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| name                            = Badrinath
| name                            = Badrinath
| settlement_type                = Town
| settlement_type                = Town
| image_skyline                  = Badrinath-1.jpg
| image_skyline                  = Badrinath Temple- Uttarakhand.jpg
| image_caption                  = Badrinath Town
| image_caption                  =  
| nickname                        =  
| nickname                        =  
| image_map                      =  
| image_map                      =  
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| subdivision_name                = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name                = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1              = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1              = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1              = {{flagicon image|..Uttarakhand Flag(INDIA).png}} [[Uttarakhand]]
| subdivision_name1              = [[Uttarakhand]]
| subdivision_type2              = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2              = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2              = [[Chamoli district|Chamoli]]
| subdivision_name2              = [[Chamoli district|Chamoli]]
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| demographics1_info2            = [[Sanskrit]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Trivedi |first=Anupam |title=Sanskrit is second official language in Uttarakhand |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/sanskrit-is-second-official-language-in-uttarakhand/story-wxk51l8Re4vNxofrr7FAJK.html |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=19 January 2010 |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sanskrit second official language of Uttarakhand|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Sanskrit-second-official-language-of-Uttarakhand/article15965492.ece |work=The Hindu |date=21 January 2010 |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>
| demographics1_info2            = [[Sanskrit]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Trivedi |first=Anupam |title=Sanskrit is second official language in Uttarakhand |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/sanskrit-is-second-official-language-in-uttarakhand/story-wxk51l8Re4vNxofrr7FAJK.html |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=19 January 2010 |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sanskrit second official language of Uttarakhand|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Sanskrit-second-official-language-of-Uttarakhand/article15965492.ece |work=The Hindu |date=21 January 2010 |access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>
| demographics1_title3            = Regional
| demographics1_title3            = Regional
| demographics1_info3            = [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]]
| demographics1_info3            = [[Rongpo language|Marchha]], [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]]
| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
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{{location map~|India|label=[[Rameswaram]]|position=left|lat=9.28|long=79.3}}
{{location map~|India|label=[[Rameswaram]]|position=left|lat=9.28|long=79.3}}
}}
}}
'''Badrinath''' is a Hindu holy town and a [[nagar panchayat]] in [[Chamoli district]] in the state of [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]]. It is one of the four sites in India's [[Char Dham]] [[Hindu pilgrimage|pilgrimage]] and gets its name from the [[Badrinath Temple]].
 
'''Badrinath''' is a town and [[nagar panchayat]] in [[Chamoli district]] in the state of [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]]. It is a [[Hindu]] holy place, and is one of the four sites in India's [[Char Dham]] [[Hindu pilgrimage|pilgrimage]]. It is also part of India's [[Chota Char Dham]] pilgrimage circuit and gets its name from the [[Badrinath Temple]].
{{anchor|Etymology|Toponym}}
{{anchor|Etymology|Toponym}}


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
''Badri'' refers to a [[berry]] that was apparently said to grow abundantly in the area, and ''nath'' means "Lord" / "Lord of" as per context in which it is referred. ''Badri'' is also the Sanskrit name for the Indian [[Jujube]] tree,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Ber.html|title=Ziziphus mauritiana - Ber|work=flowersofindia.net}}</ref> which has an edible berry. Some scriptural references refer to Jujube trees being abundant in Badrinath.
Badrinath derives from the Sanskrit compound Badarīnātha, consisting of the terms ''badarī'' (jujube tree) and ''nātha'' (lord), an epithet of [[Vishnu]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Books |first=Kausiki |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UvxLEAAAQBAJ&dq=badrinath+lord+jujube&pg=PT13 |title=Skanda Purana: Vaishnava Khanda: Badrinath Kshetra Mahatmya: English Translation only without Slokas |date=2021-10-24 |publisher=Kausiki Books |pages=13 |language=en}}</ref> It is also known as Badarikashrama.


