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Char Dham Yatra

Panch Prayag – Five Sacred Confluences in Uttarakhand

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Panch Prayag is a manifestation in the spirit of the Hindu religion. The expression is used to signify the five holy river confluences in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

The word ‘Prayag’ breaks down to the confluence of two or more rivers. Moreover, Panch Prayag goes by the name ‘Panch Pentad’ in Sanskrit. Nevertheless, five confluences in the descending order of their existence are Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Holy Pathways of Panch Prayag

Alaknanda originates from the triangular lake called Satopanth. It is present 4402 metres above sea level. Moreover, Satopanth gets its name from Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Bhagirath Kharak Glaciers lying near Nanda Devi peak in Uttarakhand.

Holy trail of Panch Prayag
Satopanth is the origin of the Holy Alaknanda river.

In the course of 229 km from its origin Alaknanda crosses all the five Prayags. Moreover, it finally unifies with Bhagirathi and gives rise to the Holy Ganges or Ganga. Nevertheless, it continues to flow down further to Rishikesh and Haridwar that share the banks of Ganges in Uttarakhand.

Each Sangam or confluence has developed religious towns near them due to the inflow of pilgrims visiting Panch Kedar and Sapta Badri temples. Also, devotees take bath at these holy Sangam while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

The town names inspired by these confluences are titled as Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag. However, Vishnuprayag does not have a town at its bank yet it is 12 km from Joshimath.

The Essence of the Five Prayags

According to Hindus, Prayag is the sacred Sangam of rivers where devotees take a dip before worship. Also, people arrive at these sacred sangams to perform the last rites for the dead. Moreover, the devotees worship holy confluences as God’s manifestation on Earth.

Essence of Panch Prayag
Dip in the holy waters of Prayag is believed to wash away ones sins.

However, the Prayag at Allahabad is considered to be the holiest. Nevertheless, the Panch Prayag of Uttarakhand is just next to them. Apart from numerous tales from the Puranas, these Prayags are home to the amazing scenic beauty.

Moreover, the religious texts state that Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand is the Svargarohana route that the Pandavas took to reach heaven.

How to get to these confluences?

Rishikesh is the point of start for your Panch Prayag journey. It is near to Haridwar that has train connectivity to all the major cities of India. Moreover, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is at a distance of 18 km from Rishikesh.

Besides these, one can take a road trip to Rishikesh from different parts of the country. However, one can hire private taxis to Rishikesh as per their convenience.

From Rishikesh, the distance of the five Prayags are –

Name of the PrayagDistance from Rishikesh
Vishnuprayag263 km
Nandaprayag193 km
Karnyaprayag 173 km
Rudraprayag141 km
Devprayag74 km

Portrayal of Panch Prayag

  • Vishnuprayag– After Alaknanda descends from Satopanth, Dhauliganga merges into it at this Sangam. Moreover, Ahlayabai, the queen of Indore constructed a Vishnu temple at this Prayag.
  • Nandaprayag– Here, Alaknanda meets Nandakini river and the two rivers unify. However, this confluence gets its name from King Nanda who performed yagna at this place in pursuit of a son.
  • Karnaprayag– This is the confluence of river Alaknanda and Pindar. Beliefs say that Krishna cremated Karna at this place only. Hence, there is a Karna temple by the banks of the confluence.
  • Rudraprayag– At this place, Mandakini river joins Alaknanda in its flow. Moreover, traditional tales suggest that Shiva appeared in its Rudra avatar at this place in front of Sage Narada. Hence, the place has Shiva temples in abundance.
  • Devprayag– This confluence gives birth to the mainstream Ganges as Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify. Devprayag means ‘Godly confluence‘. Moreover, the inspiration of the confluence’s name is taken from sage Dev Sharma from Satyug, who got blessings from Lord Vishnu. Lord Ram also meditated here so it has many Ram temples too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panch Prayag

Where is the Panch Prayag located?

Panch Prayag is present in the ‘God’s Land’ i.e. Uttarakhand.

Which river meets Alaknanda at Karna Prayag?

Pindar meets Alaknanda at Karna Prayag.

How many Prayags are there in Uttarakhand?

As the name, Panch Prayag suggests there are five Prayag in Uttarakhand.

When should one visit these Prayags?

The best time to visit these Prayags is from March to October.

