Char Dham Yatra

Lakshman Temple Rishikesh – Timings, Legends and History

August 3, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Other Temples

Lakshman Temple is a popular Hindu temple in dedication to Lord Lakshman in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. He is the younger brother of Lord Rama. Devotees believe that the temple is present in the same place where Lord Lakshman meditated to attain enlightenment. It is believed that the jute bridge, now known as Lakshman Jhula, was constructed by Lord Ram.

It is also a part of the holy Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. Lakhs of devotees visit this pilgrimage every year.

Lakshman Temple Facts

Deity	Lord Lakshman
Location	Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit	September to April
Darshan Timings	5:00 am to 12:00 pm. 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional
Festivals	Dussera and Diwali

Lakshman Temple Timings

People can have darshan at Lakshman Temple from 5 AM to 12 PM in the morning. There is an afternoon break from 12 PM to 2 PM. The evening darshan resumes at 2 PM and the temple closes at 9 PM.

Here are the timings of Lakshman Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 AM	12 PM
Evening	3 PM	10 PM

What is the significance of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

Significance of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — Lakshman Jhula is the rope way used by numerous devotees to reach Lakshman Temple.

The significance of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh is that it is popular for its ancient sculptures and wall paintings. It is present in a religious hub, known as Tapovan. It is an area on the banks of the river Ganga where the popular Lakshman Jhula is present. Trayambakeshwar temple is also present nearby the Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh.

The Lakshman temple is close to the startup point of Rafting for which Rishikesh is quite famous.

White River Rafting Near Lakshman Temple — Lakshman Temple is close to the starting point of the popular sport activity of River rafting that is enjoyed immensely by the youths

What is the history of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

History of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — A beautiful chariot sculpture near Lakshman Temple that can be seen while crossing the Lakshman Jhula

The historical backdrop of this town is rich with various history and legendary stories. Frequently known as the ‘Abode of Gods’, Rishikesh is among the most ancient pilgrimage site of India. One can’t just discuss the history of Rishikesh, without referencing the Lakshman Temple.

According to the historical backdrop of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula present close to the temple was built by Lord Ram in the form of Jute bridge. It continued after some time and after various alterations and remodels is available in its present structure.

What are the legends of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

Legends of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — The divine Lakshman Idol that can be seen inside the sanctum of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh

There are a number of legends associated with the origin of this mythical bridge. Each one of them will leave you astonished with the myths –

As per the legend, Lakshman who was the brother of Lord Rama crossed the river Ganges on a bridge he built with jute ropes. At a similar site, today stands the present Lakshman Jhula and Temple.
Till 1924, Lakshman Jhula near the temple was yet made of jute ropes. However, during an unfortunate flood that happened in October of that year, the jute bridge was crushed.
During the 1930s Lakshman Jhula was rebuilt with iron and steel and was opened for public in 1939.
According to another folklore, Lakshman meditated at this temple to seek spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshman, on their way to the Himalayas, constructed a twig bridge to cross the river, Ganga.
Legend has it that in the wake of killing Ravana, the demon lord. Rama and Lakshman bathed here to wash away their sins.

What is the architecture of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

The design of this temple has been done with splendour. You’ll get a wonderful perspective on the Rishikesh valley from here and the perennial river of Ganga. The temple has been beautifully done with the skilfully structured figures just as paintings. They are the features of this temple that one must observe. The architecture and designing of the Lakshman temple will take you back to an antiquated time.

The Lakshman Jhula situated near Lakshman Temple plays a major role in the daily life of Rishikesh.

What are the festivals celebrated in Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

Festivals celebrated in Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh celebrates Diwali with much splendor and pomp

Some of the festivals celebrated at Lakshman Temple Rishikesh are:

Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity on this day of Dussehra. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana. People also celebrate this festival on the premises of the temple.
Diwali: Diwali is celebrated as the day on which Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, returned to Ayodhya along with his younger brother Lakshman and others. Typical celebrations of Diwali include lighting earthen lamps and worshipping the deities. During the festival time, the temple is decorated with the arrays of lights.

