Badrinath Temple- Location, Nearby Places, Weather & Best Food

With Brahma and Shiva, he is an integral part of the Hindu divine trinity (Trimurti). He preserves and protects. He visits Earth periodically for the deliverance of humanity. His nine incarnations are the substratum upon which the edifice of Hinduism rests. Yes, he is Lord Vishnu, the supreme among all gods. His association with Badrinath temple is strong, recorded in scriptures and folklore and celebrated by Vaishnavites worldwide.

A quaint town with immense presence on the tourism landscape, Badrinath is steeped in nature, divinity and spirituality. It should be on your bucket list if healing your mind, body and soul is a priority. The prime attraction here is obviously the namesake temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Both the town and the temple have an extensive history steeped in mystery. They are calling you for an incredible, life-changing experience. Well, for all the info you require for a wholesome trip, Dunia Ka Gyan is here to help.

Badrinath Temple – Location, Nearby Places, Weather & Best Food

Amongst the other 108 Divya Desams incarnations of Lord Vishnu, it is perhaps the most sacred place for Vaishnavites. It’s a magical blend of nature and faith that dazzles and inspires. Whether you’re a Vishnavite, a peace seeker, or an adventure junkie, Badrinath keeps you covered.

The religious significance of Badrinath is immense. It’s a key Dham among the Char Dhams and Chota Char Dhams and a vital Badri among the Panch Badris. Also, legend has it, Lord Shiva’s blessings can fructify only when you round off your Panch Kedar yatra with a visit to Badrinath.

Char Dhams

1. Badrinath
2. Dwarka
3. Puri
4. Rameswaram

Panch Badri’s

1. Badrinath
2. Yog Dhyan Badri
3. Adi Badri
4. Bhavishya Badri
5. Vridha Badri

Chota Char Dham

1. Kedarnath
2. Yamunotri
3. Gangotri
4. Badrinath

VIP Darshan Seva

When the char dham yatra is underway, you might encounter long queues at the temple for the deity’s darshan. However, long queues can be avoided with the VIP Darshan Seva. They charge Rs 2500/- each and help you skip the line. Tickets for VIP Darshan are available near Gate No. 3, located directly outside the temple complex.

Devotees can also take a helicopter from Kedarnath to the Phata helipad, from which they can take another chopper to Badrinath. its included in Char-Dham Yatra helicopter travel packages, starting at INR 69,000 per person.

Etymology

Badri is a Sanskrit name for the edible berry of the Indian Jujube tree. It is said that Lord Vishnu meditated under the Badri tree. Nath means “Lord.” And, that’s how Badrinath earned its name.

Location

A holy town situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand State of India, Badrinath is one of the most pious and religious pilgrimage centres of India. Cradled between the Garhwal peaks of the Nar and Narayana ranges, its Located at an elevation of about 3100 metres.

The holy temple of Badrinath remains covered in snow for about 6 months from mid-November to mid-May. Thus it is closed down during that period but is available for darshan post-winters. People visit in flocks to this holy Dham during summers and in autumn. The several towering peaks, water bodies, temples and the ambience surrounding it, makes Badrinath a place where the serene nature blankets divinity.

Table 01: Badrinath at a Glance

Badrinath Weather

Badrinath is nestled among the steep mountains at an astounding elevation. As such, the Badrinath weather is typical of a hill station for the most part. Expect mild but sunny summers and brutal winters. As well, the wet season is harsh with consistent rains.

1. Summers

Summers in Badrinath are bliss with blue skies, balmy days, and beautiful landscapes to explore. The Badrinath temperature ranges from 27 degrees to 16 degrees. The sun peeks out to greet Badrinath, making the weather sunny and hospitable. While temperatures might drop to as low as 9°C during night, the climate is generally stable.

Summer is the best time to visit Badrinath. The sun keeps the area warm enough, and the absence of snow makes travel much safer and easier. This is the time of year when the famed Char Dham Yatra takes place. So, you have plenty to explore and cherish.

2. Monsoon

The monsoons are characterised by cool days and chilly nights with the temperature ranging from 26 to 19 degrees. The monsoon season could be excellent for exploring the area, but there is one drawback: rain. Monsoon rainfall in Badrinath can range from light to severe, making it difficult to get out and enjoy the attractions.

The rainiest months are July and August, with the rain showers drying out to a great extent by September. September is Badrinath’s 2nd prime season, keeping a steady stream of devotees. The risk of landslides is significant in this location during the rainy season, which is why few tourists or pilgrims opt to visit Badrinath during this time.

