Shri Badrinath Dham- Most Holy Shrine In India

By Author: Manoj Roy
Total Articles: 33
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Badrinath, one of the holy spots for Hindu pilgrimage is often considered the end point of the Chardham Yatra that requires a trip across four major spots in Uttarakhand. Needless to mention, all these four places blessed with significant holy connections encircle an ideal salvation root for the Hindu devotees. But, beyond religion, the naturally blessed landscapes around these areas attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to whom the atmosphere itself speaks magic. The magic of the Devbhumi as believed by the visitors come alive in the Himalayan foothills and the experience no longer remains a humanely one. Devotes find divinity and the nature lovers find recreation- The magic of uttarakhand thus never disappoints anyone. Now speaking of the Char Dham Yatra, it begins at Yamunotri, dedicated to the shrine of the Goddess Yamuna and ends at Badrinath, the shrine of the god Vishnu in his avatar of Badrinarayan.

Situated in the hills of Himalaya, at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level, Badrinath is often celebrated for its healing prowess. The healing of the soul in this case is attained only after a ...
... demanding trek through the steeped terrain up from Kedarnath, another point of the four pilgrimage spots. But, the root itself is a visual treat to nature lovers. Adorned with two natural hot springs names as Tapt Kund and Surya Kund, Badrinath is believed to heal physical tribulations.

Built about two centuries ago by the Kings of Garhwal, the shrine of Sri Badrinath has a sanctum called Garbhagriha that houses Lord Badri Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad Rishi, Uthavar, Nar & Narayan. The temple also houses idols of Garuda Vahana (vehicle of Lord Narayan), Goddess Mahalaxmi and Adi Shankar. A black stone represents Lord Vishnu seated in a meditative pose. Also located at a distance of 24 kms from Badrinath is the temple Yogathyan Badri where Maharaj Pandu (father of the Pandava princes) is said to have prayed to Pandukeshwar.

But, those who love to explore go to Vyas Gufa at Mana village, located at a distance of 3 kms from Badrinath. Located on the banks of river Saraswati, this is the last Indian Village situated in the Indo-China Border. The Vyas Gufa has a very strong historical connection dating to the Mahabharata period. Vyas, the one who authored the epic Mahabharata is thought to have lived in these caves and Ganesha, the son of Shiv & Parvati, is said to have helped Vyas in putting the events in the epic. No wonder, Ganesh Gufa, another cave is also located in this village too. However, the attraction of the place does not end here as one of the natural wonders in the world that is profuse with a plethora of vibrant flowers finds its existence in the nearby valley. Known to the world as the Valley of Flowers, this location is in itself a paradise.

The temple remains closed from October to April due to severe winter conditions. During this period the idols of Utsavo murti are taken to nearest Pandukeshwar. Thus, the best season to visit Badrinath is from May to June and September to October.

For more information on Badrinath Temple and Badrinath Dham Yatra please visit the web.