==History==
==History==
Badrinath was re-established as a major pilgrimage site by [[Adi Shankara]] in the 8th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/districts/chamoli/badrinath.aspx |title=Badrinath |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615165800/http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/districts/chamoli/badrinath.aspx |archive-date=15 June 2012 }}</ref> In earlier days, pilgrims used to walk hundreds of miles to visit Badrinath temple.<ref name=nilkantha>{{cite web|last=Wylie|first=C.G.|title=Himalayan journal : A PRE-SWISS ATTEMPT ON NILKANTA(1947)|url=http://www.himalayanclub.org/journal/a-pre-swiss-attempt-on-nilkanta/|publisher=The Himalayan Club|access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref>
Badrinath was re-established as a major pilgrimage site by [[Adi Shankara]] in the 8th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/districts/chamoli/badrinath.aspx |title=Badrinath |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615165800/http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/districts/chamoli/badrinath.aspx |archive-date=15 June 2012 }}</ref> In earlier days, pilgrims used to walk hundreds of miles to visit the Badrinath temple.<ref name=nilkantha>{{cite web|last=Wylie|first=C.G.|title=Himalayan journal : A PRE-SWISS ATTEMPT ON NILKANTA(1947)|url=http://www.himalayanclub.org/journal/a-pre-swiss-attempt-on-nilkanta/|publisher=The Himalayan Club|access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref>


The temple has been repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes and avalanches. As late as the [[First World War]], the town consisted only of the 20-odd huts used by the temple's staff, but the site drew thousands each year and up to 50,000 on its [[wikt:duodecennial|duodecennial]] festivals (every twelve years).{{sfnp|''EB''|1911}} In recent years its popularity has increased still more, with an estimated 600,000 pilgrims visiting during the 2006 season,<ref>''The Hindu'' newspaper, 17 November 2006</ref> compared to 90,676 in 1961.<ref name=nautiyal/> The temple in Badrinath is also a sacred pilgrimage site for [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavites]]. Badrinath is also gateway to several mountaineering expeditions headed to mountains like [[Nilkantha (mountain)|Nilkantha]].<ref name=nilkantha/>
The temple has been repeatedly destroyed by [[earthquakes]] and [[avalanches]]. As late as the [[First World War]], the town consisted only of the 20-odd huts used by the temple's staff, but the site drew thousands each year and up to 50,000 on its [[wikt:duodecennial|duodecennial]] festivals (every twelve years).{{sfnp|''EB''|1911}} In recent years its popularity has increased still more, with an estimated 600,000 pilgrims visiting during the 2006 season,<ref>''The Hindu'' newspaper, 17 November 2006</ref> compared to 90,676 in 1961.<ref name=nautiyal/> The temple in Badrinath is also a sacred pilgrimage site for [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavites]]. Badrinath is also gateway to several mountaineering expeditions headed to mountains like [[Nilkantha (mountain)|Nilkantha]].<ref name=nilkantha/>


==Temple==
==Temple==
{{Main|Badrinath Temple}}
{{Main|Badrinath Temple}}
[[File:Badrinath Temple - OCT 2014.jpg|thumb|Badrinath is one of the most popular and religious holy towns of the Hindus located at Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India.]]
[[File:Badrinath temple (1).jpg|thumb|Badrinath temple in night after closing ceremony.]]
[[File:Neelkanth Parvath.jpg|thumb|Neelkanth Parbat from Badrinath]]
[[File:Neelkanth.jpg|thumb|View from Badrinath]]
[[File:Badrinath2005.jpg|thumb|Badrinath Town]]
[[File:Badrinath-1.jpg|thumb|Badrinath Temple surroundings]]
[[File:Sheeshtaal.jpg|thumb|Sheeshtaal (Sheshnaag lake)]]
[[File:Badrinath landscape.JPG|thumb|[[Himalayas]] in Badrinath, [[Uttarakhand]]]]


