Explore Badrinath Dham
Region: Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Duration: 4 Nights and 5 Days
Grade: Easy
Max altitude: 3415 meters
Badrinath Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located at an elevation of 3,133 m in the Chamoli Garhwal region of Uttarakhand along the banks of Alaknanda River. It is one of the four sacred Char Dhams and also one of the most visited pilgrimage sites of India including Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath. It is open for six months every year (between the end of April and the beginning of November), due to extreme weather conditions in the Himalayan region.
HISTORY
According to a legend the Badrinath temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century sage. The main deity worshiped here is a meditating Lord Vishnu in the form of a black stone statue. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu came to ‘Badri Van’ to meditate after Narad rebuked the Lord for being immersed in worldly pleasures. His consort, Goddess Lakshmi, took the form of a Badri tree and shielded him while he meditated for a thousand years which is why the lord is also known as Lord Badrinarayan. The temple is mentioned in ancient religious texts like Vishnu Purana and Skanda Purana.
According to an anothe legend when the goddess Ganga made her descend to earth to help the suffering humanity, the earth could not withstand the force of her decend. Thus, she split up in twelve channels, one of which was Alakananda. It later became Badrinath, the abode of Lord Vishnu. The Vedas also gave testimony to its devoutness. In addition to a holy pilgrimage Badrinath offer a breathtaking scenic beauty of the snow clad mountain peaks, sacred ponds, water bodies and the swelling landscapes of the Garhwal region of the Himalayas.
WHEN SHOULD I GO?
The best time to visit Badrinath temple is during summers from May to June and then in September and October. Badrinath temple is closed during winters for 6 months.
WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF FITNESS REQUIRED?
Although the temple is accessible by road, Badrinath temple is located at a high altitude mountain region. Thus, devotees may suffer from attitude sickness (fear of height) and some may find it difficult to get used to to the weather conditions. It is essential to carry a personal first aid box.
WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE TREK?
5 Nights and 6 Days
By Air: The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport which is located around 27 kms from the Dehra Dun city has a daily flight from Delhi to Dehra Dun.
By Train: Dehra Dun railway station, lies in the heart of the city and Haridwar railway station, are well connected by major Indian cities.
By Road: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation and many private transport services provide road connectivity from Dehra Dun, Haridwar and Rishikesh to Govindghat. and also regular bus services are from Delhi to Dehra Dun, Haridwar and Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi.
