Badrinath – The Abode of Lord Vishnu in the Himalayas

Perched at an altitude of 3,133 meters in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, Badrinath is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus and a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it’s a place where spiritual energy meets Himalayan serenity.

Why Visit Badrinath?

  • Spiritual Essence: Badrinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams — holy shrines for Vaishnavites. It is believed that Lord Vishnu meditated here for centuries under the Badri tree.

  • Temple Glory: The temple, with its bright facade and golden rooftop, stands as a beacon of devotion against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

  • Sacred Legends: It is said that Goddess Lakshmi took the form of a Badri tree to shield Vishnu from harsh weather while he meditated — thus the name Badrinath.

  • Part of Panch Badri: It is the most important among the five Badri temples, which also include Yog Dhyan Badri and Bhavishya Badri.

Temple Architecture & Experience

  • The present structure was restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

  • The sanctum houses a 1-meter tall black stone idol of Lord Vishnu, sitting in a meditative pose.

  • Pilgrims take a dip in the Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring near the temple, before entering.

Best Time to Visit

  • The temple opens from April/May to October/November. The rest of the year, it remains closed due to heavy snowfall.

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