Badrinath Tour Package
Badrinath, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, which also includes Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, as well as the larger Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit that encompasses the four holy sites of Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram. Situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level, Badrinath is nestled between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, along the banks of the Alaknanda River. The town is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, serene landscapes, and spiritual energy, making it a major destination for devotees and nature lovers alike.
Historical and Mythological Significance
The origins of Badrinath are steeped in rich mythology and history. According to Hindu legends, the site of Badrinath was chosen by Lord Vishnu as his earthly abode after he performed intense penance for thousands of years under a Badri tree (Indian date or jujube tree). During his meditation, the goddess Lakshmi, his consort, is believed to have taken the form of a Badri tree to provide him with shade from the harsh weather conditions. This legend gave the place its name, Badrinath—the “Lord of Badri.”
Another legend associates Badrinath with Nar and Narayana, the twin forms of Vishnu who meditated here to establish the supremacy of good over evil. The site is also connected with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, who are believed to have ascended to heaven through the Swargarohini, a peak located nearby. This makes Badrinath not only a place of worship but also a site of deep historical and cultural importance.
The temple, as it stands today, was established by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher and saint who played a pivotal role in reviving Hinduism and establishing many temples across India. The temple is built in the North Indian style of architecture and is adorned with a bright, colorful facade.
The Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath Temple is the main attraction in the town and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form of Badrinarayan. The temple is believed to date back to the Vedic age, though its current structure was built by the kings of the Garhwal region and later renovated by various rulers. It features a conical-shaped roof covered with a gold gilt roof and stands about 50 feet high. The facade is built of stone with intricate carvings depicting various gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology.
Inside the temple is the sanctum, which houses the 1-meter-tall black stone idol of Lord Badrinarayan. This idol is in a meditative posture and is flanked by idols of other gods and goddesses, including Nar, Narayan, and Kubera. The temple also houses the Brahma Kapal shrine, where rituals for the deceased are performed.
The temple opens annually in late April or early May, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, and closes around November (on Vijayadashami or Diwali) due to heavy snowfall. During the winter months, the idol of Lord Badrinath is moved to the Narsimha Temple in Joshimath, where it is worshipped until the temple reopens. Book your Badrinath tour with Himgiri adventures.
Pilgrimage and Rituals
Badrinath is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India, attracting thousands of devotees every year who seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. The temple rituals are performed by priests known as Rawals, who are traditionally appointed from the Nambudiri Brahmin community of Kerala. The daily worship includes morning aarti, pujas, and evening aarti, which are attended by devotees who come to offer prayers and seek blessings.
A holy dip in the Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring located near the temple, is considered auspicious before entering the temple for prayers. The water of the Kund is believed to have medicinal properties and is said to cleanse the body and soul. Another hot spring, the Narad Kund, is also significant, as it is believed to be the spot where the idol of Lord Badrinath was recovered,
