Details about the Trip to Badrinath !! Part III !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Badrinath - This Holy land is situated in a district called Chamoli in the state of Utharakhand, India.  This land is 3,415 Metres ( 11,204 Ft) high from the ground level, lies on the river banks of Alakananda.  This town situated between  the Nara and Narayana mountain ranges.  Warm clothes are recommended throughout the year.

During the 9th century Jagadguru Sri Adi Sankaracharya re-established this sacrosanct place.  Adi Sankara while worshipping Lord Vishnu, found a 'Salagrama' (black stone image of Lord Badri Narayana) from the river Alakananda.  He enshrined the idol in a cave near 'Tapta Kund' (hot spring), later it moved to the present temple of Lord Badri Narayana.  Bhagavatha Puranam, Padma Puranam, Vamana Puranam and the great epic Mahabharath describes the glory of Badrikashram.  Lord Vishnu incarnated Himself as the Sage Nara and Narayana and underwent severe penance here for the welfare of the living entities.

Before entering to the temple, there is Tapta Kund (hot water springs - Thermal spring with natural curative properties -  known as The Abode of Agni ) for abulations, the other natural springs are Narad Kund and Surya Kund.  On the banks of river Alakananda, a platform known as 'Brahma Kapal' where the last rites,  rituals for the rememberence of  departed souls are performed.  The mythological Serpent - Sheshnag's   impression  on the rocks known as 'Sheshnetra' also a place to visit.  Lord Vishnu's foot prints can be seen in a place called 'Charana Paduka',  Mata Murti Temple ( dedicated to Lord Vishnu's mother).  Pancha Prayag -  is the convergence of all the rivers,  Deva Prayag -  is the confluence of river Bhagirathi and Alakananda, temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sri Raghunath, Rudra Prayag - is the meeting point of river Alakananda and Mandakini, temples dedicated to Lord Rudra and Goddess Chamundi Devi, Nanda Prayag and famous Gopalji Temple, Karna Prayag -  is the confluence of Alakananda and Pindar river, the temples dedicated to Goddess Uma and Karna, Vishnu Prayaga - is the confluence of river Alakananda and Dhauliganga, temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu sitatuated behind the Vishnu Kund are the significant places to visit.

In addition to the above, there is another pilgrim site is called Pancha Badri.  The Yogadhyan Badri -  the image of  Lord Vishnu in His Yoga form - meditative form of Lord Vishnu can be seen.  The remaining are Bavishya Badri and Adi Badri, there are few more  famous temples to visit includes a huge temple of Lord Vishnu.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!