Visiting Badrinath: The Abode Of Lord Vishnu

Uttarakhand has four holy temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and India's holy rivers,  located in the Garhwal region. Together, these are referred to as Char Dhaam of Uttarakhand. As part of the Char Dhaam Yatra, pilgrims from all across India and beyond visit the sites. Char Dhaam Yatra is very important and sacred in Hindu religion. It is said that every Hindu should participate in Char Dhaam Yatra at least once in their lifetime to obtain the blessings of the gods who adorn the shrines. (Image Source: PTI)

The Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the sacred Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand. These four ancient Hindu temples are thought to be the spiritual sources of four sacred rivers, including the Alaknanda River, which flows along Badrinath temple. Hindus believe that visiting these temples will cleanse them of their sins and assist them in attaining moksha. (Image Source: PTI)

Lord Badrinarayan, the temple's 3.3-foot-tall black stone idol, is sitting in a meditation stance rather than his typical reclining pose, beneath a badri tree and canopy of pure gold. Within the temple grounds, there are idols of 15 different deities, some in the inner sanctuary and others outside. Uddhava (Lord Krishna's disciple), Garuda (Lord Vishnu's vehicle), Kuber (the deity of riches), Lord Ganesh, Nara and Narayana, Shridevi and Bhudevi, and Goddess Lakshmi are among them. Tapt Kund, a medicinal hot sulphur spring beneath the temple, is also open to pilgrims before they enter. (Image Source: PTI)

The Badrinath Dham is located between the peaks of Nar and Narayan. Motorable roads make it easy to go to Badrinath Dham. It can even be accessed by walking a short distance. Pilgrims may easily spot the Peak of Neelakantha, which rises tall and has a powerful aura.(Image Source: PTI)

Satopanth Tal is a beautiful glacial lake surrounded by majestic peaks such as Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Swargarohini, and Balakun. This triangle lake is a difficult journey 25 kilometres from Badrinath and is one of the Garhwal region's hidden jewels. According to legend, this lake is where the Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva meditated. The lake is also mentioned in stories based on the epic Mahabharata. The hike to Satopanth takes you via Mana, India's last settlement, as well as the famed Vasudhara and Sahastradhara waterfalls. (Image Source: PTI)

The most important celebration held at Badrinath Temple is Mata Murti Ka Mela, which honours the Ganges' descent on Mother Earth. During the festival, the mother of Badrinath, who is said to have divided the river into twelve channels for the benefit of terrestrial beings, is worshipped.  Another is the Badri Kedar festival, which is held during the month of June. The event lasts eight days and features performances by musicians from all throughout the country. (Image Source: PTI)

Mana, the last settlement before the Indian border, is a piece of heaven. The village offers quiet natural beauty with its modest cottages where members of the Bhotiya tribe sit, spinning woollen clothing. Take the 5km journey from Badrinath to enjoy the charms of country life. (Image Source: PTI)

The people of Badrinath are deeply deeply religious and live humble lives, adhering to their traditional culture and customs. Worshipping, visiting the Badrinath temple, fasting, and performing rituals are all part of the locals' daily lives. (Image Source: PTI)

The majority of people in the holy town of Badrinath are Hindus and Jains, hence Hinduism and Jainism are the dominant religions. However, Buddhism and Islam are also practised by a small number of people. Hindi and Garhwali are the main languages spoken in Badrinath. (Image Source: PTI)

Joshimath, serves as the winter abode for the presiding deity of Badri Vishal. The idol of Badrinath Ji is carried down to this picturesque holy town when the temple closes for the winter months. This hill village, located at an elevation of 1,890 metres above sea level, is set against the magnificent backdrop of the mystical, snow-clad Himalayan peaks. This location is also the starting point for a number of Himalayan hiking treks, expeditions, and other outdoor adventure activities. (Image Source: PTI)