| Sri Badri Narayana Temple - Badrinath |
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| The most sacred places of pilgrimage situated in the lofty Himalayan heights, at the height of 3133 m (10248 feet) above sea level, the preserver and falls in the religious itinerary of every devout Hindu Badrinath is a Hindu holy town and a nagar panchayat in Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is the most important of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. Badrinath is one the four sacred shrines (Dham) of pilgrimage for Hindus. The other three places are Dwaraka in the West, Rameshwaram in South and Puri in the East. One of the most fascinating one is the route to Badrinath, due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place. |
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The two ranges named 'Nar' and 'Narayan' surround the temple and also surrounded by the mountain ranges and the nearest peak is the called 'Neelkantha' peak. The faith that makes the pilgrims travel across these hilly roads and reach the temple as the temple is positioned at a height of 3,133 meters and the route is pretty difficult to travel.
Badrinath temple cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan is the holiest of the four main shrines, along the left bank river Alaknanda and |
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| exactly between the two mountains Nara and Narayan. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu. |
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| Garhwal Kings built the present temple with a conical structure, 15 m. tall and has small cupola of a gilt bull and spire and there are 15 idols in the temple complex, each sculpted in black stone about two centuries ago. Vishnu in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nara-Narayan represents the principal idol. The temple is date back in Vedic ageand also believed that re-established by an important Hindu saint, Adi Shankaracharya, in 8th century A.D. Images of Laxmi (Vishnu's consort), Garud (Vishnu's mount), Shiva & Parvati and Ganesha are present in the temple premises. |
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| Due to damages by avalanches the temple has been renovated several times. The colourful "Singh Dwara" or the main entrance gate which make the temple look mordern. Garbha Griha (the sanctum sanctorum), Darshan Mandap (for pujas) and Shobha Mandap (for devotees to assemble) are the three parts in the temple. |
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| Panch Badris or Five Badris |
| There are four other smaller badri temples besides the main temple of Badrinath. Panch badris or five badris is the name given to them collectively. |
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| Yogadhyan Badri |
| One of the five Badris is located at Pandukeshwar (1920 m) very close lies tiny, sleepy hamlet is the winter home for the idol at Badrinath to the main temple of Badrinath. Pandukeshwar is also an important archaeological site. Some years ago, four ancient metal foils engraved with a description of several kings in the region were discovered here. Believed to be over 1500 years old, these foils are kept at Joshimath, 30 km downstream. The Pandavas are said to have handed over Hastinapur to King Parikshit and retired here. Yogadhyan Badri is just 24 km of Badrinath on Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. |
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| Bhavishya Badri |
| The temple of Bhavishya Badri is at an elevation 2,744 mts, and is surrounded by dense forests. Situated at Subain near Tapovan, about 17 km east of Joshimath. According to sayings, the two mountains Nara and Narayan at Badrinath will close up on each other and destroy the route to the present Badrinath, when evil is on the rise in this world. This would be the mark of the end of the present world and the beginning of a new one. |
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| Bridha Badri or the 'Old Badri' |
| Bridha Badri or the 'old Badri' is the third temple about 7 kms short of Joshimath, on the main Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road at Animath. It is believed that Badrinath was worshipped here before its enshrinement by Shankaracharya at the main Badrinath seat. The temple of Bridha Badri is open throughout the year. |
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| Adi Badri |
| Adi Badri is the farthest from the other four badris. It is approachable from Karnaprayag by a motorable road enroute Ranikhet. The temple complex has 16 small temples with intricate carvings.
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| Seven of these temples belong to the late Gupta period. Local tradition assigns these buildings to Shankaracharya. The main temple is distinguished by a pyramid shaped raised platform, with a black stone idol of Vishnu. |
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