Garhwal Himalayas > Pilgrimage > Badrinath

Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four important shrines in Garhwal. The town is at an altitude of 3,133 m. above sea level, situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda and exactly between the two mountains Nara and Narayan. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver and falls in the religious itinerary of every devout Hindu. The place is also known as Badri Van after the Badri trees that grow around here.

The present temple was built about two centuries ago by Garhwal Kings. It is a conical structure, 15 m. tall and has small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. There are 15 idols in the temple complex, each sculpted in black stone. Main temple at Badrinath The principal idol represents Vishnu in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nara-Narayan. Legend dates it prior to the Vedic age though it is believed to have been re-established by Adi Shankaracharya, an important Hindu saint in 8th century A.D. Some of the other images include Laxmi (Vishnu's consort), Garud (Vishnu's mount), Shiva & Parvati and Ganesha.

The temple has been renovated several times due to damages by avalanches. It looks fairly modern now due to the colourful "Singh Dwara" or the main entrance gate. It has three parts- Garbha Griha (the sanctum sanctorum), Darshan Mandap (for pujas) and Shobha Mandap (for devotees to assemble).

It is believed that the image of Badrinath had been thrown into the Alaknanda river during the Buddhist era and later retrieved and reinstalled by the Shankaracharya during the Hindu revival period. Shankaracharya at Joshimath

When the Shankaracharya visited the region, he established one of his seats or maths at Joshimath (about an hour’s drive from Badrinath). Tradition has carried on since and his successor sits here till date. The focus of most visitors is however the main shrine and its smaller temples, collectively called the Panch-Badri.

There is a hot water pool next to the shrine which forms a common bath area for the pilgrims. The water is believed to have medicinal qualities.

The temple closes down just before the onset of winters in October and reopens in April. During this period the idols of Utsav Murti are taken to Pandukeshwar.