Narsingh Temple Joshimath

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Narsingh Temple Joshimath is a dedication to Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Moreover, the temple sits in Joshimath, which is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

Nevertheless, this shrine is also one of the 108 ‘Divya Deshams‘ of Vishnu. Since the temple is a part of ‘Sapt Badri’, it is also popular as Narsingh or Narsimha Badri among its devotees. Moreover, Adi Shankaracharya set up this temple as a dedication to Lord Vishnu’s Narsimha avatar.

Introduction of Narsingh temple
Adi Shankracharya established the Shaligram idol of Vishnu’s Narsimha avatar here.

Reportedly, devotees observe shrinking in the right wrist of Narsingh idol which continues to occur. Moreover, an existing prophecy hints towards the occurrence of a destructive landslide after the wrist of the idol falls off.

Hereafter, the route to Badrinath will close forever. Nevertheless, this temple makes its place in the Char Dham Yatra packages within Uttarakhand.

According to the prophecy, after route for Badrinath temple is closed, Bhavishya Badri will be the place of worship for the devotees of Lord Badrinath.

Narsingh or Narsimha Temple – Facts

DietyLord Vishnu’s Narasimha or Narsingh Avatar
Temple timings6 am – 7:30 pm
Time required for Darshan30 minutes
Best time to visit the templeMarch – June
Entry feeNo fee
Nearest AirportJolly Grant Airport
LocationJoshimath, Uttarakhand

What are the timings of Narsimha Badri, Joshimath?

Devotees can visit the temple during the following timings:

TimingsFrom
Open6 am
Close7:30 pm

What is the significance of Narsingh Temple Joshimath?

Narsingh Temple Joshimath holds major significance as the fourth incarnation of Vishnu that depicts him being half-human and half-lion. Diety’s idol in the temple is 25 cm high and sits on a lotus. On the left-hand side of Lord Narsingh, there is an idol of Goddess Chandika.

While, on Lord Narsingh’s right-hand side are Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Hanuman and Garuda. However, the temple has also installed idols of Badrinath, Kuber and Uddhav. Devotees believe that Badrivishal rests in the temple during winters. Hence, the priests move the idol of Badrinath temple to Narsingh Temple during winters and place it alongside the Narsingh idol.

The idol of Lord Vishnu in Narsingh Avatar located inside the temple is made of Shaligram.

What is the history of the Temple?

Narsingh Temple Joshimath has a history of around 1200 years and was home to a sage called Badri Nath. Also, the idol that sits inside was constructed during the reign of Lalitaditya Yukka in the 8th century.

History of Narsingh temple
Lord Vishnu appeared in Narsimha avatar to kill the arrogant demon Hiranyakashyap.

An ages-old tale states that Lord Narsingh saved his devotee Prahlad from the tyranny of his father. Eventually, Lord Narsingh took the life of the demon Hiranyakashyap.

What are the festivals celebrated at Narsingh Temple Joshimath?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Narsimha Badri in Joshimath are:

  • Holi: It is a Hindu festival which relates with the story of Lord Narsingh saving his devotee Prahlad from his aunt Holika. Hence, when Holika sat in the fire with Prahlad on his father’s order, she was burnt off while Prahlad came out alive.  The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is played with colours.
  • Narsingh Jayanti: It calls for a celebration on the day when Lord Vishnu appeared in his half-human and half-lion form, popular as ‘Lord Narsingh’. This festival falls on the Shukla Chaturdashi in the month of Vaisakh.
Festivals celebrated at Narsingh Temple
This festival of colours called Holi is celebrated to signify Lord Vishnu’s win over Hiranyakashyap.

How to reach Narsingh Temple Joshimath?

Here’s how to reach Narsingh Temple Joshimath:

  • Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport available to reach Joshimath. It is at a distance of 268.4 km from Joshimath.
  • Train: There are two railway stations near to the temple namely, Dehradun ( 294Km) and Rishikesh ( 256Km).
  • Road: There are buses available for Rishikesh/Badrinath from ISBT Kashmere Gate. The temple is at walking distance from the Joshimath bus stop.

Where to stay near Narsingh Temple Joshimath?

Some of the places where one can stay near Narsingh Temple Joshimath while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

  • Super 8 Temple: This hotel offers a comfortable and hygienic stay. Both exteriors and interiors are a sight to watch and enjoy. Moreover, everything is available in a budget.
  • Country Inn & Suits: This place is an amazing blend of scenic beauty and high-tech luxuries. Moreover, everything can be availed in a budget. Also, the place is a divinity for travellers.
  • Temple Travelodge: This hotel offers an entire bunch of modern amenities. Moreover, it slips easily into one’s budget. Also, it is located quite close to the temple.