The [[Badrinath temple]] is the main attraction in the town. According to legend Shankar discovered a black stone image of Lord Badrinarayan made of [[Saligram]] stone in the [[Alaknanda River]]. He originally enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs.<ref name=nautiyal/><ref name=uttarakhand>Randhir Prakashan, ''The Holy Places of Uttarakhand Yatra''.</ref> In the sixteenth century, the King of Garhwal moved the [[murti]] to the present temple.<ref name=nautiyal/> The temple is approximately 50&nbsp;ft (15 m) tall with a small cupola on top, covered with a gold gilt roof.<ref name=nautiyal/> The facade is built of stone, with arched windows. A broad stairway leads up to a tall arched gateway, which is the main entrance. The architecture resembles a Buddhist vihara (temple), with the brightly painted facade also more typical of Buddhist temples.<ref name=dhaams>Sen Gupta, Subhadra, ''Badrinath and Kedarnath - The Dhaams in the Himalayas'', 2002. {{ISBN|81-7167-617-0}}</ref> Just inside is the [[mandapa]], a large pillared hall that leads to the [[garbha grha]], or main shrine area. The walls and pillars of the mandapa are covered with intricate carving.<ref name=dhaams/>
The [[Badrinath temple]] is the main attraction in the town. According to legend, Adi Shankaracharya discovered a black stone image of Lord Badrinarayan made of [[Saligram|Shaligram]] stone in the [[Alaknanda River]]. He originally enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs.<ref name=nautiyal/><ref name=uttarakhand>Randhir Prakashan, ''The Holy Places of Uttarakhand Yatra''.</ref> In the sixteenth century, the King of Garhwal moved the [[murti]] to the present temple.<ref name=nautiyal/> The temple is approximately 50&nbsp;ft (15 m) tall with a small cupola on top, covered with a gold gilt roof.<ref name=nautiyal/> The facade is built of stone, with arched windows. A broad stairway leads up to a tall arched gateway, which is the main entrance. The architecture resembles a Buddhist vihara (temple), with the brightly painted facade also more typical of Buddhist temples.<ref name=dhaams>Sen Gupta, Subhadra, ''Badrinath and Kedarnath - The Dhaams in the Himalayas'', 2002. {{ISBN|81-7167-617-0}}</ref> Just inside is the [[mandapa]], a large pillared hall that leads to the [[garbha grha]], or main shrine area. The walls and pillars of the mandapa are covered with intricate carving.<ref name=dhaams/>


==Legend==
==Legend==
According to the [[Bhagavata Purana]], "There in Badrikashram, the supreme being ([[Vishnu]]), in his incarnation as the sages [[Nara and Narayana]], had been undergoing great penance since time immemorial for the welfare of all living entities." (Bhagavata Purana 3.4.22)
According to the [[Bhagavata Purana]], "There in Badrikashram, the supreme being ([[Vishnu]]), in his incarnation as the sages [[Nara and Narayana]], had been undergoing great penance since time immemorial for the welfare of all living entities." (Bhagavata Purana 3.4.22)


The Badrinath area is referred to as Badari or Badarikaashram (बदरिकाश्रम) in Hindu scriptures. It is a place sacred to [[Vishnu]], particularly in Vishnu's dual form of [[Nara-Narayana]]. Thus, in the [[Mahabharata]], [[Krishna]], addressing [[Arjuna]], says, "Thou wast Nara in a former body, and, with [[Narayana]] for thy companion, didst perform dreadful austerity at Badari for many myriads of years."<ref>Dowson's Classical Dictionary of [[Hindu mythology]]</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/75 75]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref>
The Badrinath area is referred to as Badari or Badarikaashram (बदरिकाश्रम) in Hindu scriptures. It is a place sacred to Vishnu, particularly in Vishnu's dual form of Nara-Narayana. Thus, in the [[Mahabharata]], [[Krishna]], addressing [[Arjuna]], says, "Thou wast Nara in a former body, and, with [[Narayana]] for thy companion, didst perform dreadful austerity at Badari for many myriads of years."<ref>Dowson's Classical Dictionary of [[Hindu mythology]]</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/75 75]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref>


One legend has it that when the goddess [[Ganga in Hinduism|Ganga]] was requested to descend to earth to help suffering humanity on the request of Suryavanshi king [[Bhagiratha]], the earth was unable to withstand the force of her descent. Therefore, the mighty [[Ganga]] ([[Ganges]]) was split into two holy channels, with [[Alaknanda]] one of them.
As per one legend, when the goddess [[Ganga in Hinduism|Ganga]] was requested to descend on earth to help the suffering humanity at the request of [[Bhagiratha]], the earth was unable to withstand the force of her descent. Therefore, the mighty Ganga ([[Ganges]]) was split into two holy channels, with [[Alaknanda]] as one of them.