3. Autumn

The time between Mid-September and late October is bright but somewhat cold. The temperatures range from 24 degrees Celsius during the day to 10 degrees Celsius at night. With the monsoon season just passing by, the atmosphere is both calm and vivid.

Late October has fewer visitors, which means you can bypass the long Darshan queues. Since the weather is stable, the risk is relatively low. Due to the limited footfall, expect getting the best deals on hotel bookings.

4. Winters

By the end of October, it’s buried in a thick layer of snow. The snow continues to fall until mid-March. The town’s roads are blocked, and Badrinath’s winter weather blocks off the world outside, transforming it into a quiet, secluded snowed-in haven. A winter vacation to Badrinath is not possible with the temple being closed for another 6 months. As the mercury dips to sub-zero levels, the entire area is uninhabitable.

Table 2: Badrinath Weather

Badrinath Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2022

In winter, when the temperature drops below 0°, this temple remains unavailable for darshans. Chardham Yatras are traditionally conducted in a clockwise manner from westwards towards the east, beginning at Yamunotri and concluding at Badrinath. Typically, the Raj Purohit sets the grand opening of Badrinath Temple each year to Basant Panchami (May) and the closing date to Vijayadashami (October).

The temple will reopen its gates to the public on Saturday, May 8, 2022, and close on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. So, you are better off planning your vacation accordingly. The opening as well as the closing ceremonies are celebrated with pomp and show.

Table 3: Badrinath Temple and Char Dham Opening and Closing Dates 2021

Things to do in Badrinath

Badrinath Dham is a delight for everyone – Vishnu-bhakts, peace-seekers, nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, and even group travellers and backpackers. You have four options to indulge in here. Yes, you guessed it right! The prime one has to be the pilgrimage.

1. Plenary Indulgence

Badrinath’s importance in Hinduism is unrivalled. It is, after all, a part of the holy quartet of four pilgrimage destinations (Char Dham). Many texts claim that it is Lord Vishnu’s favourite spot. No committed Hindu can afford to miss out on the “Param Anand,” or the ultimate pleasure the temple and its surroundings provide.

Every year, a large number of devotees from all over the world take time out of their hectic schedules to visit this sacred site. They belittle all hurdles to experience a plenary indulgence and pay homage to their adored Lord. You too can partake in this amazing experience and return home feeling renewed, cleansed, and transformed.

2. Trekking

So, you have an adventurous instinct. Even in that case, it can exceed your expectations. There are many options for trekking activities. Kedarnath to Badrinath trek is one of the historical and adventurous treks. You can also enjoy some other treks like Vasundhara Falls trekking, Alkapuri glacier and Hemkund Sahib treks to the hills.

The ordeal is worth it, given the rewards the Badrinath trek has to offer. You cannot express the feeling of getting up close and personal with nature and accomplishing an arduous trek in words. Rather, it has to be experienced. The temple site is a vantage point for some soul-satisfying views of the valley. Plus, the breeze is revitalising and the tranquillity is worth exploring for anyone keen on ditching the cacophony of cities.

3. Camping

People camp for various reasons. Some do it as a historical custom, some to enhance family ties, others to celebrate nature, others to simply sleep under the stars, and yet others to bond with the essence of the surrounding nature. Whatever your purpose for camping, Badrinath is ready to meet your needs. In fact, it’s a requirement in this situation.

There aren’t enough accommodations in Badrinath. It’s simply too small a town to handle an onslaught of devotees. As a result, camping in the neighbouring meadows is the finest way to spend a night beneath the stars. It’s a unique experience and an opportunity that no nature lover or adrenaline junkie should miss out on.

4. Sightseeing

If you’re looking for a spot to go on a family vacation or a solo trip, Badrinath might be the place to go. The numerous sightseeing possibilities provide a wonderful experience. Vasundhara Falls, Ganesh Cave, Surya Kund, Alkapuri Glacier, and the Satopanth Trek are just a few of the places where you may marvel at nature’s magnificence.

So gather your wits and set off on a soul-cleansing excursion into the lowlands, where spirituality abounds and mysticism resounds. The tranquillity is mesmerising, pushing you to gaze inwardly. It could very well be a path to self-discovery.

Badrinath Temple History and Significance

The holy town of Badrinath has a long history dating back to the Vedic era. According to the Hindu scriptures, this place is known as Badari-ka-ashram or Badari. Lord Vishnu meditated in this place. Goddess Lakshmi acquired the shape of a Badri tree to protect him from the scorching sun. Pleased, Lord Vishnu named this place after her and thus Badrinath came into existence. The Badrinath temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century.