What are some places to visit near Narsingh Temple Joshimath?

Some of the places to visit near Narsingh Temple Joshimath are:

  • Rudraprayag: It is the confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini in Uttarakhand. Moreover, it is fourth in the Panch Prayag. It’s home to numerous Shiva temples. Also, It is a part of part of the holy Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand. This confluence is 115 km away from Narsimha Badri.
  • Vasudeva Temple: It holds its place in the list of famous Vishnu temples in India. Nonetheless, the temple resides 30 yards away from the Narsimha Badri. The main deity of the temple is Vasudeva whose idol is carved out of black stone and is 6 feet high.

Triyuginarayan Temple – Timings, Poojas and History

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Triyuginarayan temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The word ‘tri’ means ‘Three’, ‘Yug’ means ‘a period of time’, and ‘Narayan’ is a name for Lord Vishnu. Devotees offer wood to the fireplace of the temple since three Yugas.

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Triyuginarayan Temple – Facts

DeityLord Vishnu
Temple Timings7:00 am – 2:00 pm
(Morning)
4:00 am – 8:00 pm
(Evening)
Time required for Darshan30 mins to 1 hour
Entry FeeNo fee
Nearest AirportJolly Grant Airport
LocationRudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Moreover, the temple is present at an elevation of 1980 metres, 3.1 miles away from Sonprayag, which is the confluence of river Mandakini and Songanga.

It is also a part of the holy pilgrimage Char Dham Yatra Destinations in Uttarakhand.

Triyuginarayan-temple-introduction
Akhan Dhuni, the fireplace where Lord Shiva married Goddess Sati

What are the timings of Triyuginarayan Temple?

Here are the timings of Triyuginarayan Temple:

DarshanOpen TimeClose Time
Morning7:00 AM2:00 PM
Evening4:00 PM8:00 PM

What is the significance of Triyuginarayan Temple?

The significance of Triyuginarayan Temple is that it is also popular as Akhand Dhuni temple due to the presence of an eternally burning flame near the temple. ‘Akhand’ means ‘Perpetual’ and ‘Dhuni’ means ‘Flame’. The temple is also a source of a water stream which fills kunds (water pools) nearby.

Triyuginarayan temple resembles Kedarnath temple in architecture and has a 2-feet high image of Lord Vishnu along with his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, as well as Goddess Saraswati.  Devotees also add Samidha (sacrificial offerings of wood) to the eternal flame in front of the temple and collect the ashes as blessings.

Significance-of-Triyuginarayan-Temple
Lord Vishnu witnessed the holy ceremony of exchange of vows between Shiv and Sati.

What is the history of Triyuginarayan Temple?

There is a story related to the history of Triyuginarayan temple. According to it, Triyuginarayan was the capital of Himavat, where the marriage of Shiva and Sati took place at the Brahmashila. There is an Agni-Kund in front of the temple, in the presence of which, the wedding took place.

History-of-Triyuginarayan
The temple is the place on Earth where Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva were tied into matrimony.

Before the marriage, they took a bath in three pools- Rudra Kund, Brahma Kund and Vishnu Kund. According to the scripture, pilgrims who visit this temple consider the ashes from the burning fire as holy and carry it with them. Moreover, it is also believed that ashes from this fire are supposed to promote conjugal bliss. However, the inflow into the three kunds is from the Saraswati-Kund.

Beliefs say that Adi Shankaracharya built the temple.

What are the festivals celebrated here?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Triyuginarayan Temple are:

  • Navratri: Navratri or Durga Puja is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and also restore Dharma. Celebrations include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story as well as chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism. It is also celebrated in Mansa Aarti at Chhatarpur Temple Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple (A part of the Char Dham Yatra). Take a look Navratri 2018 colours with date.

How to reach Triyuginarayan Temple?

Here’s how to reach Triyuginarayan temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (244 km) which is located at Dehradun.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (261 km away from the temple).
  • Road: The temple is 12 km away from Sonprayag which connects well to other places by road. One can also access the temple by trekking.
Nearest-Airport-to-Triyuginarayan
Jolly Grant is the nearest Airport to the Triyuginarayan Temple.

Where to stay nearby?

