Badrinath

The holy town of the Hindus, Badrinath is situated in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. From among India's Char Dham pilgrimage sites, this one is the most important of all. The major pilgrimage site of the Hindus, Badrinath was established by Adi Shankara in the 9th century. In 2006, around 600,000 pilgrims visited this place compared to only 90,676 pilgrims in 1961. This place has found its mention in the scriptures and legends for many years now. Its importance as a holy place has been imbibed in us from the childhood. The name Badrinath was derived from Badri meaning 'berries' and Nath which meant 'Lord of'.

Pilgrimage attractions in Badrinath

• Badrinath Temple : On the right bank of Alaknanda is the holy spot at an altitude of 3,133 metres. Circumscribed by a beautiful valley, the Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of gilt bull and spire, by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 8th century, this temple has be revamped many a times. Three parts to the temple - the 'garbha griba', the 'darshan mandap', and the 'sabha mandap', there are around 15 idols. The main attraction is the finely sculpted one metre high idol of Badrinath in black stone, depicting Lord Vishnu.
  
  
• Tapt Kund : There is an option for the devotees to take a holy dip in the natural thermal springs on the banks of Alaknanda, before going inside the Badrinath Temple. The kund water is also believed to have medicinal properties.
  
  
• Hemkund Sahib : Hemkund Sahib is an important pilgrimage of the Sikhs and Hindus situated near the Valley of flowers.
  
  
• Brahma Kapal : This is the platform where the Hindus perform the last rites of the deceased ancestors on the banks of Alaknanda.

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