Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Lord Vishnu
By Devansh Taneja
Badrinath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,133 meters in Uttarakhand, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is a place where spirituality meets the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
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Badrinath Temple was established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, who discovered the idol of Lord Vishnu in the Alaknanda River and enshrined it in the temple, reviving its spiritual significance.
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According to folklore, Lord Vishnu guards the treasure of Kuber in Badrinath. This temple has been a symbol of wealth and prosperity, with its origins dating back to the 8th century.
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Legend has it that Lord Vishnu meditated here while Goddess Lakshmi, in the form of a Badri tree, provided shade and protection, hence the name Badrinath.
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The Pandavas, along with Draupadi, worshipped Lord Vishnu at Badrinath before embarking on their final journey to Swargrohini, making this temple a vital part of the Mahabharata’s legacy.
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Even during the six months when the temple is closed for winter, an eternal flame continues to burn, and it is believed that sage Narada performs rituals in Lord Vishnu’s absence.
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A captivating tale tells how Lord Shiva and Parvati were meditating in Badrinath, but upon Lord Vishnu’s request, they moved to Kedarnath, making it a dual pilgrimage for devotees.
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Just 4 km from Badrinath lies the village of Mana, where it is believed that the great epic Mahabharata was composed by Ved Vyasa, adding to the area’s profound historical significance.
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Near Badrinath Temple is the Tapt Kund, a hot sulfur spring believed to have medicinal properties. Devotees take a holy dip here before entering the temple, seeking both spiritual and physical healing.
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Badrinath is the main temple among the Panch Badri, which also includes Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and Vriddha Badri, each with its unique significance and spiritual charm.
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