Some of the places where one can stay near Triyuginarayan temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

  • Shivalik Valley Resorts, Kedarnath: The hotel accords technology-laden business centres which will meet all your business needs efficiently. For those looking to take it easy after a tiring day, the hotel also has a lounge/ bar for you to unwind. Guests can request for a non-smoking room if they wish to do so as the hotel offers separate rooms for their convenience.
  • Kedar River Retreat, Gaurikund: The hotels offers facilities such as Wi-Fi, Spa, parking, restaurant, as well as laundry.

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Triyuginarayan Temple are:

Nearby-temples
Some temples that you can pay visit nearby Triyuginarayan Temple.
  • Kedarnath Temple: It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga’s of Lord Shiva. Moreover, Adi Shankaracharya constructed the temple in the 8th century A.D. Some of the places to visit near Kedarnath are Gandhi Sarovar, Vasuki Tal, Gaurikund, Sonprayag, Triyuginarayan, Agastyamuni Temple as well as Deoria Tal.
  • Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Chandi Devi Temple present atop the neel parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is in the honour of Goddess Chandi. The temple is also one of the panch teerth present in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and also exists in close association with Mansa devi.
  • Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Also popular as ‘Bilwa Tirth’, this temple is among the panch tirth within Haridwar. Also, ‘Mansa‘ means ‘wish‘ and it is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfils their wishes. Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Temple

Does the temple allow marriage ceremonies?

Yes, The devotees can get married with the blessings of Shiva and Parvati here.

What is the best time to visit Triyuginarayan Temple

The best time to visit Triyuginarayan is between the months of October and March.

Is photography allowed inside the temple?

No, Photography is prohibited inside the temple.

Yogadhyan Badri – Sapta Badri

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Yogadhyan Badri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated at Pandukeshwar village near Govind Ghat in the district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand at an altitude of 1920 m. It is the fifth temple complex among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. It’s part of the famous ‘Sapta Badri‘ pilgrimage circuit. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

Yogadhyan Badri – Facts

Deity Lord Vishnu
Location Pandukeshwar, Near Govind Ghat, 
Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings 5 AM to 12 PM
2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Krishna Janmashtmi, Makar Sankranti

In ancient times, the path to the temple went through the Badri van (Forest of berries). Hence, the suffix ‘Badri‘ is added to the seven holy shrines of Lord Vishnu.

What are the timings of Yogadhyan Badri?

Here are the timings of the temple:

TimingsFromTo
Morning5 AM 12 PM
Evening2 PM9 PM

What is the significance of Yogadhyan Badri?

The significance of Yogadhyan Badri is that it has a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Pandu installed this image, which is depicted to be meditating (Dhyan). Hence, the name of the shrine comes from the posture of the image, and it is called ‘Yoga-Dhyan‘ Badri.

Yogadhyan Badri Significance
The temple has a Bronze image of Lord Vishnu.

Moreover, when the main temple of Badrinath closes down during winters because of extreme weather conditions, Yogadhyan Badri is considered to be the winter abode of the Utsava-murti (festive image) of Badrinath. 

Hence, it is mandatory for a pilgrim to offer prayers at this place in order to complete his/her pilgrimage. Also, the chief priests of the temples are ‘Bhatts‘ from southern India

What is the history of Yogadhyan Badri?

The History of Yogadhyan states that:

  • According to the religious texts, the king Pandu worshipped here to get rid of him from the sin of killing of two mating deer; the two deer were ascetics in their previous lives.
Yogadhyan Badri History
The Pandavas were born at Yogadhyan Badri.
  • King Pandu died and attained salvation here. The Pandavas were also born here, so this place is very important in terms of the religious point of view. The king Pandu installed here an image of Vishnu in meditating posture thus the image got its name – Yogdhyan Badri. This idol is big and life-size carved out of Shaligram stone.
  • Pandavas had fought the war against Kauravas known as Mahabharat and after defeating the Kauravas, all Pandavas brothers came to this place for penance as they had killed their kith and kin in the war. From this place, the Pandavas had gone further to Swargarohini for paying their penance and finally reaching to heaven.

Idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi, and Madri are installed above a shivling inside the temple.

  • As per a copper plate inscription under the rule by early Katyuri Rajas this place has been identified as Panchal Desh.
  • Another historical location near this place is Suryakund, a hot water spring, where Kunti had given birth to her son Karna fathered by Sun God “Surya”. Kunti had got married to king Pandu at Pandukeshwar.
  • It is said that King Arjun also meditated here which attracted God Indra. God Indra sent Pari (angel) to distract Arjun from meditation but Arjun did not get distracted and finally, Indra God blessed Arjun. It is believed that the idol of Vishnu which is present at the temple was given by Indra God to Arjun as a gift.

