Badrinath is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. It got its name after a temple in Badrinath was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The place is famous for the Char Dham Yatra that makes Badrinath a significant site. Badrinath along with Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri form the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.
The other Char Dham Yatra that originally takes place in India, covering all four parts of India, encompasses Badrinath and Puri, Dwarka, and Rameswara. Hence, the name ‘Char Dham.’ Badrinath is most famous for this pilgrimage.
Other reasons to visit Badrinath
- The mystical architecture. The Badrinath temple’s architecture forms a sort of magical look when the vibrant colors of the temple complement the greenery outside the temple. It is believed that Adi Shankara transformed this temple. The roof of the temple is artistically painted golden to add richness to it. During winters, amidst the snow, the temple looks surreal.
- The Vasudhara falls. Vasudhara falls located 9 km from Badrinath. It originates from Nar Narayan Peak of the Himalayas. The calmness of the fall and the gushing sound of waters give the pilgrims a state of eternal peace. The fall at an altitude of 12,000 ft meets the River Alaknanda.
- The queen of Garhwal, locally known as the Neelkanth Peak, stands at 6,597 meters. This snowy mountain adds a mystic charm to the Badrinath temple when it falls at the backdrop. With the sun shining bright at the top of the hill, it looks like an enchanting beauty. This place makes it to the list of go-to places in Badrinath.
- Bheem Pul. A bridge made out of big rocks stands on top of the River Saraswati. Bheem, a Pandav sibling, built this bridge. This bridge is considered iconic as it is located on the country’s border with Tibet.
- Tapt Kund serves as another attraction for visitors. It is the holiest site in Badrinath. Tapt Kund is a hot water spring that flows below the Badrinath temple. It is believed that whoever takes a bath from this water is cleansed of all his sins.
What are the nearby attractions when in Badrinath?
Apart from Badrinath being a sacred and holy place, other attractions enchant visitors to the place.
Brahma Kapal
The Brahma Kapal has a little history attached to it. Located 2 km from Badrinath, it is considered that Lord Brahma lives in Brahma Kapal Ghat. This place has a history of Lord Brahma himself. People come here to give their obeisance to the deceased so that they get salvation from re-birth.
Charan Paduka
The historical context of this place lies in the fact that it contains the footprints of Lord Vishnu. It lies 3380 ft above sea level and is located 3 km from Badrinath. People come here to visit and witness the footprints of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Vishnu started his journey on Earth from this point and, therefore, stepped on the rocks and left his mark. The road is uneven and risky to travel through, but this does not stop the pilgrims from visiting this place. The place also has a beautiful natural view, which intensifies the occurrence of visitors in this place.
Mata Murti Temple
This place is located 3 km away from Badrinath. The most special about this place is that if you meditate in this temple sincerely, it is believed that the Goddess will grant you, detachment, from all things material. There is a full big Mela held here in September ‘Mata Murti ka Mela’. Everybody comes together and unites as one while singing and chanting songs during the arti done in the evenings. The feeling is extraordinary, and it gives you a sense of spirituality.
Mana Village
Mana village stands on the Indo-Tibetan border, approximately 5.5 km away from Badrinath. It is located on the banks of River Saraswati with an altitude of 3219 m. Bhotias, an Indo-Mongolian tribe, are the inhabitants of this place. Mana village associates itself with the ceremonies of the Badrinath temple and also indulging in the activities of Matha Murti. Mana village comprises several caves, the Vyas Cave, Ganesh Gufa, etc. Mana village is a must-visit for camping and trekking activities.
Weather in Badrinath
Summers Months, March to June: The climate during this time is pleasant, with a temperature around 18°. This season is perfect for pilgrimage.
Monsoon Months, July to September: The temperature during these months drops to 15°.
Winter Months, October to February: The temperatures during winters become 5° to -10 degrees. Snowfall is very often during winters.
Every year there are thousands of people visiting Badrinath either because of sightseeing or for a pilgrimage. On average 20,000,000 people visit Badrinath every year. Out of which 10% visit for tourism purposes. In the year 2018, the Char Dham Yatra witnessed the highest number of visitors, with over 27, 69,508 people visiting the four shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Badrinath is a sacred and holy spot. Every Hindu must visit the sacred place of Badrinath once in their lifetime. Apart from its spiritual aspect, the beautifications in this city are also found in abundance, which attracts many tourists. Badrinath is also an ideal place for tourism where one can have a good time and appreciate beauty. Winters in Badrinath are the most beautiful.
The hills, the river flowing beneath, and the holiest Badrinath temple that stands amidst the snowy mountain are a visual delight. According to the 2011 census, Badrinath had a population of 2,438; out of which 2,054 were male and the rest 384 were female. Badrinath consists of 95% male literacy and 79.9% female literacy. The warmth and helpful nature of the residents of Badrinath make it a bigger attraction for people to visit. With such warmth any place holds a better place in everyone’s heart, and so does Badrinath.