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:
  • 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

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