Badrinath Dham
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BADRINATH TEMPLE IN HINDUISM
Badrinath Dham, located in Uttarakhand, is one of the Char Dham and Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
Mythological Significance:
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here in the form of Badri Narayan.
- It is believed that Lord Vishnu meditated here for thousands of years under a Badri tree (jujube) while Goddess Lakshmi provided him shade by turning herself into the tree.
- The site is also associated with the Vishnu Purana and Skanda Purana.
- It is believed that Nar-Narayan, avatars of Lord Vishnu, performed penance here.
- Adi Shankaracharya, in the 9th century, rediscovered the idol of Lord Badrinarayan from the Alaknanda River and enshrined it in the temple, reviving its importance.
One of the Char Dham and Chhota Char Dham:
- Badrinath is one of the four main Char Dham pilgrimage sites (others being Puri, Dwarka, and Rameswaram).
- It is also part of Chhota Char Dham in Uttarakhand along with Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Why Visit Badrinath?
- To attain moksha (liberation): It is believed that a pilgrimage to Badrinath washes away sins and grants salvation.
- Darshan of Vishnu in his meditative form: The peaceful black stone idol in the sanctum offers an unmatched divine aura.
- To complete the Char Dham Yatra: Visiting Badrinath is essential for those undertaking the complete Char Dham pilgrimage.
Experience Beyond Religion:
- The Badrinath journey is a blend of spiritual grace and Himalayan grandeur.
- The sound of the Alaknanda, the sight of Neelkanth Peak shining in the sunlight, and the humble chants in the air elevate the journey beyond a road trip – it becomes a soulful retreat.
Location & Altitude:
- District: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: ~3,300 meters (10,827 feet)
HOW TO REACH BADRINATH
Mode | Route |
By Air | Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 310 km) |
Take a cab or bus to Joshimath → Badrinath | |
By Rail | Nearest Railheads: Rishikesh/Haridwar (approx. 320 km) |
Continue by road | |
By Road | Well-connected via NH7 from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun |
Major halts: Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath | |
Note: Taxis and buses are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. |
Mode | Route |
By Air | Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 310 km) |
Take a cab or bus to Joshimath → Badrinath | |
By Rail | Nearest Railheads: Rishikesh/Haridwar (approx. 320 km) |
Continue by road | |
By Road | Well-connected via NH7 from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun |
Major halts: Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath | |
Note: Taxis and buses are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. |
Custom Route Map: Haridwar to Badrinath
The journey from Haridwar to Badrinath spans approximately 316 kilometers, traversing through picturesque towns and sacred confluences. Here’s a breakdown of the route:
Haridwar to Rishikesh | : | 24 km |
Rishikesh to Devprayag | : | 74 km |
Devprayag to Srinagar | : | 34 km |
Srinagar to Rudraprayag | : | 33 km |
Rudraprayag to Karnaprayag | : | 31 km |
Karnaprayag to Nandprayag | : | 21 km |
Nandprayag to Chamoli | : | 10 km |
Chamoli to Joshimath | : | 48 km |
Joshimath to Badrinath | : | 42 km |
Haridwar to Rishikesh | : | 24 km |
Rishikesh to Devprayag | : | 74 km |
Devprayag to Srinagar | : | 34 km |
Srinagar to Rudraprayag | : | 33 km |
Rudraprayag to Karnaprayag | : | 31 km |
Karnaprayag to Nandprayag | : | 21 km |
Nandprayag to Chamoli | : | 10 km |
Chamoli to Joshimath | : | 48 km |
Joshimath to Badrinath | : | 42 km |
This route offers travelers a blend of spiritual landmarks and natural beauty, making the pilgrimage both sacred and scenic.
The Beautiful Road Journey to Badrinath Temple
The road journey to Badrinath Dham is not just a route to a temple – it is a spiritual voyage filled with breathtaking Himalayan views, roaring rivers, ancient towns, and serene forested valleys.
Route Overview:
- Starting Point (Popular): Haridwar or Rishikesh
- Total Distance: ~300 km (from Rishikesh)
- Major Stops: Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath
Highlights of the Journey:
1. Rishikesh to Devprayag
- Scenic mountain roads begin here, following the course of the Ganga River.
- Devprayag is the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers – a mesmerizing sight where the Ganga officially begins.
2. Devprayag to Rudraprayag
- You’ll pass through beautiful river valleys with sharp cliffs and deep gorges.
- Rudraprayag is another confluence, where the Mandakini meets the Alaknanda, surrounded by mystic vibes and raw nature.
3. Karnaprayag & Nandprayag
- Small towns surrounded by lush forests and snow-clad peaks.
- Ideal for photography and a peaceful halt amidst chirping birds and pine-scented air.
4. Joshimath – The Gateway to Badrinath
- A picturesque hill town and spiritual center. In winter, the idol from Badrinath is brought here.
- Offers panoramic views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, and other Himalayan peaks.
5. Joshimath to Badrinath
- The final stretch (45 km) is the most thrilling and spectacular.
- The road snakes through narrow cliffs, waterfalls, and snow bridges in early summer.
- You’ll pass Vishnuprayag, ancient caves like Ganesh Gufa, and the Hanuman Chatti temple before reaching the temple town.
Pro Tip: Try to start early in the morning, as traffic is regulated with specific time windows due to narrow one-way roads in some sections.