How to reach Lakshman Temple Rishikesh

Here’s how to reach Lakshman Temple Rishikesh:

Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is about 23 km away from the temple. It is a small, quiet and recently renovated airport handling many regular flights from Delhi.
Train: The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh railway station which is 6 km away from the temple. It is linked with Haridwar with three regular trains.
Road: From Delhi, Lakshman temple is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A bus journey might take about 5-7 hours which depends on the traffic. Many buses are available for Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi.

Where to stay near Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

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

Ganga Kinare-A riverside boutique hotel: The rooms are spacious and airy, keeping the comfort for guests in mind. WiFi, LCD TV, air conditioning, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, electronic safe, hairdryer, luxury bath amenities are included. To rejuvenate the body and soul the hotel offers a diverse range of Indian and International treatments in the Ayur Ganga Spa.
The V Resort: The resort offers a 24-hour front desk and doctor-on-call. The corporate travelers have the facilities of the conference room. Guests can even relax in the game room, have a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or visit the spa for a relaxing massage. A library, rentals, luggage assistance, housekeeping, room service, and travel assistance are all provided in the hotel.
Green Hills Cottage: Amidst the most beautiful architecture and luxurious interiors, the hotel features various modern facilities. The resort provides a front desk, room service, parking, laundry, rental, and currency exchange. The rooms provide comfort with amenities like television, telephone, tea/coffee maker, attached bathroom and other essential bathroom toiletries.

What are some temples near Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh?

Temples nearby Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh — The ancient temple of Neelkanth Mahadev and Bharat Mata Mandir is close to Lakshman Temple for devotees to visit

Some of the temples near Lakshman Temple Rishikesh are:

Chandi Devi Temple: Chandi Devi Temple present atop the Neel Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is in honor of Goddess Chandi. The temple is known as one of the panch tirths present in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
Mansa Devi Temple: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Know as the panch tirth within Haridwar the temple is popular among devotees as ‘Bilwa Tirth’. ‘Mansa’ means ‘wish’, and it is believed by the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The main deity of the temple is ‘Neelkanth’ who is in the form of Lord Shiva. The temple has a Shivalingam present where devotees tie a thread around it while worshipping. Several natural springs surround the temple. Many devotees take a holy bath before entering the temple premises.
Trayambakeshwar Temple, Rishikesh: Trayambakeshwar Temple is a multi-storied Hindu Temple in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It contains idols of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Moreover, it is present near the famous Lakshman Jhula of Rishikesh. It has 13 storeys, hence it is popular as ‘Terah Manzil Temple’.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Lakshman Temple –

Is there online booking available for Lakshman Temple?

No, there is no online booking for Lakshman Temple since the entry fee is free.

Where we can stay near Lakshman Temple?

You can stay in Ganga Kinare, the V-Resort, and the Green Hills Cottage. There are few Dharmasthalas available too for devotees and tourist.

What is the nearest airport to Lakshman Temple?

Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport. It is at a distance of 23 km from Lakshman temple.

What is the temperature in Lakshman temple, Rishikesh?

The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35^°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 8^°C in winter.

How far is Lakshman Jhula from Lakshman temple?

The Lakshman Jhula bridge is just 250 meters far from the Lakshman Temple.

How far is it from the Rishikesh Badrinath Highway?

The Lakshman Temple is around 600 m away from the highway and can be reached through tempo traveller.

How far is it from Rishikesh?

The Lakshman Temple is 5 km far from Rishikesh.

How much time does it take to explore the Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh:

It will take you around an hour to fully explore the temple.

Which network is best for Char Dham Yatra? – Kedarnath, Badrinath Mobile Coverage

January 21, 2020, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra

BSNL is the best mobile network for Char Dham Yatra. It is available in all the four Dhams including Kedarnath and Badrinath. Airtel sim also works well. However, there are chances of not getting a connection everywhere. Apart from these two, you can also opt for Idea and Vodafone. It is recommended not to use Jio and other similar networks.

