Badrinath - A Pilgrimage Centre of Hindus
Altitude : 3,133m
Temperature : Max: 17.9°C, Min : 5.6°C
Distance : 296km from Rishikesh. 301km from Haridwar
¤ Most Sacred Region
Besides being an ancient religious centre, Badrinath also attracts
tourists because of its natural beauty.
founded by Shankaracharya in the four quarters of India. The place
derives its name from the word ‘badri’, meaning berries that
once grew here abundantly.
It is situated on the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Rishi
Ganga.
 Ancient
Hindu texts categorically state that a visit to Badrinath is something
of an absolute must to complete a pilgrimage. The importance of the
place is evident from the space scribes of the Mahabharata and the
Puranas (ancient Hindu texts) had dedicated to it. The shrine of
Badrinath in this city attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over
India.
¤ Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Vishnu (Preserver in the Hindu
Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer). The presiding deity of the
temple is Badrinath (another form of Vishnu), also called Badri Vishal
or Badrinarayan. Shankaracharya is believed to have installed the
deity inside the shrine after it was thrown into the Narada Kunda (a
hot water spring near the temple) in the days of Buddhist ascendancy.
Badrinath is depicted sitting in the padmasana (‘lotus posture’),
in which the feet are placed on opposite thighs. He is surrounded by a
host of gods.
The most important ones amongst these are Kubera, the God of Wealth,
and Ganesha, the God of Wisdom and Prosperity.
Within the temple complex is an another shrine dedicated to Laksmi,
the Goddess of Fortune. This shrine is situated to the left of the
main temple building. The front portion is painted in red. Outside the
exit door of the Badrinath Temple is the seating place of
Shankaracharya, who meditated here. The temple remains closed during
winter.
¤ Attractions of Hot Springs
Adjacent to the Badrinath Temple are some medicinal sulphurous hot
springs. The temperatures of these springs often vary. The Tapt Kund
and Narada Kunda are some of the important springs. The temperature of
the former is about 45°C.
Among other places of interest in the town are Nilkantha, Managram
and Bhimpul. |
