Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Lord Vishnu
By Devansh Taneja
Badrinath Temple is ln the breathtaking beauty of the Himalaya. This temple is located at a height of 3,133 meters. This is one of the sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage in India.
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This temple was established in the by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th CE. The shrine or the idol of Lord Vishnu that is present in this temple was discovered by Adi Shankaracharya in the Alaknanda River.
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According to folklore Kuber's treasure is present in this place and it is Lord Vishnu who himself guards the treasure of Kuber.
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One popular story behind the name of this temple is the fact that many believe that Lord Vishnu meditates here and Lakshmi Ji in the form of a Badri tree provides him shade and protection and this is why this place is called Badrinath.
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One story of this temple is also related to Mahabharata time, as per the story the Pandavas visited this temple along with their wife Draupadi before going to heaven.
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One more interesting this about this temple is that while it remains close for 6 months even in that time a flame continues to glow. Many believe it is Narad Muni who continues his penance.
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According to one popular story in earlier times Lord Shiva and Parvati used to medidate here however upon Lord Vishnu's request they moved to Kedarnath and this is how this dual pilgrimage emerged for devotees.
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A few kilometers away from this place is a village called Mana. Many believe it is the same village where Ved Vyasa composed Mahabharata. This also adds to the historical significance of this place.
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Before entering into the temple people take dip in the Tapt Kund. This kund is believed to have medicinal properties and thus this kund gives spiritual and physical healing to the devotees.
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This temple is the main temple among the Panch Badri, which also includes Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and Vriddha Badri.
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