Book Chardham Tour Package

It is best to carry a BSNL sim as the other networks don’t work properly in the Char Dhams and the major cities.

https://youtu.be/l8EazMZCd5E

As the Char Dhams of this Yatra are located in the Himalayan terrain, you will lose network at many places. However, these networks work the best among all.

The more you travel and go towards the elevation, the chances of losing the network connectivity increases. As you move towards the city like Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi etc, you will get back the network connection.

Frequently asked questions about Char Dham Yatra

Vishnuprayag

August 9, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Other Temples, Panch Prayag

Vishnuprayag is a pocket-sized city rooted at the Sangam of the river Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Placed 1372 metres above the sea level, Vishnuprayag falls in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Alaknanda flowing from Badrinath merges into Dhauliganga flowing from the Niti Valley at this place.

Beliefs suggest that sage Narada meditated at this Sangam to please Lord Vishnu. Eventually, Lord Vishnu did appear before him and bestowed him with the cosmic energy. Hence, 2 km away from the confluence of the two rivers is the Vishnu temple from which the Sangam derives it’s name i.e. Vishnuprayag.

It is a famous pilgrimage destination on the route to the Four Dhams of Uttarakhand. Other confluences following it are Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Vishnuprayag is the first among the Panch Prayag according to the flow of Alkananda from its origin.

Chronicles of Vipshnuprayag

Tales of the Hindu mythology point to the story of sage Narada and Lord Vishnu. So, once sage Narad meditated at this place to please Lord Vishnu. Consequently, Lord Vishnu appeared to bless the sage with cosmic energy. However, the incident occurred in a spot, 2 km away from the Sangam where a Vishnu temple was then constructed.

Chronicles of Vishuprayag — Ahalyabai, the Maharani of Indore is the one behind the construction of Vishnu temple at the holy confluence.

Credits for the construction of Vishnu Temple near the Vishnuprayag is held by the Maharani of Indore, Ahalyabai. Further, the royal highness constructed this temple of the octagonal structure near the holy confluence back in 1889.

Formerly built for the installation of a Shiva linga, it now has an idol of Lord Vishnu. A path of stairs in the temple leads to Vishnu Kund. The water of the holy confluence pours in the Vishnu Kund.

Essence of Vishnuprayag

Vishnuprayag is the holy intersection where Alaknanda and Dhauliganga unify. Also, this stretch of Alaknanda goes by the name ‘Vishnu Ganga’. Hindu traditions state that ‘Prayag‘ is the confluence of two or more rivers. Moreover, it is also where the river is worshipped as well as death rites are performed.

It’s a popular belief that Panch Prayag on the way to Badrinath is the ‘Svargarohana Route’ taken by Pandavas on their journey to heaven

Essence of Vishnuprayag — The hydroelectric power plant at Vishnuprayag.

Jaypee Industries hold the ownership of The Vishnuprayag Hydro Electricity Power Plant. Moreover, the plant stretches to a length of 12 km.

Ways to reach Vishnuprayag

Here’s how to reach Vishnuprayag:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is 280 km away from Vishnuprayag.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is 261 km away from Vishnuprayag.
Bus: One can avail taxis or buses from Rishikesh railway station to Joshimath. At Joshimath, there is the availability of local transport to reach Vishnuprayag.

Stays near Vishnuprayag

Here are some of the places where one can stay near Vishnuprayag while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Hotel Grand Kailash: Its a blend of luxurious amenities offered in Joshīmath. Guests can eat at the on-site restaurant. Moreover, free private parking is also available on site.
Hotel Mount View Annexy: The place accommodates all the modern luxuries for the guests. Also, the hotel’s window opens up to a beautiful mountain view.
Panchavati Inn: The place is a good holidays retreat. Rooms provide all the luxuries. Also, the hotel staff is very cordial.