Another legend explains both name and sitting posture as this place was full of Badri bushes and [[Vishnu]] meditating for, beloved [[Lakshmi]] stood next to him sheltering him from scorching sunlight turned into a Badri herself called 'BADRI VISHAL' and her lord (Nath) became the BadriNath.
Another lore states that the area was full of Badri bushes and Vishnu meditated here. His beloved [[Lakshmi]] stood next to him, sheltering him from scorching sunlight and thus turned into a Badri herself called 'BADRI VISHAL' and her lord (Nath) became the BadriNath.


The mountains around Badrinath are mentioned in the [[Mahabharata]], when the [[Pandava]]s were said to have expired one by one, when ascending the slopes of a peak in western Garhwal called Swargarohini (literal meaning - the 'Ascent to Heaven'). The Pandavas passed through Badrinath and the town of Mana, 4&nbsp;km north of Badrinath, on their way to [[Svarga]] (heaven). There is also a cave in Mana where [[Vyasa]], according to legend, wrote the [[Mahabharata]].<ref name=nautiyal>Nautiyal, Govind Prasad, Call of Badrinath, Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temples Committee, 1962.</ref>
The mountains around Badrinath are mentioned in the [[Mahabharata]], when the [[Pandava]]s were said to have died one by one, when ascending the slopes of a peak in western Garhwal called Swargarohini (literal meaning - the 'Ascent to Heaven'). The Pandavas passed through Badrinath and the town of Mana, 4&nbsp;km north of Badrinath, on their way to [[Svarga]] (heaven). There is also a cave in Mana where [[Vyasa]], according to legend, wrote the Mahabharata.<ref name=nautiyal>Nautiyal, Govind Prasad, Call of Badrinath, Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temples Committee, 1962.</ref>


The area around Badrinath was celebrated in Padma Purana as abounding in spiritual treasures.
The area around Badrinath was celebrated in Padma Purana as abounding in spiritual treasures.


This place is considered holy in [[Jainism]] as well.
This place is considered holy in [[Jainism]] as well. In Jainism, [[Himalaya]] is also called Ashtapad because of its eight different mountain range [[Gaurishankar]], [[Kailash]], Badrinath, Nanda, Drongiri, Nara-Narayana and [[Trishuli]]. [[Rishabhanatha]] attained Nirvana on [[Mount Kailash]] situated in the Himalayan range and according to Jain faith (Nirvankand), from Badrinath numerous Jain Muni got Moksha by doing Tapsya. According to Shrimadbhagwat, at this place Rishabhdev's father Nabhirai and mother [[Marudevi]] had done hard Tapa after Rishabhdev's [[Rajyabhishek]] and taken Samadhi. Even today footprint of Nabhirai at [[Neelkanth]] mountain attracts everybody towards him.<ref name=nautiyal/>
In [[Jainism]], [[Himalaya]] is also called Ashtapad because of its eight different mountain range [[Gaurishankar]], [[Kailash]], Badrinath, Nanda, Drongiri, [[Nara-Narayana]] and [[Trishuli]]. [[Rishabhanatha]] attained Nirvana on [[Mount Kailash]] situated in the Himalayan range and according to Jain faith (Nirvankand), From badrinath numerous jain Muni got Moksha by doing Tapsya. According to Shrimadbhagwat, at this place Rishabhdev's father Nabhira] and mother [[Marudevi]] had done hard Tapa after Rishabhde's [[Rajyabhishek]] and taken Samadhi. Even today footprint of Nabhirai at [[Neelkanth]] mountain attracts everybody towards him.
<ref name=nautiyal/>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Badrinath has an average elevation of 3,100&nbsp;metres (10,170&nbsp;feet). It is in the Garhwal [[Himalayas]], on the banks of the [[Alaknanda River]]. The town lies between the Nar and [[Narayana]] mountain ranges 9&nbsp;km east of [[Nilkantha (mountain)|Nilkantha]] peak (6,596m). Badrinath is located 62&nbsp;km northwest of [[Nanda Devi]] peak and 301&nbsp;km north of [[Rishikesh]]. From [[Gaurikund]] (near [[Kedarnath]]) to Badrinath by road is 233&nbsp;km.
Badrinath has an average elevation of 3,100&nbsp;metres (10,170&nbsp;feet). It is in the Garhwal [[Himalayas]], on the banks of the [[Alaknanda River]]. The town lies between the Nar and [[Narayana]] mountain ranges 9&nbsp;km east of [[Nilkantha (mountain)|Nilkantha]] peak (6,596m). Badrinath is located 62&nbsp;km northwest of [[Nanda Devi]] peak and 301&nbsp;km north of [[Rishikesh]]. From [[Gaurikund]] (near [[Kedarnath]]) to Badrinath by road is 233&nbsp;km.


