Badrinath Kedarnath Gangotri Yomunotri

  

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PANCH BADRI

BADRINATH

Also known as Vishal Badri, this temple located at a height of 3,133 nits. is the largest and most popular of the Vishnu pilgrimages among the five Badris. The original temple here is believed to be built by King Pururava and the icon of the lord carved by Vishwakarma, the creator of the gods. The idol was recovered by Adi Shankaracharya from the waters of the nearby Naradkund and consecrated once more in the temple, restored in the 19th century by the royal houses of Scindia and Holkar. 

So holy is this shrine that it forms one of the four prominent places of Hindu worship. The epic Mahabharata, it is believed, was cornposed in the Vyas and Ganesh caves close by. The Vishnu Ganga which later becomes the Alaknanda flows below the temple while Neelkanth keeps vigil over all devotees. For visitors, the area is fascinating: across from the river is Mana, the last habitation before the border with China, and once a flourishing centre of Indo-Tibetan trade. The Vasudhara Falls are quite spectacular. 

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant 316 kms from Rishikesh.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Riahikesh, is 299 kms.
Road: Joshimath to Badrinath 44 kms; Gopeshwar to Badrinath 106 kms; Kamaprayag to Badrinath 127 kms.

ACCOMMODATION

A Tourist Rest House, Temple Committee Guest House, private hotels, lodges and dharamshalas are available.

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