Other Panch Prayag Destinations

Other Panch Prayags:

NandaPrayag: Devotees believe that a holy dip in the confluence of Nandaprayag can absolve one of his/her sins. It is the second confluence following Vishnuprayag.
KarnaPrayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda and river Pindar. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Also, it is the third confluence after Vishnuprayag and Nandaprayag.
Rudraprayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda and river Mandakini, in Uttarakhand. It is at a height of 895 metres from the sea level. It is the fourth confluence following Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag and Karnaprayag.
DevPrayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, in Uttarakhand. From Devprayag both rivers unify and flow as Ganga or Ganges. Moreover, Devprayag draws its name from sage Devsharma who led his life here.

The Panch Prayag are a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vishnuprayag

Which rivers meet at Vishnuprayag?

Alaknanda and DhauliGanga meet at this confluence.

Which is the best time to visit Vishnuprayag?

Devotees can visit the place all year round. However, try avoiding travel to the place during harsh winter months and monsoon season.

What activities can I do at Alaknanda-Dhauliganga confluence?

Devotees can enjoy activities like trekking and river rafting at Alaknanda-Dhauliganga confluence.

Know more about the string of these five confluences in Panch Prayag- Five sacred confluences in Uttarakhand.

Badrinath Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2019, Darshan Timings, Travel Guide

August 9, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Sapta Badri, Vishnu Temples

Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is one of the temples which form the Char Dham Pilgrimage in India. The temple also a part of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Badrinath Temple Opening Dates for 2019 – 10 May, 2019

Badrinath Temple Closing Dates for 2019 – 9 November, 2019

Badrinath Temple is surrounded by two peaks named Nar and Narayana. The peaks symbolize twin forms of Lord Vishnu. Neelkanth mountain is in the backdrop of the temple. The temple opens from April to November.

Nar & Narayana - Vishnu's Twin Forms — **Nar & Narayana – Vishnu’s Twin Forms**

Badrinath Temple
Temple Timings	4:30 am to 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Opening Date	10-May-2019
Closing Date	09-November-2019 (Tentative)
Time Taken for Darshan	May and June: 4 hours, July-October: 1 hour
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	May, June, September, October
Registration	Bio-metric registration in Rishikesh
Nearest Airport	Dehradun

**Badrinath Temple at the Opening Ceremony**

Frequently Asked Questions about BADRINATH TEMPLE

What is the best time to visit Badrinath?

The climate at Badrinath is cold and chilled the whole year. The peak seasons for the visitors are from May to June and September to October. During monsoon, there is so much rainfall at Badrinath. It is advisable not to visit during monsoon.

Can I visit Badrinath now?

The Kapat of Badrinath temple opens on 10th May for the year 2019. One can visit after that any time.

Can I visit Badrinath in December?

At Badrinath, winter starts from October and lasts till April. The average temperature falls down to 5°C during day time. In December, Badrinath experiences heavy snowfall. It is advisable not to go during December.

How can I go to Badrinath from Haridwar by train?

No direct flights or trains are available from Haridwar to Badrinath. You have to take NDLS Janshatabdi from Haridwar to Dehradun. Then you can take a taxi from Dehradun to Badrinath.

Can I go to Badrinath by car?

You can hire a taxi from the railway station to reach Badrinath. There are buses available too from nearest bus stations. However, it is not recommended to go by car. Find out why?

How far is Badrinath from Rishikesh?

If you take NH7, it will take you 10 hours and 4 minutes. The journey is 296.6 km and the shortest.

Does Badrinath have snow?

From November to April, it is winter in Badrinath. Snowfall happens very often during winters. The average temperature is 5°C.

What is the altitude of Badrinath?

Badrinath Temple is at a very high altitude of 3300 meters.

Can we visit Badrinath in March?

It is not ideal to visit Badrinath in March as it will be still winter. For 2019, Badrinath temple opens on May 10th.