According to the [[Köppen-Geiger climate classification system|Köppen climate system]], Badrinath's climate is [[humid continental]] (Dwb) bordering a [[subarctic climate|subalpine]] climate (Dwc).
According to the [[Köppen-Geiger climate classification system|Köppen climate system]], Badrinath's climate is [[humid continental climate|humid continental]] (''Dwb'') bordering a [[subtropical highland climate]] (''Cwb'').


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
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==Demographics==
==Demographics==
As of [[2011 Indian Census]], Badrinath had a total population of 2,438, of which 2,054 were males and 384 were females. Population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 68. The total number of literates in Badrinath was 2,265, which constituted 92.9% of the population with male literacy of 95.4% and female literacy of 79.7%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Badrinath was 95.6%, of which male literacy rate was 97.1% and female literacy rate was 86.9%. The [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] population was 113 and 22 respectively. Badrinath had 850 households in 2011.<ref name="Census2011Gov">{{cite web |title=Census of India: Badrinath |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=46372 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref>
As of [[2011 Indian Census]], Badrinath had a total population of 2,438, of which 2,054 were males and 384 were females. Population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 68. The total number of literates in Badrinath was 2,265, which constituted 92.9% of the population with male literacy of 95.4% and female literacy of 79.7%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Badrinath was 95.6%, of which male literacy rate was 97.1% and female literacy rate was 86.9%. The [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] population was 113 and 22 respectively. Badrinath had 850 households in 2011.<ref name="Census2011Gov">{{cite web |title=Census of India: Badrinath |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=46372 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref>
==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Badrinath Temple - OCT 2014.jpg|Badrinath is one of the most popular and religious holy towns of the Hindus located at Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India
File:Badrinath Temple at night.JPG|Badrinath temple at night
File:Neelkanth Parvath.jpg|Neelkanth Parbat from Badrinath
File:Badrinath2005.jpg|Badrinath Town
File:Badrinath landscape.JPG|[[Himalayas]] in Badrinath, [[Uttarakhand]]
File:Neelkanth.jpg|View from Badrinath
File:Sheeshtaal.jpg|Sheeshtaal (Sheshnaag lake)
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 184: Line 188:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Badrinath}}
 
* [https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/ Official website of Shri Badarinath - Shri Kedarnath]
* [https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/ Official website of Shri Badarinath - Shri Kedarnath]
*[https://m.facebook.com/bktcuk/ Facebook page]
*  
* {{Wikivoyage-inline}}


{{Hindu holy cities}}
{{Hindu holy cities}}

Latest revision as of 05:35, 22 July 2023

This article is about Badrinath town. For the temple, see Badrinath temple. For the cricketer, see Subramaniam Badrinath. For the 2011 Telugu film, see Badrinath (film).
Badrinath
Town
Badrinath is located in Uttarakhand
Badrinath
Badrinath
Location in Uttarakhand, India
Badrinath is located in India
Badrinath
Badrinath
Badrinath (India)
Coordinates: 30°44′38″N 79°29′35″E / 30.744°N 79.493°E / 30.744; 79.493
Country India
StateUttarakhand
DistrictChamoli
Area
 • Total3 km2 (1 sq mi)
Elevation
3,300 m (10,800 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Total2,438
 • Density810/km2 (2,100/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialHindi[2]
 • Additional officialSanskrit[3][4]
 • RegionalMarchha, Garhwali
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
246422[5]
Vehicle registrationUK 11
Websitebadrinath-kedarnath.gov.in
Char Dham

Badrinath is a town and nagar panchayat in Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is a Hindu holy place, and is one of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. It is also part of India's Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and gets its name from the Badrinath Temple.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Badrinath derives from the Sanskrit compound Badarīnātha, consisting of the terms badarī (jujube tree) and nātha (lord), an epithet of Vishnu.[6] It is also known as Badarikashrama.

