|
The hill town of Badrinath is located in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan, in the state of Uttaranchal in India. Badrinath is the home to the famous Badrinath Temple, which is the holiest of the four shrines in Garhwal. The town is situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda. The town is a much revered pilgrimage center of India.
Badrinath Temple is the sacred spot in the town. It is situated amidst a beautiful valley. This high temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and built in the cone form. The temple was built by the philosopher and saint of the 8th century, Adi Guru Shankaracharya. The main entrance of the temple known as 'Singh Dwara' gives it a modern look. The complex of temple has 15 idols, among them the black stone Badrinath idol of about one meter has a magnetic appeal.
Other places around are Tapt Kund, which is believed to have medicinal properties. It is a natural thermal spring. Hemkund Sahib is a sacred place for Hindus and Sikhs. Along the shore of this holy lake are a Sikh shrine and the Lakshman Temple. Another famous temple is Mata Murti Temple, which is dedicated to the mother of Badrinathji. There is a pyramid shaped snowy peak standing above Badrinath called Neelkanth. It is popularly known as the 'Garhwal Queen'. Mana Village is also considered as an important part of the pilgrimage to Badrinath. Vyas Gufa is the rock cave of the saint Ved Vyas, who was the writer of Mahabharata, which is located near Mana Village. Vasundhara waterfalls and Bhim Pul, a natural bridge over River Saraswati are also nearby.
Alka Puri is also an important place, located at a distance of about 15 km from Badrinath. It is the source of Alaknanda river from the glacier snouts of Satopanth and Bhagirath-Kharak glaciers. Govindghat is a place of confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Lashman Ganga. There is a Gurudwara named after Guru Gobind Singh. Joshimath is also very important place as it is home to Badrinathji in winter. This math was established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya on the slopes above the confluence of Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers.
Panch Prayag is formed by five confluences like Deoprayag, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag and Vishnuprayag. Deoprayag has Shiv Temple and Raghunath Temple. It is confluence of River Alaknanda and River Bhagirathi. Rudraprayag is the confluence of River Mandakini and River Alaknanda. The Rudranath Temple and Chamunda Devi Temple are built here. The Gopalji Temple is constructed at the confluence of River Alaknanda and River Mandakini at Nandprayag. Karnaprayag is the confluence of Pindar and Alaknanda rivers having temples of Uma and Karna. Vishnuprayag has an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu located by a pool called Vishnu Kund. It is confluence of Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers. Srinagar is the old capital of Garhwal and an important cultural and educational center. Kamleshwar and Kilkeshwar Temples and Shankar Math are also worth visiting.
Pilgrims can reach Badrinath by air, rail or road. Jolly Grant of Dehradun is the nearest airport. Rishikesh and Kotdwar are the nearest railheads. Good road network is available and regular buses ply to Badrinath from various places. Taxis on rent are also available.
Badrinath is very much popular for Badrinath Temple and is important pilgrimage center due to many other temples and confluences present over there.
To know more about tourist attractions in Uttaranchal go to:
India for you brings complete information and guide for India Tours.
| 
|