Road Distance Chart from Major Cities to Badrinath:
For pilgrims starting from various locations, here’s a quick reference to the distances:
Delhi to Badrinath | : | 525 km |
Haridwar to Badrinath | : | 310 km |
Rishikesh to Badrinath | : | 297 km |
Dehradun to Badrinath | : | 337 km |
Agra to Badrinath | : | 795 km |
Jaipur to Badrinath | : | 836 km |
Mumbai to Badrinath | : | 1,777 km |
Kolkata to Badrinath | : | 1,661 km |
Delhi to Badrinath | : | 525 km |
Haridwar to Badrinath | : | 310 km |
Rishikesh to Badrinath | : | 297 km |
Dehradun to Badrinath | : | 337 km |
Agra to Badrinath | : | 795 km |
Jaipur to Badrinath | : | 836 km |
Mumbai to Badrinath | : | 1,777 km |
Kolkata to Badrinath | : | 1,661 km |
These distances can help in planning the journey, estimating travel time, and arranging accommodations en route.
HELICOPTER SERVICES TO BADRINATH
Helicopter rides are available from Dehradun (Sahastradhara helipad).
- Service Providers:
- IRCTC Char Dham Yatra Helicopter Package
- Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd
- Heritage Aviation
- UTair India
- Duration: ~1 hour from Dehradun
- Booking:
- Official Char Dham portal: https://heliservices.uk.gov.in/
- Agents or operators’ websites
- Documents Required: Valid ID, medical fitness (for aged pilgrims)
- Cost: Approx. ₹70,000–₹1,00,000 per person for round trip from Dehradun (as per 2024 rates)
ACCOMMODATION IN BADRINATH
Budget (Dharamshalas/Guesthouses):
Name | Tariff (approx.) | Facilities |
GMVN Badrinath Rest House | ₹400 – ₹700 | Dormitories, basic rooms, canteen |
Bholagiri Ashram | Donation basis | Clean rooms, basic amenities, hot water |
Parmarth Lok Ashram | ₹500 – ₹800 | Budget-friendly, spiritual atmosphere |
Mid-Range:
Name | Tariff (approx.) | Highlights |
Hotel Dwarikesh | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 | Attached bathroom, restaurant, close to temple |
Jagirdar Guest House | ₹1,000 – ₹1,800 | Parking, mountain view |
Luxury Stays:
Name | Tariff (approx.) | Highlights |
Sarovar Portico Badrinath | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | Premium rooms, modern amenities, restaurant |
Narayan Palace Hotel | ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 | River view, fine dining, deluxe rooms |
Budget (Dharamshalas/Guesthouses):
Name | Tariff (approx.) | Facilities |
GMVN Badrinath Rest House | ₹400 – ₹700 | Dormitories, basic rooms, canteen |
Bholagiri Ashram | Donation basis | Clean rooms, basic amenities, hot water |
Parmarth Lok Ashram | ₹500 – ₹800 | Budget-friendly, spiritual atmosphere |
Mid-Range:
Name | Tariff (approx.) | Highlights |
Hotel Dwarikesh | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 | Attached bathroom, restaurant, close to temple |
Jagirdar Guest House | ₹1,000 – ₹1,800 | Parking, mountain view |
Luxury Stays:
Name | Tariff (approx.) | Highlights |
Sarovar Portico Badrinath | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | Premium rooms, modern amenities, restaurant |
Narayan Palace Hotel | ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 | River view, fine dining, deluxe rooms |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Season | Months | Conditions |
Summer | May to June | Pleasant weather, perfect for pilgrimage |
Post-monsoon | September to October | Clear skies, fewer crowds |
Winter | November to April | Temple closed due to snow, idol shifted to Joshimath |
Season | Months | Conditions |
Summer | May to June | Pleasant weather, perfect for pilgrimage |
Post-monsoon | September to October | Clear skies, fewer crowds |
Winter | November to April | Temple closed due to snow, idol shifted to Joshimath |
Temple opens in April/May and closes around Diwali (October/November)
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CARRY
- Woollen clothes (temperatures drop below 5°C even in May)
- Raincoat or windcheater
- Personal medications & basic first aid
- Walking stick and trekking shoes
- ID proof and Yatra registration slip
- Energy bars, dry fruits, and water bottles
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Small flashlight/torch
- Oxygen cylinders for elderly (if needed)
NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Place | Distance from Badrinath | Description |
Mana Village | 3 km | Last Indian village before the Tibet border; mythological importance |
Vyas Gufa | 3 km | Believed to be the cave where Ved Vyas composed Mahabharata |
Bheem Pul | 3 km | Natural stone bridge; associated with Bhima from Mahabharata |
Tapt Kund | Near temple | Hot water spring; ritualistic bath before darshan |
Charan Paduka | 3 km trek | Footprint of Lord Vishnu on a rock |
Satopanth Lake | 25 km trek | Sacred lake believed to be the resting place of the Trimurtis |
Joshimath | 45 km | Winter seat of Badrinath idol; famous for Adi Shankaracharya matha |
Place | Distance from Badrinath | Description |
Mana Village | 3 km | Last Indian village before the Tibet border; mythological importance |
Vyas Gufa | 3 km | Believed to be the cave where Ved Vyas composed Mahabharata |
Bheem Pul | 3 km | Natural stone bridge; associated with Bhima from Mahabharata |
Tapt Kund | Near temple | Hot water spring; ritualistic bath before darshan |
Charan Paduka | 3 km trek | Footprint of Lord Vishnu on a rock |
Satopanth Lake | 25 km trek | Sacred lake believed to be the resting place of the Trimurtis |
Joshimath | 45 km | Winter seat of Badrinath idol; famous for Adi Shankaracharya matha |