History[edit | edit source]

Badrinath was re-established as a major pilgrimage site by Adi Shankara in the 8th century.[7] In earlier days, pilgrims used to walk hundreds of miles to visit the Badrinath temple.[8]

The temple has been repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes and avalanches. As late as the First World War, the town consisted only of the 20-odd huts used by the temple's staff, but the site drew thousands each year and up to 50,000 on its duodecennial festivals (every twelve years).[9] In recent years its popularity has increased still more, with an estimated 600,000 pilgrims visiting during the 2006 season,[10] compared to 90,676 in 1961.[11] The temple in Badrinath is also a sacred pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites. Badrinath is also gateway to several mountaineering expeditions headed to mountains like Nilkantha.[8]

Temple[edit | edit source]

Main article: Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath temple is the main attraction in the town. According to legend, Adi Shankaracharya discovered a black stone image of Lord Badrinarayan made of Shaligram stone in the Alaknanda River. He originally enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs.[11][12] In the sixteenth century, the King of Garhwal moved the murti to the present temple.[11] The temple is approximately 50 ft (15 m) tall with a small cupola on top, covered with a gold gilt roof.[11] The facade is built of stone, with arched windows. A broad stairway leads up to a tall arched gateway, which is the main entrance. The architecture resembles a Buddhist vihara (temple), with the brightly painted facade also more typical of Buddhist temples.[13] Just inside is the mandapa, a large pillared hall that leads to the garbha grha, or main shrine area. The walls and pillars of the mandapa are covered with intricate carving.[13]

Legend[edit | edit source]

According to the Bhagavata Purana, "There in Badrikashram, the supreme being (Vishnu), in his incarnation as the sages Nara and Narayana, had been undergoing great penance since time immemorial for the welfare of all living entities." (Bhagavata Purana 3.4.22)

The Badrinath area is referred to as Badari or Badarikaashram (बदरिकाश्रम) in Hindu scriptures. It is a place sacred to Vishnu, particularly in Vishnu's dual form of Nara-Narayana. Thus, in the Mahabharata, Krishna, addressing Arjuna, says, "Thou wast Nara in a former body, and, with Narayana for thy companion, didst perform dreadful austerity at Badari for many myriads of years."[14][15]

As per one legend, when the goddess Ganga was requested to descend on earth to help the suffering humanity at the request of Bhagiratha, the earth was unable to withstand the force of her descent. Therefore, the mighty Ganga (Ganges) was split into two holy channels, with Alaknanda as one of them.

Another lore states that the area was full of Badri bushes and Vishnu meditated here. His beloved Lakshmi stood next to him, sheltering him from scorching sunlight and thus turned into a Badri herself called 'BADRI VISHAL' and her lord (Nath) became the BadriNath.

The mountains around Badrinath are mentioned in the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas were said to have died one by one, when ascending the slopes of a peak in western Garhwal called Swargarohini (literal meaning - the 'Ascent to Heaven'). The Pandavas passed through Badrinath and the town of Mana, 4 km north of Badrinath, on their way to Svarga (heaven). There is also a cave in Mana where Vyasa, according to legend, wrote the Mahabharata.[11]

The area around Badrinath was celebrated in Padma Purana as abounding in spiritual treasures.

This place is considered holy in Jainism as well. In Jainism, Himalaya is also called Ashtapad because of its eight different mountain range Gaurishankar, Kailash, Badrinath, Nanda, Drongiri, Nara-Narayana and Trishuli. Rishabhanatha attained Nirvana on Mount Kailash situated in the Himalayan range and according to Jain faith (Nirvankand), from Badrinath numerous Jain Muni got Moksha by doing Tapsya. According to Shrimadbhagwat, at this place Rishabhdev's father Nabhirai and mother Marudevi had done hard Tapa after Rishabhdev's Rajyabhishek and taken Samadhi. Even today footprint of Nabhirai at Neelkanth mountain attracts everybody towards him.[11]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Badrinath has an average elevation of 3,100 metres (10,170 feet). It is in the Garhwal Himalayas, on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The town lies between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges 9 km east of Nilkantha peak (6,596m). Badrinath is located 62 km northwest of Nanda Devi peak and 301 km north of Rishikesh. From Gaurikund (near Kedarnath) to Badrinath by road is 233 km.

