Hill Stations In India
Badrinath
INTRODUCTION
( BADRINATH)
The
holy Dhama temple of Badrinath,is in the state of Uttaranchal
of the Himalaya mountains.The temple's elevation is 10,248 feet
(3050meters). Badrinath is above the Alaknanda river,believed
to be a headstream of the holy Indian river,Ganges.This place
has some special significance from the Indians perspective.According
to the ancient believers, the name Badrinath
has cropped on the basis of Badri Van, where the lush green Badri
trees grow. The word badri is derived from the wild berry that
Lord Vishnu survived on during his reparation at Badri Van. Badrinath
is an 8th century monastery and a temple to the Hindu god Shiva.The
great Indian scholar and teacher Sankaracharya hold the credit
to develop this popular pilgrimage.Adjacent to
the shrine is the hot spring pool of Taptakund in which pilgrims
take a dip before worshipping Sri Badrinatha. Badrinath is one
of the four Dhams, a devout Hindu has to visit in his lifetime
to attain salvation.
LOCATION
Situated on the river bank of the river Alakananda Badrinath
is sandwiched within the two mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan,
with the Neelkanth peak on the background. This gorgeous and rare
beautiful sight is itself an enchantment for tourists and is called
the "Garhwal Queen." The nearest cities are Rishikesh
(300 km), Mussoorie and Dehradun.
The night temperatures falls to as low as 10°C. The day temperatures
are never too high even in summers thus proving Badrinath to be
a distinct identity as compared to other places.
PLACES
TO VISIT
Badrinath, is a tourist atttract for both the Indians
and the foreigners.Badrinath is one of the four
Dhams along with Puri, Rameswaram and Dwaraka.
Badrinath is also known as Tapobhumi (land of meditation and
penance) and Bhubaikunth (heaven on earth). It is situated at
an altitude of 3130 meters above sea level. The temple, also known
as Badri Narayan, is dedicated to Vishnu, who is said to have
done penance in the mythical Brindavan, that once covered the
mountains of Uttaranchal. Besides the main temple itself, the
entrance to the shrine is of special significance.
Tapt
Kund,a natural hot water and cold springs are at the enterance
of the temple.Before entering the temple , the pilgrims take a
holy dip in the Tapt Kund.Other famous natural spring sites are
Narad Kund and Surya Kund.
A rock boulder with the impression of Sheshnag, a mythological
serpent, called Sheshnetra, is also a place which impresses the
visitors. Another important temple is the Mata Murti temple, dedicated
to the mother of Badrinathji.The footprints of Lord Vishnu are
present on a boulder called Charanpaduka.
The
origin of Alakananda River, Alka Puri, attracts the tourists.
Satopanth, a triangular lake, is located at a height of 4400 meters
above the sea level and is one of the sources of the Alakananda
River. It is named after the Hindu trinity-Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu
and Lord Shiva.
Rudraprayag,
which is at the meeting point of the rivers Alakananda and Mandakani,
is known for the Rudranath and Chamunda Devi temples. Nandaprayag
is known for the Gopalji temple. The fifth pilgrimage
spot is Vishnuprayag, at the confluence of Alakananda and Dhauliganga,
where there is a very ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
besides the pool of Vishnu Kund. The convergence of the rivers
gives birth to the famous pilgrim sites that are collectively
called the Panch Prayag. Devprayag, is famous for its rock inscriptions
and the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Raghunath.
Pilgrims
around Badrinath:
Joshimath
Jyotirmath,the religious centre, established by Adi Shankaracharya,
later came to be known as Joshimath. The other sites of interest
are the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh. Apart from its obvious
religious importance, this place is unparalleled for its scenic
beauty.
Valley
of Flowers
Frank S. Smythe, in 1931, discovered this great valley. The valley
is profuse with a plethora of vibrant flowers, hence the name.
Nearby, flows the river Pushpavati, while the massive Rataban
peak forms a splendid backdrop.
Gobindghat
Gobindghat is the starting point for the trek to the valley. This
trakking attraction valley is situated between Joshimath and Badrinath.
Lok-Pal
Hemkund
One of the most famous Gurudwaras in India, Hemkund Sahib is located
here, it is believed to be 4320 metres above sea level. Lok-Pal
Hemkund lake, with its crystal clear waters, and four peaks surrounding
it acts as another important tourist attractive spot.Mana
Village, the last village in the Indo-Tibetan border is about
4 kms from here.
HOW
TO REACH
Airways- Jolly Grant,is the nearest airport,which is about
317 km from Badrinath. Helicopters and small private airlines
are also allowed to land there.
Railways-The
nearest railway stations are Rishikesh (297 km) and Kotdwar
(327 km). Roads-Badrinath is well connected by roads from
Rishikesh, Hardwar,
Kotdwar,
Dehradun, and other hill retreats of the Garhwal
and Kumaon
region.
Hotels
to Stay
Modi
Bhavan, Gujarat Bhavan, Kale Kambli Wale's Ashram behind the temple,
provide a peaceful and comfortable stay to the tourists. Many
religious organizations maintain Dharamshalas, which are very
cheap and clean.Here non vegetarian food is not available.Simple
vegetarian food is available.
Area
: Badrinath is believed to cover 3 Sq. Km area.
Languages : The localites usually speak Hindi, Garhwali
and English
Best Time to visit : Being covered by snow the best time
to enjoy is believed to be between the months May to September.