How old is Badrinath temple?

Adi Shankara established Badrinath as a pilgrimage site in the ninth century. It is said to be believed that he resided in this place for six years.

Which god is in Badrinath Temple?

Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated in Badrinath town of Uttarakhand. Hence, it is also called Badrinarayan Temple.

Who built Barinath Temple?

It is believed that Badrinath Temple is founded by Adi Shankara. He built the temple in 7th century C.E.

Which river flows in Badrinath?

Alaknanda river flows close to the Badrinath temple of Uttarakhand. The fast flowing river rushes down from the Badrinath valley.

Are Badrinath and Kedarnath same?

In Uttarakhand, Badrinath and Kedarnath are the two holy Dhams. Badrinath is 40.8 kms away from Kedarnath.

What to wear at Badrinath?

• Summer: The days in summer are very hot but at night it’s very cold. You will have to carry some loose cotton clothes and some woolens too.
• Winter: Badrinath is very cold in winter and hence you’ll need to carry heavy woolens with you.

What are the timings of Badrinath temple?

Badrinath Temple timings are from 4:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day. The temple is open only for 6 months a year due to extreme weather conditions. The temple opens on the day of Akshaya Tritiya in May. It closes on the eve of Vijayadashami in November.

Here are the Badrinath temple darshan timings and pooja timings:

Timings	4:30 am to 1:00 pm (Morning Darshan) 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Evening Darshan)
Abhishekam	7:30 am to 12:00 pm
Shayana Aarti	10:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Poojas	Ved Path, Geeta Path, Akhand Jyoti

What are the sevas and poojas at Badrinath Temple?

The self-manifested statute of Lord Vishnu is worshiped in a religious manner. Poojas and sevas are performed at the temple twice a day. Here are the different kinds of sevas and poojas that take place inside the Badrinath temple:

Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah Path – It is a special pooja which the temple performs on request. This pooja continues for seven days and is in honor of Lord Krishna. There are 18000 mantras in the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha. A Yagya is performed on the last day of the Pooja. By doing this Pooja, one gets rid of fear and misfortune in the life.
Vishnu Sahasranamam – It is a prayer consisting of the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu. Each name signifies different attributes of Lord Vishnu.
Ved Path – A recitation of verses from the four Vedas – Rig, Sam, Yajur, and Atharva.
Geeta Path – The whole Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta is chanted in front of the deity.
Akhand Jyoti – The temple is not for pilgrims on Vijaya Dasami. On the last day, the priests light a lamp with special ghee brought from the Mana village. This lamp continues to lit for six months.

People can have the darshan at Badrinath temple at free of cost. Devotees can also do some special poojas or aartis.

What is the history of Badrinath temple?

Badrinath Temple History dates back to many centuries. There is no historical record about Badrinath temple.

Vedic scriptures mention the origin of the temple. According to which, the temple was a Buddhist shrine till the 8th century. Adi Shankara converted it to a Hindu temple later. The architecture of the temple is very much like a Buddhist temple. This has lead to a lot of argument about its origin.

According to Skandapuranam, the temple was originally established by Adi Shankara. He founded a black statue of Vishnu lying on the banks of Alaknanda River. He established it in a cave near the Tapt Kund which later became famous as the Badrinath Temple.

**Adi Shankaracharya Established Badrinath Temple**

A traditional story says that Shankara expelled all the Buddhists in the region. The successors of the king Kanak Pal governed the temple for years. The income of the villagers was used to feed & accommodate pilgrims. The king enjoyed obedience by the devotees before proceeding to the temple.

According to a legend, Lord Shiva chose this place for his tapasya. However, Lord Vishnu wanted the place for himself. So, he took the form of a little boy and started crying down on the rocks. He didn’t calm on both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s request. Hence, on Parvati’s request, Lord Shiva left for Kedarnath for his tapasya.

