesh and Kotdwara are not as frequent for trains traveling with other towns. Rishikesh railway station, which is the closest is 295 kms far from Badrinath. Each of these stations has both government and private taxis and buses that connect to Badrinath. The frequency of these buses is reduced at the night, so it is important to plan your travel and book trains accordingly.
By Air
The closest airport for Badrinath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From Dehradun, there is a bus and taxi which can be hired for the journey to Badrinath. Badrinath is situated at a distance of approximately 350 kilometers from Dehradun. There is a direct flight to Dehradun from all regions of India. Once in Dehradun travelers must arrange a cab ride or the bus, which takes approximately 6-7 hours to get to Badrinath.
Helicopter Service
Now, the temple trust and the government have joined forces to provide helicopter flights between and to Badrinath in the area which has a base for helipads set up to carry devotees. People who are not able to traverse the rough terrain can avail of the helicopter service for about 70000/- both ways. The prices vary in the summer and the lean seasons depending on the amount of demand and must be reserved in advance.
Opening and Closing Time of Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath temple is open each year during the months of April (probably the last week) or May (mostly the first week) and closes at the end of the third week. The month of May from October is the perfect opportunity to go for a visit to the Badrinath temple as well as other attractions. The monsoon season must be avoided as the area is susceptible to the occurrence of landslides. It is also suggested to tourists to not go during winter because the region is subject to massive snowfalls and cold temperatures. The temple therefore is closed for a period of about six months each year, during which the rites of Badrinath is performed in the Narsimha temple in Joshimath. The closing date and timing of the Badrinath temple is determined on Dussehra day by observing appropriate Vedic rituals. Because all the char dham temples are situated in high elevations, all four char dhams Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are shut down during winter due to extreme temperatures that are cold and harsh.
Weather in Badrinath
Badrinath during summer from March to June is beautiful with a moderate climate and average temperatures of 18-20 degrees. The summer months are the best time to travel to the holy place and do exploring. The summer months are pleasant and cool and the ideal time for devotees and travelers to unwind and enjoy a visit to Badrinath. The summer months of May, June and July are pleasant with mild and warm breezes blowing. If you are a hiker or a traveler, lightweight pullovers or sweaters can be more than adequate to be worn throughout the duration of your travels. The sky in summer is blue and clear, and nature’s beauty is something to be admired.
Badrinath in monsoons between July and October has rains, and temperatures can drop to 10-15 degrees centigrade. In July (second quarter) between the months of August, September and October, landslides can be common and impact the roads that lead to Badrinath in the majority of times they get packed and blocked. This is why it’s not recommended for devotees or tourists to visit the place in the monsoon season as heavy rains are typical. The entire char dhamsare situated in such hilly and mountainous terrains that traveling during rainy seasons is not recommended.
Badrinath during winter months between November and February. During the winter months due to heavy hail and snowfalls the main temple as well as other tourist attractions are shut throughout the duration. Also, numerous avalanches have been documented. The roads are covered with thick snow and the weather is not hospitable. Temperatures can drop lower than 0-degree Celsius which makes it extremely difficult to live and breathe at that high altitude.
Places to Visit in Badrinath
Badrinath is renowned for its beliefs in religion that are associated with Hindu devotees, but it also has numerous tourist spots that are worth a visit and is an absolute delight for lovers of nature. Most of the area around Badrinath is a reference to Lord Vishnu however there are also areas with waterfalls and gorgeous lakes. A few of them that are worth a visit are listed below.
Pandukeshwar
Now, the temple trust and the government have joined forces to provide helicopter flights between and to Badrinath in the area which has a base for helipads set up to carry devotees. People who are not able to traverse the rough terrain can avail of the helicopter service for about 70000/- both ways. The prices vary in the summer and the lean seasons depending on the amount of demand and must be reserved in advance.
Mana Village
Mana is the final Indian village located near the border between India and China/Tibet within the Himalayas. It is situated in the town of Chamoli. The village is situated in the stunning mountains of the Himalayas that offer visitors a glimpse of a time in the past. Camping and night-stay facilities are often offered by tour companies temporarily.
Vasudhara Falls
4 km from Badrinath in Mana 4 km, the Vasudhara Falls, which is located at 400 ft. is said to be the final resting place for the Pandavas. It is also believed that the falls will elude people who are who are impure in their thoughts and hearts. The waterfalls wash the sins and negative energies off of a human being.