Badrinath along with Puri, Rameswaram and Dwarka form the Char Dhams, which must be visited by every Hindu, once in a lifetime. Badrinath is also part of the Chota Char Dham, which includes Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Gangotri.

Legends and Stories of Badrinath

The Badrinath temple, also mentioned in Vedic writings, is the subject of legends. Per popular belief, Lord Vishnu sat in Padmasana in this place and meditated deeply. As a result, he was oblivious of the severe weather conditions, and his spouse Lakshmi extended herself above him as a Badri tree to shield him from the elements.

Lord Vishnu was delighted with Lakshmi, and the location was given the name Badrikashram in honour of Goddess Lakshmi. According to folklore, the deity can be found in the Padmasana position in the Badrinath shrine.

Another tale claims that Lord Vishnu masked himself as a tiny kid and cried out to Lord Shiva and Parvati in Badrinath, requesting the shrine for contemplation. Shiva and his spouse moved to Kedarnath after discovering he was Almighty Vishnu.

Another legend of Badrinath features the Pandavas where they died one by one while ascending the hills of Swargarohini, which means “Ascension to Heaven.” There is also a settlement called Mana, 4 kilometres north of Badrinath, where Sage Vyasa is said to have written the Mahabharata.

According to the Vamana Purana, Dharam’s two sons, Nar and Narayan, which are now the titles of mountain ranges, went into profound devotion for the well-being of all things in the Cosmos. Badrinath is mentioned in the Skanda Purana as one of the holiest of all temples on Earth, Paradise, and Hell. According to the Padma Purana, Badrinath is a sacred temple with several riches.

The Architecture of Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath temple is built in the classic Northern Indian style. The shrine is made from stone, with intricate carvings on the walls and columns. At the entrance, a tall arched doorway leads to Sabha Mandap which is the gathering place for devotees, which leads to Darshan Mandap where Puja to the deity is performed and lastly to Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum.

The dome of the Garbha Griha rises 15 metres to a conical spire with a gold-gilded dome at the apex. With a conch and Chakra on every arm, a spectacular one metre high black stone statue of Badrinarayan presides above the sanctum sanctorum. The other 2 arms are resting in Vishnu’s lap while he meditates in Padmasana. Sage Narada is also there, with his spouse Lakshmi. The temple assumes its final shape with Kubera on one angle and Nar Narayan and uddhava on the other. There are also Navdurga & Garuda.

Festivals and Celebrations in Badrinath

The most major event conducted at Badrinath Temple is Mata Murti Ka Mela, which commemorates the Ganges’ descent on Earth. According to Hindu mythology, The river Ganga was divided into 12 streams by Badrinath’s mother for the sake of the World, and the area where the Ganga flowed became the Sacred Badrinath Shrine.

Both Kedarnath and Badrinath mandirs have the Badri Kedar festival which is held in early June. The festival lasts 8 days and features performances by musicians and artists from all over the globe. During the ceremonies, Vedic texts such as Ashtotram, Vishnu Sahasranama are chanted.

Every year on Dussehra, in the months of October and November, the temple closes for the winter. Inside the temple, a 6-month long ghee lamp known as Akhand jyoti is maintained. The shrine reopens on Vasant Panchami in early April after a 6-month hiatus. On this day, a large number of people visit the temple in order to partake in the festivities.

Places to visit in and around Badrinath

It is a holy town and also features some eye-soothing sceneries you can feed on after your holy darshan of the Badrinath Temple. Let’s take a look.

1. Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath Temple’s current structure is the outcome of various renovations that the temple has undergone as a consequence of landslides and earthquake catastrophes. Lord Vishnu is represented by a black stone statue in a meditating stance, surrounded by gods such as Nar, Narad, Narayana, Ganesha, Kuber and Garud. The deity of Lord Vishnu is moved to Yog Dhyan Badri in Pandukeshwar, Chamoli district, during the winter period.

• Elevation: 3100 metres
• Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu
• Distance from Badrinath: 750 metres
• Darshan time: 6 AM to 8 PM

2. Tapt Kund

There is a natural thermal spring beneath the Badrinath temple that is said to have healing effects. Before visiting the sacred sanctuary of Badrinath, a pilgrim must take a bath in the sacred and warm waters of the Kunda. The warm holy spring nourishes your mortal soul with divinity.

• Elevation: 3100 metres
• Dedicated to: Agni Dev
• Distance from Badrinath: 750 metres
• On the Banks: Alaknanda RIver

3. Neelkanth Peak

Neelkanth Peak has a massive height of roughly 6,595 metres and provides a stunning backdrop to the Badrinath temple. It is also known as the Queen of Garhwal. The grandeur of the snow-covered summit, named after Lord Shiva, is enhanced as it catches the first rays of the Sun at the crack of dawn. The amazing view of the peak will make you wish to keep staring at it the whole day.

