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Apr 25, 2024
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Uttrakhand is home to the five sacred temples known as Panch Badri, which are devoted to Lord Vishnu. Every temple holds immense significance in Hinduism. Although there are seven temples known as Sapta Badri, Ardha Badri, and Narasingh Badri are hardly considered to be part of Sapta Badri or Panch Badri.
The main temple of Panch Badri is Badrinath temple and the other four are Yogdhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Vridha Badri, and Adi Badri. All Panch Badri temples are located in Badri Kshetra, Uttrakhand. It starts from Sathopanth to Nandprayag. Any temple will assure you of the tranquil beauty of nature and the incredible devotion of God.
Table of Contents
Explore Panch Badri Temples in Uttarakhand:
Let’s begin the Journey to Panch Badri in Uttarakhand.
1. Badrinath Temple:
Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple is the main of all Panch Badri Temples, also known as Vishal Badri. Situated in the town of Badrinath, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level between two majestic holy mountains Nar and Narayan, and near the banks of Alaknanda River.
This temple is highly significant for Hindus because it’s part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, along with Jagannath Temple, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka. Additionally, it’s a key destination in the Chota Char Dham Yatra, which also includes the Kedarnath Yatra, Yamunotri, and Gangotri.
The famous Hindu guru Adi Shankaracharya established it in the eighth century. This is thought to be Lord Vishnu’s abode of meditation. Due to the harsh winters, Goddess Laxmi once took care of Lord Vishnu when He was in deep meditation in the form of berry trees. These trees are known as Badri trees. Lord Vishnu, impressed, gave this location the name Badrinath. Major cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh are connected to Badrinath via road. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is roughly 317 kilometers away, is the closest airport. April to November are when the temple is open. The summer season (May to June) is the ideal season to come because of the nice weather.
2. Yogadhyan Badri:
Yogadhyan Badri temple is situated in the village of Pandukeshwar, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, at approximately 1,920 meters (6,300 feet) above sea level. According to legend, Lord Vishnu accepted penance from King Pandu, the father of the five Pandavas in the Mahabharata, at this location for his sin of killing two mating deer who had been monks in a previous life.
The Pandavas were born here, and it is also where Pandu died and gained salvation. King Pandu and the mother of Pandavas Kunti got married in Pandukeshwar Karna, the legend from the Mahabharata, and the son of Kunti and God of Son was born in one of the surya kunds near this temple. Pandu established a statue in the meditative posture of Lord Vishnu, which is why this temple is called Yogadhyan.
Copper plates containing ancient writing that details the Katyuri Rajas’ and the temple’s history have been discovered in the area. presenting Offering prayers at the Yogadhyan Badri Temple is necessary before praying at the Badrinath Temple. The closest train station is located in Rishikesh, and it is reachable from there via road. Although you can visit the temple all year round, the ideal time to go is in the lovely summer months of April through June.
3. Bhavishya Badri:
Bhavishya Badri is located in the village of Subain, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, at a height of 2,744 meters (9,003 feet) above sea level. It is believed that when evil will take over the world. When Kaliyuga reaches its final limit, Nar and Narayan mountains will block the way to Badrinath Temple Afterwards, Badrinath will no longer be worshipped at the Badrinath shrine but rather at the Bhavishya Badri temple, which can be referred to as the future Badrinath temple.
Lord Vishnu’s idol is in the form of the Narasimha form (avatar) in this temple. The only way to reach this temple is by hiking. Summertime (May to June) is the ideal season to come because of the nice weather.
4. Vridha Badri:
Vridha Badri is situated in the village of Animath, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, approximately 1,380 meters (4,528 feet) above sea level. According to mythology,
Lord Vishnu appeared here in the form of an old man before Rishi Narad performed penance here. That is why the idol here is in the form of an old man. The image of Badrinath was carved and worshipped here by Vishwakarma. It is accessible by road from Joshimath, which is connected to Rishikesh. The temple is accessible all year-round, but the best time is during the summer months (April to June), when the weather is pleasant.
5. Adi Badri:
Adi Badri
Adi Badri is located in the village of Chandpur, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) above sea level. This was the first temple established among all Sapta Badri, and the architecture of the temple is very complex. It is located between the mountains close to Karnaprayag, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. This temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya.
The Gupta emperors constructed the complex’s roughly seven temples between the fifth and eighth centuries AD. This was the location where devotees used to pray to Lord Vishnu in earlier times when they were unable to access the Badrinath temple. The black rock in the center of the temple is holding a lotus, a mace, and a chakra. Karnaprayag, which is connected to Rishikesh, is the road that leads to Adi Badri. When the weather is nice, between April and June, which are the summer months, is the ideal time to visit.
Panch Badri Route Map:
Along with the famous Char Dham Yatra, Panch Kedar Yatra, and Panch Prayag Yatra, the journey to all five temples of Lord Vishnu – Panch Badri too – holds immense glory in Hinduism and opens the gate to Moksha. To know more about Vishnu and get his blessings, all these temples are important. The locations of all these temples are beautiful, peaceful, and full of spirituality.
FAQs:
What are the Panch Badri temples in Uttarakhand?
The Panch Badri temples comprise five sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu: Badrinath, Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Vridh Badri, and Adi Badri.
How can one reach the Panch Badri temples?
The Panch Badri temples are accessible by road, with Badrinath being the most well-connected. From Rishikesh or Haridwar, one can travel by road to reach these sacred sites.
What is the significance of the Panch Badri pilgrimage?
The Panch Badri pilgrimage holds immense spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu, offering a journey of self-discovery and divine connection in the serene Himalayan surroundings.
What are the best times to visit the Panch Badri temples?
The ideal time to visit the Panch Badri temples is during the summer months from May to June and the autumn months of September to October, when the weather is pleasant and conducive to travel.
Are there any accommodations available near the Panch Badri temples?
Yes, there are various accommodations available near each of the Panch Badri temples, ranging from guesthouses to hotels, catering to the needs of pilgrims and travelers.
