Badrinath (Uttaranchal, India)

Badrinath, is a tourist atttract for both the Indians and the foreigners. Badrinath is one of the four Dhams along with Puri, Rameswaram and Dwaraka. Badrinath is also known as Tapobhumi (land of meditation and penance) and Bhubaikunth (heaven on earth). It is situated at an altitude of 3130 meters above sea level. The temple, also known as Badri Narayan, is dedicated to Vishnu, who is said to have done penance in the mythical Brindavan, that once covered the mountains of Uttaranchal. Besides the main temple itself, the entrance to the shrine is of special significance.

The holy Dham Badrinath Hill Station, badrinath tours a temple of Badrinath , is in the state of Uttaranchal of the Himalaya mountains.The temple's elevation is 10,248 feet (3050meters). Badrinath is above the Alaknanda river, believed to be a headstream of the holy Indian river , Ganges . Cradled in the mountain ranges of the Nar-Narayan, with the spendid Neelkanth peak as the enchanting backdrop, is located this holiest of all the Hindu pilgrimages, Badrinath. Along the left bank of river Alaknanda, the place is called badrinath as it was once carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries. This gorgeous and rare beautiful sight is itself an enchantment for tourists and is called the "Garhwal Queen." The nearest cities are Rishikesh (300 km), Mussoorie and Dehradun. The night temperatures falls to as low as 10°C. The day temperatures are never too high even in summers thus proving Badrinath to be a distinct identity as compared to other places.

This place has some special significance from the Indians perspective. According to the ancient believers, the name Badrinath has cropped on the basis of Badri Van, where the lush green Badri trees grow. The word badri is derived from the wild berry that Lord Vishnu survived on during his reparation at Badri Van. Badrinath is an 8th century monastery and a temple to the Hindu god Shiva. The great Indian scholar and teacher Sankaracharya hold the credit to develop this popular pilgrimage. Adjacent to the shrine is the hot spring pool of Taptakund in which pilgrims take a dip before worshipping Sri Badrinatha. Badrinath is one of the four Dhams, a devout Hindu has to visit in his lifetime to attain salvation.

Major Attractions in Badrinath

Tapt Kund:
Tapt Kund a natural hot water and cold springs are at the enterance of the temple. Before entering the temple, the pilgrims take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund. Other famous natural spring sites are Narad Kund and Surya Kund.

Sheshnag:
A rock boulder with the impression of Sheshnag, a mythological serpent, called Sheshnetra, is also a place which impresses the visitors. Another important temple is the Mata Murti temple, dedicated to the mother of Badrinathji. The footprints of Lord Vishnu are present on a boulder called Charanpaduka.

Alakananda River:
The origin of Alakananda River, Alka Puri , attracts the tourists. Satopanth, a triangular lake, is located at a height of 4400 meters above the sea level and is one of the sources of the Alakananda River. It is named after the Hindu trinity-Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Rudraprayag:
Rudraprayag, which is at the meeting point of the rivers Alakananda and Mandakani, is known for the Rudranath and Chamunda Devi temples.

Nandaprayag:
Nandaprayag is known for the Gopalji temple. The fifth pilgrimage spot is Vishnuprayag, at the confluence of Alakananda and Dhauliganga, where there is a very ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, besides the pool of Vishnu Kund. The convergence of the rivers gives birth to the famous pilgrim sites that are collectively called the Panch Prayag. Devprayag, is famous for its rock inscriptions and the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Raghunath.

Mashru Peak:
One can hike through thick forest around Kufri to the Mahasu Peak- the highest peak in Kufri. Himalayan Nature Park - The Himalayan Nature Park,which has a collection of animals and birds,found only in Himachal Pradesh. Indira Tourist Park - The Indira Tourist Park is near the Himalayan Nature Park and provides panoramic view of the locations around. Prime Attractions of Badrinath

Badri Kedar Festival:
The Badri-Kedar festival, held at the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath is held in the month of June. Mata Murti Mela - On the day of Mata Murti Ka Mela, the mother of Shri Badrinathji is worshipped, and a large fair held at the Badrinath Temple in the month of September.

How to reach:
Badarinath can be easily accessed through air, train or road.
By Air: Jolly Grant, is the nearest airport, which is about 317 km from Badrinath. Helicopters and small private airlines are also allowed to land there.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh (297 km) and Kotdwar (327 km). Roads-Badrinath is well connected by roads from Rishikesh, Hardwar, Kotdwar, Dehradun, and other hill retreats of the Garhwal and Kumaon region.
By Road: Badrinath is connected by good motorable roads with Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara and other hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
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