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

What are the festivals celebrated at Yogadhyan Badri?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Yogadhyan Badri are:

  • Krishna Janmashtmi: It is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It occurs according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is a very important festival for the followers of Lord Vishnu.
  • Makar Sankranti: This festival occurs each year in January and is to appease the Sun God. It is the first day when Sun enters Capricorn and marks the lengthening of daytime in the forthcoming days. This day also includes colorful decorations, preparation of sweets with sesame seeds and children asking for treats and pocket money.
Adi Badri Festivals
Makar Sankranti and Krishna Janmashtmi are celebrated at the temple.

How to reach Yogadhyan Badri?

Here’s how to reach Yogadhyan Badri:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (210 km)
  • Train: Rishikesh and Haridwar are the nearest railway stations.
  • Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. One can avail taxis or state transport buses to Joshimath which is 18 km away from Yogadhyan Badri.

Where to stay near Yogadhyan Badri?

Some of the places where one can stay near Yogadhyan Badri while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

  • Hotel Sudarshan Palace: Hotel Sudarshan Palace has facilities such as 24-hour front desk, garden area and parking facility within its premises. Amenities such as bed, bottled drinking water, access to the common balcony and attached bathroom are available.
  • Hotel Kuber Annex: The facilities offered here are front desk, room service, power backup, STD PCO facility, doctor on call. Massage service is also available here so that guests can relax after trekking. A helicopter booking facility is also available at the hotel.
  • Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers facilities suchlike parking and telephone. With a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures the fulfillment of all needs of guests. Moreover, in case of medical emergencies, one can avail the doctor on call facility at the hotel.

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

What are the other Sapta Badri destinations?

The other Sapta Badri destinations are:

  • Adi Badri: It is the second among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. When Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in weather, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple. Moreover, the sanctum of the temple has an image of Lord Vishnu which is 1 meter high and has been carved out of black stone.
  • Vriddha Badri: It is the third among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. Devotees also believed that Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Badrinath here before enshrining Him in the main Badrinath temple. Vriddha Badri is temple is open for devotees and pilgrims throughout the year.
  • Bhavishya Badri: It is the fourth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. According to beliefs, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri at the end of Kaliyuga. Even the name of the place literally translates to ‘Future Badri’, implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.
  • Dhyan Badri: It is the sixth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. It has an image of Lord Vishnu which Urvarishi established.  This image of Vishnu is four-armed, made of black stone and in a meditative posture. Also, Brahmins from Southern India serve as head priests in the temple.
  • Ardha Badri: It is the seventh among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. In comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means ‘the little Badri’.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Adi Badri Nearby

Adi Badri – Sapta Badri

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Adi Badri is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located on the confluence of the Pindar river and Alaknanda river in Chamoli district, 17 kilometers beyond the Karnprayag. It is the second temple complex among the “Sapta Badri” temples. It’s part of the famous ‘Sapta Badri’ pilgrimage circuit. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

This place is within the Badrikshetra, and Badrinath being the name for Vishnu, the temple is known as the Adi Badri. In ancient times, the path to the temple went through the Badri van (Forest of berries). Hence, the suffix ‘Badri‘ is added to the seven holy shrines of Lord Vishnu.

Adi Badri – Facts

Deity Lord Vishnu
Location Adi Badri Road, Karna Prayag, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings 5 AM to 12 PM
2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Krishna Janmashtmi, Makar Sankranti
Exploration Time2 hr.

Adi Badri is a group of 16 temples. The main temple is dedicated to Narayan (Lord Vishnu). It’s part of the famous Sapta Badri pilgrimage circuit. It is also believed that the temple was built during the Gupta period (5th -8th century).

The temple is located 3 kilometers (1.9 min) from Chandpur fort or Garhi located on the hilltop. The fort was built by the Parmar kings of Garhwal. On shifting of Badrinath (also known as Raj Badri) to Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri will be called the Yog Badri.

The other name of this temple is Helisera according to revenue records.

What are the timings of Adi Badri?

The timings of the temple are:-

TimingsFrom To
Morning 5 AM12 PM
Evening2 PM9 PM

What is the significance of Adi Badri?

The significance of the temple is that whenever Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in weather, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple. Moreover, the sanctum of the temple has an image of Lord Vishnu which is 1 meter high and has been carved out of black stone.