Another legend says that Lord Vishnu sat in meditation at this place. During the meditation, Vishnu was not aware of cold weather. Goddess Laxmi then protected and sheltered him in the form of the Badri tree. Pleased by Lakshmi’s devotion, Vishnu named the place Badrika Ashram.

Why is Badrinath popular?

The statue of Lord Vishnu in the temple is Swayambhu in nature. It is one of the 8 self-manifested statues of Vishnu. Badrinath is one of the temples among the Char Dham Pilgrimage in India. It is also a part of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

It is mentioned in the Vamana Purana that the sages Nara & Narayana did penance here. ‘Nara’ and ‘Narayana’ is the dual form of Lord Vishnu’s 5th avatar. It is also believed that Narada achieved moksha on Narad Shila located at Badrinath. The great sages like Kapil Muni, Gautam and Kashyap also did penance here.

The Badrinath Temple is a part of the Panch Badri temples. The other temples are Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and the Vriddha Badri. The holy river Saraswati also originates from a glacier near Badrinath.

The water of the hot spring Tapt Kund is said to have medicinal properties. A dip in the kund can cure a lot of diseases.

The Skanda Purana states that there are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth, and in hell. But there is no shrine like Badrinath. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India. Lakhs of devotees travel to this pilgrimage every year.

What to wear while going Badrinath?

Badrinath temple is situated in the backdrop of Neelkanth mountains. The weather is cold throughout the year. Rainfalls and snowfalls often occur there. Hence, one should wear proper winter clothes with mufflers and gloves. An umbrella is also must to carry.

How to reach Badrinath temple?

Air – The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun at a distance of 314 km.
Train – The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (295 km away).
Road – One can take a bus from New Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh.

What are the festivals celebrated here?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Badrinath temple are:

Badri-Kedar festival – The festival usually occurs in the month of June. Artists from all over Uttarakhand come together to show their musical talent. They dedicate it to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This festival continues for 8 days.
Mata Murti Mela – Badrinath temple organizes a large fair every September. This day is to celebrate the coming of the Ganga river on the earth. The day is in honor of Mata Murti, mother of Nar & Narayana. Devotees also believe that she divided the Ganga river into 12 channels.
Janmashtami – This festival is a celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna (8th avatar of Vishnu). It occurs in the month of August or September. Devotees organize several processions for Lord Krishna on this day.

Where to stay near Badrinath temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Badrinath temple are:

New Snow Crest: The hotel is just 1.7 km to the city center. The hotel has a huge entrance. Your car can come to the hotel doorsteps. Rooms are equipped with facilities of hot water, heater, etc. The temple is at a walking distance of less than 1 km.
Narayan Palace: This hotel is at the base of the hill and by the side of river Alaknanda. Rooms are equipped with facilities of hot water, heater, etc. Window view from the hotel room is magnificent. Staff is polite and food is delicious in this hotel.
Sarovar Portico Badrinath: Sarovar Portico is a well-known name. They are known for their nice and polite staff. The hotel has a beautiful infrastructure. The window view of the hotel is excellent. You can easily relax there looking at the mountains and people on the streets.

What are some of the temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Badrinath temple are:

Adi Badri: It is the 2nd among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. When Badrinath temple closes for winters, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple. The sanctum of the temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu which is 1 meter high. It has been carved out of black stone.
Vridha Badri: It is the 3rd among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. Devotees believed that Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Badrinath here before taking him to the main temple. Vridha Badri is temple is open for pilgrims throughout the year.
Bhavishya Badri: It is the 4th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. According to belief, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri at the end of Kaliyuga. The name of the place means ‘Future Badri’ implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.
Yogadhyan Badri: It is the 5th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. As per mythology, the Pandavas were born here and Pandu achieved moksha here. Yogadhyan Badri has a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Pandu installed this image. The image shows the Badri meditating (dhyana). Hence, the name of the shrine comes to be known as ‘Yoga-dhyan’ Badri.
Dhyan Badri: It is the 6th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. It has an Image of Lord Vishnu which Urvashi established. This image of Vishnu has four arms, made of black stone. It is also in a meditative posture.
Ardha Badri: It is the 7th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. In comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu is smaller here.