• Elevation: 6595 metres
• Prominence: 1200 metre
• Distance from Badrinath: 8.5 kilometre
• Trek Route: Badrinath, Mana, Hanuman Chatti, Laxmi Van, Neelkanth Base Camp

4. Mata Murti Mandir

It is situated on the margins of the Alaknanda River, 3 kilometres from the Badrinath shrine. Mata Murti temple is considered to be the guardian of Nara and Narayan, Lord Vishnu’s twin brothers. Mata Murti’s unending pleas prompted Lord Vishnu to take birth from her. In Sept, pilgrims go to witness the Mata Murti Festival.

• Elevation: 3100 metres

• Dedicated to: Mata Murti

• Distance from Badrinath: 3 kilometre

• Darshan time: 6 AM to 8 PM

5. Bheem Pul

The stunning natural bridge situated amidst the fiercely flowing river forms a natural beauty for the eyes to witness. It is believed that Bheem, one of the Pandavas, while on their way to heaven through the Mana village, built this bridge.

• Location: Mana village
• Dedicated to: Bheem
• Distance from Badrinath: 3 kilometre
• On the river: Saraswati

6. Hemkund Sahib

This lovely gurudwara is located at the base of the Saptashrungi glacier on the bank of the pristine Hemkund lake. It is also known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji. Hemkund Sahib, amongst the most venerated Sikh shrines, attracts millions of people every year. The gurudwara’s breathtaking settings and trekking routes make it a popular destination for hikers and tourists. This magnificent lake is accessible after a difficult climb from Ghangaria.

• Location: Chamoli District
• Elevation: 4633 Metre
• Dedicated to: Guru Gobind Singh Ji
• Distance from Badrinath: 12 kilometre
• Darshan timings: 5 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 9 PM

7. Mana Village

Mana is the final Indian settlement before the international boundary with Tibet. It is located on the banks of the Saraswati river and encircled by majestic Himalayan peaks at a height of roughly 2995 metres. The village looks heavenly, with modest buildings and narrow alleys leading up to the mountains. It is located about 5 kilometres from Badrinath and is on numerous famous hiking routes. You can take a short hike to the village and spend the afternoon there.

• Elevation: 3200 metre
• Dedicated to: Bheem
• Distance from Badrinath: 5 kilometre
• On the river: Saraswati

How to reach

Any idea how to reach Badrinath? Well, you can visit via both, rail, road and air.

• Air– The Jolly Grant airport on Rishikesh Road in Dehradun is 314 km away from Badrinath and is connected with flights across prominent metros in India.

• Rail– Rishikesh, about 280 km from Badrinath Dham is the nearest railway station. It receives passenger and goods trains round the clock and round the year from all major city centres across India.

• Road– Badrinath has fine motorable road connectivity. You can prefer state-run UTC (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) buses or private buses and cabs to reach the Badrinath Temple.

Distance Chart:

Wondering how far is Badrinath from your city? Well, here’s a road distance table. As a side note, the town has fine road connectivity. The hilly terrain doesn’t support a rail network. As such, roads are an ideal option to get to Badrinath.

Table: Road Distance to Badrinath from different cities

Itinerary for Badrinath

Here is a short Itinerary for Badrinath from Haridwar/ Rishikesh

Day 1: Haridwar/ Rishikesh to Guptkashi

Day 2: Guptkashi – Badrinath

Day 3: Badrinath darshan and sightseeing

Day 4: Badrinath to Rudraprayag

Day 5: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh/ Haridwar

Hotels

Badrinath offers an extensive range of hotels, guest houses and resorts to suit every pocket. Some good options include:

Food

Being a Dham, Badrinath offers only vegetarian cuisine for its visitors. However, the veg options are amazing and you can grind your mouth on some authentic vegetarian garhwali dishes like Phaanu, Baadi, Kandalee ka saag among many others.

Best Time to Visit

The winters are harsh and snowy. Temperatures dip below the freezing point and even the temple is shut down during this period. The summers are the best time to pay a visit to Badrinath as the temperature is around 14-15 degrees celsius and it becomes pleasant for you to travel. Monsoon should be avoided for travelling as it is a landslide-prone zone.

Travel Tips for Badrinath

We realize how excited you are to travel to Badrinath. But not right now. First, ready yourself with a few tried-and-true guidelines for a worry-free and enjoyable trip.