Adi Badri Significance
The image of Lord Vishnu holding a mace, lotus as well as a chakra.

The chief temple priests are Brahmins from Southern India.

What is the history of Adi Badri?

According to history, Adi Shankaracharya built Sapta Badri temples, including Adi Badri during the Gupta period. As per beliefs, he did so to promote and spread Hinduism to all parts of the country, however remotely accessible. As per ancient texts, it is believed that Vishnu resided in Adi Badri during Satyug, Treta, and Dwapar. It is moved to Badrinath in Kalyug.

Adi Badri History 1
Adi Shankaracharya built Sapta Badri temples to promote and spread Hinduism.

Another historical significance of the temple lies in the fact that Maharishi Ved Vyas divided the Vedas into Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda in this temple.

Adi Badri History 2
Maharishi Ved Vyas wrote the holy text of Bhagwat Gita in this temple.

People beleive that pandavas came here after giving up their kingdom Hastinapur to King Parikshit.

According to prophecy, it is believed that the Lord Vishnu will shift to Bhavishya Badri with the end of Kalyug and Satyug begins thereafter. After the lord Vishnu shall shift to Bhavisya Badri, Adi Badri shall be known as Yog Badri as per the religious texts.

The architecture of Adi Badri Temple

  • The complex of the temple consists of the area of 14-meter x  30 meters.
  • The height of the temples varies from 2 meters. to 6 meters.
  • The main temple is of Lord Vishnu, which is raised on a platform.  The Vishnu idol is 1 m, tall black stone, which depicts Lord Vishnu holding a mace, lotus, and chakra.
  • The other temples are dedicated to Shiva, Mantra Devi and a Kund (pond) which are also located within the premises; the Kund is believed to be the original source of the Saraswati river.

Festivals celebrated at Adi Badri

Some of the festivals celebrated at Adi Badri are:

  • Krishna Janmashtmi: It is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It occurs according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is a very important festival for the followers of Lord Vishnu.
  • Makar Sankranti: The festival is celebrated in January. It is to appease the Sun God. It is the first day when Sun enters Capricorn and marks the lengthening of daytime in the forthcoming days. This day includes colorful decorations, preparation of sweets with sesame seeds and children asking for treats and pocket money.
Adi Badri Festivals
Makar Sankranti and Krishna Janmashtmi are celebrated at the temple.

How to reach Adi Badri?

Here’s how to reach Adi Badri:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (206.7 km away from Adi Badri)
  • Train: Rishikesh(189.3 km) and Haridwar(212.8 km) are the nearest railway stations.
  • Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. One can avail taxis or state transport buses for Chamoli district.

Where to stay near Adi Badri?

Some of the places where one can stay near Adi Badri while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

  • Hotel Sudarshan Palace: Hotel Sudarshan Palace has facilities such as 24-hour front desk, garden area and parking facility within its premises. Amenities such as bed, bottled drinking water, access to the common balcony and attached bathroom with hot/cold running water facility and toiletries are available at the Hotel.
  • Hotel Kuber Annex: The facilities offered here are front desk, room service, power backup, STD PCO facility, doctor on call. Massage service is also available here so that guests can relax after trekking. A helicopter booking facility is also available at the hotel.
  • Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers facilities suchlike parking and telephone. With a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures the fulfillment of all needs of the guest. Moreover, in case of medical emergencies, one can avail the doctor on call facility at the hotel.

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

What are the other SaptaBadri destinations?

The other Sapta Badri destinations are:

  • Vriddha Badri: It is the third among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. Devotees also believed that Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Badrinath here before enshrining Him in the main Badrinath temple. Vriddha Badri is temple is open for devotees and pilgrims throughout the year.
  • Bhavishya Badri: It is the fourth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. According to beliefs, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri at the end of Kaliyuga. Even the name of the place literally translates to ‘Future Badri’, implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.
  • Yogadhyan Badri: It is the fifth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. As per mythology, the Pandavas were born here, and Pandu attained salvation and died here. Yogadhyan Badri has a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Pandu installed this meditating (Dhyan) image. Hence, the name of the shrine comes from the posture of the image, and it is popular as yoga-Dhyan’ Badri.
  • Dhyan Badri: It is the sixth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. The image of Lord Vishnu which was established by Urvarishi.  The image of Vishnu is four-armed, made of black stone and in a meditative posture. 
  • Ardha Badri: It is the seventh among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. In comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means Tthe little Badri‘.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Adi Badri Nearby

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