Tapt Kund
Now, the temple trust and the government have joined forces to provide helicopter flights between and to Badrinath in the area which has a base for helipads set up to carry devotees. People who are not able to traverse the rough terrain can avail of the helicopter service for about 70000/- both ways. The prices vary in the summer and the lean seasons depending on the amount of demand and must be reserved in advance.
Satopanth Lake
The lake is situated 20 Km from Badrinath city center. Satopanth Tal is a crystal transparent green lake, its shape is triangular, and is situated at a height of 4600 meters above sea level. It is decorated in the shadow of the mountains covered in snow. Satopanth Tal is mentioned in mythology, too.
Charan Paduka
The actual meaning implies it is the impressions of what are believed to be the footprints of Lord Vishnu, Charanpaduka is a rock located at 3380 feet, which can be reached following a long and strenuous hike. There is a donkeys and horses that provide services during peak times for those who wish to visit but is physically unable to go there.
Neelkanth
Nilkantha is a prominent peak in Nilkantha is a major peak of Garhwal section of the Himalayas. It is located situated in the Uttarakhand region. The mountains are only 9 Kms from Badrinath and loom over the city and sparkling due to sunlight reflections and snow. The panorama of the mountains covered in snow is stunningly amazing.
Narad Kund
NaradKund is the holy place at the mouth of river Alaknanda from where it is believed Adi Sankaracharya found an idol for Lord Vishnu. This is why it is extremely important to go there and to receive blessings.
Surya Kund Badrinath
Surya Kund is a thermal spring located close to the famous NaradaKund in the area where Adi Shankaracharya first discovered his Lord Vishnu worshipper. Surya Kund as Tapt Kund also has a hot spring, and people take a bath while reliving their sufferings.
Alkapuri Glacier
The tourist attraction is located approximately 15 km away from Badrinath city center. Alkapuri provides the river Alaknanda River. It is located at the bottom of Balakun summit at 4,600m above sea level close to Badrinath located in Chamoli.
There is no doubt that traveling to Badrinath is a challenging task to complete, but at the same time, it’s an unforgettable experience if carefully planned with all the advance arrangements in place and hotel and travel tickets secured. While the area is well-known for its significance in mythology within Hindu culture, anyone who is a nature enthusiast can enjoy the trip that will last an entire lifetime.
Darshan Registration & Timings
Registration For Badrinath
Due to the numerous mishaps that occurred in the region during the previous years, all Yatris will be required to sign up in advance to visit any of the Dhams, which includes Badrinath. You can register on their official website https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/. You must print or download your registration form with the QR code and take it along with you.
Badrinath Temple Timings
- The temple is open early in the morning between 4.30-6.30 in the morning to celebrate Abishek Puja. It’s probably the most grand ceremony on the calendar. If you can, take part in the puja as many people will be present and you’ll be able to receive the darshan in a short time.
- The temple is open to pilgrims between 7.00 am until 8.00 pm throughout the daytime. They are closed at the end of the day at 1.00 2 pm to 4.00 pm. The kapat ends following Shayan the evening or evening aarti, which is held between 8.30-9.00 at night.
- If you’d like to participate in the aarti or make it a gift to someone else else, you can make it available on the internet. Below is the list of pujas and their prices which you can reserve on their website. It is not necessary to be present during the puja.
Festivals At Badrinath
Nilkantha is a prominent peak in Nilkantha is a major peak of Garhwal section of the Himalayas. It is located situated in the Uttarakhand region. The mountains are only 9 Kms from Badrinath and loom over the city and sparkling due to sunlight reflections and snow. The panorama of the mountains covered in snow is stunningly amazing.
What To Pack For The Trip
If you’ve ever checked the average temperature in Badrinath You know it’s very cold. Extremely cold if you’re not familiar with it. Make sure you pack warm. Pick up some heavy jackets that are suitable for sub-zero temperatures, and scarves socks, shoes, and caps to match them. You should take two or three thermals to wear both the top and bottom.
A majority of places will offer comfortable bedding and warm blankets and blankets, so you don’t need to fret about it. Be sure to bring your essential medications as you will not be able to locate them at the airport. There are a few ATMs throughout the city however, it is best to have some cash on hand before you begin.
Conclusion
The Badrinath temple isn’t just an ancient temple, but rather it is a blend of religion, culture, and natural beauty, which brings people from every aspect of life. Going to the temple can be an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who take the trip.
There’s a great feeling of wonder and awe within the complex temple’s past architectural style and stunning natural beauty that surrounds the city of Badrinath. If you are seeking spiritual awakening or you are simply looking for adventure, a visit to Badrinath temple is a must. Badrinath holy temple will be a wonderful experience.
