Badrinath

 Badrinath, known for the sacred Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the four Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage yatras. Perched on the Garhwal hill tracks, near the Alaknanda River, Badrinath is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Placed between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath Temple is situated in the backdrop of the mighty Neelkanth mountain and is known for stunning natural beauty.

Situated at the height of 10,279 feet, the Badrinath Temple is believed to be originally established by the saint, Adi Shankaracharya. The temple houses a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu which is 1m tall and is considered to be one of the 8 swayam vyakta kshetras or self-manifested statues of Vishnu. It also finds its mention in the 108 Divya Desams devoted to Lord Vishnu in India.

Badrinath Temple remains closed for six months from November to April each year. The temple is closed for worship on the auspicious day of bhatridwityia in October. On the day of the closure, an Akhanda Jyoti lamp is lit to last for six months and the image of Badrinath is transferred to Narasimha temple at Jyotirmath. Badrinath reopens on Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in April every year.

Badrinath Temple has a Tapt Kund, a hot sulphur spring that is considered to have medicinal values. River Alaknanda is known to originate from here. The festivals of Mata Murti Ka Mela and the Badri Kedar Festival give you another reason to visit the temple.