Places to see in Badrinath

Badrinath is another place where religious fervor and devotion are brimming forth with effervescence. Devotees and faithful flock to Badrinath in search of spiritual peace and re orientation and are offered a change in the way of life. The place is also revered as an important pilgrimage destination well that sees scores of tourists coming and praying in earnest dedication.



The places to see in Badrinath are:

Tapt kund- Tapt kund is a natural hot water pool fed by a sulphur spring which is said to be the abode of Agni, the god of fire. It is customary to bathe before entering Sri Badrinath temple. This water has a temperature of 130 degrees C. To the left of this pool is the Surya Kund fed by a branch of the same thermal spring. These waters are said to be very nourishing to the body. The Alkananda flows swiftly just below these kunds and the boiling water falls into the icy waters of the river giving rise to clouds of steam.

Panch Shilas- These five stone blocks have a very important religious significance. Named as d Narad, Narsimh, Barah, Garur & MarkandeyaShilas (stone). Standing in the middle of the Shilas is a Narad Shila that is conical in shape. It is believed that the Sage Narad Meditated for many years at the place.  Standing in the water that surround this Shila there is abig Shila that symbolizes the Lord Bhagwan Narsimh after killing the demon King Hiranyakashyapa remained in the shape of a block of stone forever. Near the Kund there is also a Barah Shila in the shape of a boar that is believed to be the incarnation of the Lord Vishnu.

Narad Kund- There is nook near the Tapt kund where an image of the Lord Shiv Badrinath was recovered is known as Narad. Adi Shankarayacaraya is said to have retrieved the idol by the miraculous powers that he possessed. He also decreed that a Priest of the Rawal Family down south in Kerala come and administer in the temple. He also decreed that the Holy high priest of Rameshwaram preside over this holy Place. Till today the tradition is followed and the Namoodaris form Kerala administer in the temple.

Brahma Kapal- This said that the Lord Brahma is said to reside in this place and hence the rituals for the faithful departed are performed here. The ceremony of the dead is one of the most important ceremonies performed here. It is believed that once the “pinds” are offered there is absolved form their sins and thus permanently reside in heaven. The Brahma Kapal, on the bank of the Alaknanda is a flat platform a few yards north of the temple. Legend has it that when Shiva chopped off the fifth head of Brahma, it got stuck to his trident. Lastly with the blessing of Lord Vishnu at Badarivan, the head of Brahma fell down from the trident at this place & hence the name Brahma-Kapal (head).

Sheshnetra- 1.5 km away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary snake, better known as the Sheshnag’s eye (Shesh meaning Sheshnag and Netra meaning eye).

Neelakanth- A pyramidal shaped snowy peak (6,597 mt) towering above Badrinath, presents a dramatic sight. It is popularly known as the ‘Garhwal Queen’.

Religious fervor and devotion and believes rests in the sacrosanct town of Badrinath and as such individuals are relieved and trulty experience God  in the true spiritual sense.