Badrinath Situated
297 kms from the holy town of Rishikesh and about 600 kms from Delhi, Badrinath
lies at an elevation of 3,133 m. Considered to be amongst the most pious of the
eternal Hindu shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Badrinath
is located in the lap of Nar-Narayan Parvat, with the Neelkanth peak(6,597m)
overlooking in the background. It is to the credit of Adi Guru Shankaracharya,
who in order to revive the lost prestige of Hinduism and to unite the country in
one bond, built four dhamas or pilgrimage centers in four corners of the
country. Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located on the right
bank of river Alaknanda, perched at an altitude of over 3000m in the middle of a
valley full with scenic beauty. whether someone agrees or not, it has been said
that "there were many sacred spots of pilgrimage in heaven, earth and the
other world, but neither is any equal to Badrinath nor shall there be one".
Even minus this religious claim, Badrinath has some scintillating scenic beauty
and rare recreational spots in the vicinity. Indeed, an universal attraction.The
present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings of Garhwal. The
principal idol in the temple is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a
meditative pose, and flanked by Nara-Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal
Badri and is one of the Panch Badris Top Badrinath
Temple(Adi Shankaracharya Ji) The
Temple has been renovated several times due to damage by avalanches. The present
structure is 15 mtrs high and has a gilded cupola. The rawal or chief priest of
the temple is a Namboodripad Brahmin from Kerala. The temple is divided into
three parts - the garbha griha or sanctum sanctorum, the darshan mandap where
the rituals are conducted and the sabha mandap where devotees assemble.
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