If you need any help regarding this yatra, feel free to leave a comment. We will give you reply in an hour.

Valley of Flowers

September 25, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Blog, Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples

Valley of flowers is an Indian National Park in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is rich in flora and fauna that includes endangered and rare species of plants as well as animals. This diversity is a representative of a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of Zanskar and Great Himalaya.

Valley of Flowers – Overview

Opening Timings of the Valley	8 am – 5 pm
Time required to see the valley	4 – 5 hours
Best Time To Visit	Mid of July to August
Entry Fee	20 rupees per person
Nearest Airport	Jolly Grant Airport
Location	Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Furthermore, the valley lies 20 km northwest of Nanda Devi National Park. Moreover, the valley is open for visitors beginning of June till the start of October.

The Uttarakhand State Forestry Department, the national Ministry of Environment and Forests, India are responsible to administer the valley.

What is the significance of Valley of flowers?

This picturesque valley is significantly popular as an amalgamation of 600 different species of flora. Moreover, 62 species of Asteraceae dominate the valley. However, 45 species from the valley are used for medicinal purposes by the villagers. Also, it is home to endangered fauna such as red fox, snow leopard, musk deer, etc.

Moreover, it provides aesthetic pleasure to visitors because of a rich variance of flora growing here. Moreover, on the religious front, it is a popular destination where yogis visit for meditation since ages. Also, locals believe that Gods and fairies inhabited the valley.

Significance of Valley of Flowers — This temple is worshipped across the valley of flowers.

Nanda Devi, the regional peak is worshipped throughout the valley as an epitome of the goddess who is believed to be one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga.

What are the timings of Valley of Flowers?

Timings	From
Open	8 am
Close	5 pm

What is the history of Valley of flowers?

The history of this valley traces back to 1931, prior to which it existed in seclusion. Hence, In 1931, three British mountaineers namely, Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton and R.L. Holdsworth lost their way while coming back from Mount Kamet. Fortunately, they came across the place which was full of flowers. Hence, they named it ‘Valley of flowers’.

In 1980, the Government of India declared Valley of Flowers as a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, for the conservation of its flora and fauna.

The valley also is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How to reach Valley of flowers?

Here’s how to reach the place:

Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport. It is 284.6 km away from Govindghat.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is at a distance of 273 km from Govindghat.
Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. From there, one can avail buses or taxis to Govindghat. One has to complete a trek of 16 km from there to this divine valley.

Reaching Valley of Flowers — After Govindghat, one has to trek to reach this beautiful valley covered in flowers.

Where to stay near Valley of flowers?

Some of the places where one can stay near Valley of flowers are:

Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers all the modern facilities to its guests. Moreover, backed by a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures that all needs of guests are fulfilled timely.
Hotel Sudarshan Palace: This Hotel provides all luxurious to its guests. Moreover, both interiors, as well as the exteriors of the place, are a complete charm. Also, it is quite budget-friendly.
Shri Krishna Palace Hotel: This accommodation in Chamoli features a total of 36 well-maintained and spacious rooms. Additionally, this hotel in Chamoli provides a hygienic and comfortable stay.

What are some places to visit near Valley of flowers?

Some of the places one can visit near Valley of flowers is:

Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund Sahib (Formerly Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji) is a Sikh place of worship in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The place is dedicated to the tenth Guru of Sikhism- Shri Guru Gobind Singh.
Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Devotees believe that the statue of the Deity Lord Vishnu placed inside the temple is self-manifested. Also, it is a part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
Narsingh Temple, Joshimath: It is an ancient temple for Lord Narsimha, the fourth incarnation of Vishnu. Since the temple is a part of ‘Sapt Badri’, it is also popular as Narsingh Badri Temple.