1. Choose your visit carefully, preferably in May or June. During the rainy season, there is a considerable risk of landslides, hence the temple is closed.
2. Regardless of when you plan to visit, bring winter attire. Even in the summer, a cool breeze blows through the area, lowering the temperature. Preferably, bring two to three pairs of woollen caps, stockings, mufflers, or anything else that will help you stay warm.
3. In Badrinath, rain is always on the horizon during monsoons. As a result, raincoats and umbrellas are required.
4. If you want to hike nearby areas in Badrinath, make sure you’re physically capable of taking on the effort. Yoga, particularly pranayam, and mild workouts are beneficial. Get a medical checkup to see if you have any ailments that worsen when you’re at a high altitude.
5. Make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will have a difficult time during the peak season of Char Dham Yatra.
6. Pain relievers, codeine cough syrup, antiseptic lotions, muscular lotions, and fever and flu medications are also essential.
7. Long hikes can be exhausting, so bring dark chocolates or protein bars, dry fruits, and glucose with you for some quick energy.
8. Carry a flashlight (ideally solar powered), additional camera cells, and fully charged power banks.
9. For safety reasons, no private SIMs are allowed in the Kedarnath region; only BSNL is allowed.
10. Book your lodgings ahead of time, rather than relying on last-minute deals, because the region sees a lot of traffic during the high season.

Conclusion

The lovely village of Badrinath is a place where divinity collides with nature’s tranquillity. During the Char Dham yatra season, tourists come to this preeminent abode of Lord Vishnu. Apart from the region’s spirituality, Badrinath has a lot more to offer travellers. Beautiful scenery, adrenaline-pumping hikes, and warm campfires are just a few of the highlights. The travel tips should be carefully reviewed because they will be of great use to you. We assume that this article has answered all of your questions concerning Badrinath. Before the winter sets in, book your tickets for a religious journey to develop your spirit and soul.

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FAQs for Badrinath

1. What is the history of Badrinath Temple & who built it?

Although there is no written record of the Badrinath Temple, it is mentioned in Vedic texts. Badrinath Temple was a Buddhist Vihara till Adi Shankaracharya arrived in the 9th century and transformed it into a Hindu Shrine.

Based on the other interpretation of the narrative, Adi Shankaracharya created Badrinath as a Hindu pilgrimage place by erecting a Badrinath idol he discovered in the Alaknanda River.

2. Which God/Goddess is worshipped in Badrinath Temple?

In Badrinath Mandir, Lord Vishnu is revered as Badrinarayana. Apart from him, Kuber, the god of riches, Sage Narad, Nar and Narayan, Uddhava, Goddess Laxmi, Navadurga in 9 various incarnations and Garuda Nar are also idolised around the temple.

3. When does snowfall occur in Badrinath Dham?

With the start of the winter season in November, Badrinath Dham is likely to get a significant amount of snowfall due to its high elevation. However, beginning in the second half of November, a large amount of snowstorm might be expected.

4. What are the morning & evening Aarti (prayer) timings in Badrinath Dham?

At 4:30 a.m., the Maha Abhishek or Abhishek Prayer, Gita path, and Bhagwat path begins, followed by a general public puja at 6:30 a.m. The temple closes for the day with Geet-Govind and aarti at 9:00 p.m. in the night.

5. How is Mobile Internet Connectivity in Badrinath?

In Badrinath, BSNL and Airtel have excellent mobile coverage. In Badrinath Dham, the 2 telecom service companies provide 4G services as well.

6. How is the road condition from Haridwar to Badrinarayan temple?

Because the locations are accessible by NH-7, the road conditions from Haridwar to Badrinath are fairly decent. The route is curving, and after Joshimath, it becomes a little more difficult with narrow spots, but it is still manageable.

7. Who is the main priest/pundit of Shri Badrinath Temple?

The senior priest also referred to as Rawal, is traditionally a Nambudiri Brahmin from Kerala, in South India.

8. Can we book an online puja for Badrinath Dham?

Yes, you can make an online puja reservation for Badrinath Dham.

9. Can I complete Badrinath Darshan by helicopter in one day?

Yes, Badrinath Darshan by chopper may be performed in one day.

10. Is any medical certificate required for Badrinath Yatra?

Yes, for the Badrinath Yatra, a medical certificate is required. Within 72 hours, you must have a COVID negative report or a double vaccination certificate.

11. Can we place flowers on Badrinath Ji Statue & touch him?

No, pilgrims are not permitted to lay flowers or contact Badrinath Ji’s statue.

12. Can I hire a personal priest/pundit at Badrinath Dham to perform my special puja?

Yes, a private priest or pundit can be booked for a modest cost to perform special puja at Badrinath.