According to the Köppen climate system, Badrinath's climate is humid continental (Dwb) bordering a subtropical highland climate (Cwb).

Climate data for Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 4.3
(39.7) 		6.0
(42.8) 		10.0
(50.0) 		15.0
(59.0) 		18.6
(65.5) 		20.4
(68.7) 		19.1
(66.4) 		18.6
(65.5) 		17.1
(62.8) 		13.7
(56.7) 		9.7
(49.5) 		6.5
(43.7) 		13.2
(55.9)
Daily mean °C (°F) −0.3
(31.5) 		1.2
(34.2) 		5.0
(41.0) 		9.3
(48.7) 		12.6
(54.7) 		15.0
(59.0) 		14.9
(58.8) 		14.7
(58.5) 		12.6
(54.7) 		8.3
(46.9) 		4.5
(40.1) 		1.5
(34.7) 		8.3
(46.9)
Average low °C (°F) −4.9
(23.2) 		−4.6
(23.7) 		0.0
(32.0) 		3.6
(38.5) 		6.7
(44.1) 		9.6
(49.3) 		10.8
(51.4) 		10.8
(51.4) 		8.1
(46.6) 		3.0
(37.4) 		−0.6
(30.9) 		−3.4
(25.9) 		3.3
(37.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 145.0
(5.71) 		139.0
(5.47) 		163.0
(6.42) 		77.0
(3.03) 		54.0
(2.13) 		102.0
(4.02) 		325.0
(12.80) 		312.0
(12.28) 		188.0
(7.40) 		63.0
(2.48) 		45.0
(1.77) 		67.0
(2.64) 		1,680
(66.15)
Source: [16]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of 2011 Indian Census, Badrinath had a total population of 2,438, of which 2,054 were males and 384 were females. Population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 68. The total number of literates in Badrinath was 2,265, which constituted 92.9% of the population with male literacy of 95.4% and female literacy of 79.7%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Badrinath was 95.6%, of which male literacy rate was 97.1% and female literacy rate was 86.9%. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population was 113 and 22 respectively. Badrinath had 850 households in 2011.[1]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Badrinath is one of the most popular and religious holy towns of the Hindus located at Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India
    Badrinath is one of the most popular and religious holy towns of the Hindus located at Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India
  • Badrinath temple at night
    Badrinath temple at night
  • Neelkanth Parbat from Badrinath
    Neelkanth Parbat from Badrinath
  • Badrinath Town
    Badrinath Town
  • Himalayas in Badrinath, Uttarakhand
    Himalayas in Badrinath, Uttarakhand
  • View from Badrinath
    View from Badrinath
  • Sheeshtaal (Sheshnaag lake)
    Sheeshtaal (Sheshnaag lake)

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Census of India: Badrinath". www.censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  2. ↑ "52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India" (PDF). nclm.nic.in. Ministry of Minority Affairs. p. 47. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  3. ↑ Trivedi, Anupam (19 January 2010). "Sanskrit is second official language in Uttarakhand". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  4. ↑ "Sanskrit second official language of Uttarakhand". The Hindu. 21 January 2010. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  5. ↑ "Badrinath Pin code". pin-code.net. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  6. ↑ Books, Kausiki (24 October 2021). Skanda Purana: Vaishnava Khanda: Badrinath Kshetra Mahatmya: English Translation only without Slokas. Kausiki Books. p. 13.
  7. ↑ "Badrinath". Archived from the original on 15 June 2012.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Wylie, C.G. "Himalayan journal : A PRE-SWISS ATTEMPT ON NILKANTA(1947)". The Himalayan Club. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  9. ↑ EB (1911).
  10. ↑ The Hindu newspaper, 17 November 2006
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Nautiyal, Govind Prasad, Call of Badrinath, Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temples Committee, 1962.
  12. ↑ Randhir Prakashan, The Holy Places of Uttarakhand Yatra.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Sen Gupta, Subhadra, Badrinath and Kedarnath - The Dhaams in the Himalayas, 2002. ISBN 81-7167-617-0
  14. ↑ Dowson's Classical Dictionary of Hindu mythology
  15. ↑ Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 75.
  16. ↑ "BADRINATH CLIMATE". CLIMATE-DATA.ORG. Retrieved 5 May 2020.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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