Historical information

"Badrinath is small temple town located in Garhwal Hills Region of Uttarakhand. The majestic Alaknanda River flows beside the temple. It is one of the most sacred vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in Hindu culture. Badrinath Temple is one of major temples which form the Char Dham Pilgrimage in India. The temple and the town are situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters above sea level. It is considered as part of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The Badrinath Temple is surrounded by two peaks named Nar and Narayan (twin forms of lord vishnu as the fifth avatar) against the backdrop of the Neelkanth Peak which provides splendid backdrop to Badrinath, one of the ‘Four Dhams’. One of the important celebrated pilgrim spots in our country as world famous Badrinath Temple. Legend informs that Lord Vishnu visited this area, called as ‘Badri Van’, or the berry garden, to meditate after Sage Narada rebuked the Lord for being immersed in worldly pleasures.
The Badrinath Temple is composed of three structures: The Garbhagraha, The Darshan Mandap, and The Sabha Mandap. The height of the temple is approximately 50 mts with Golden roof. The walls of the temple are built of stone with broad arched windows placed among them. The walls and the pillars of the mandapam are covered with sculptures and scriptures from the glorious past. The figure of Garuda can be seen just in front of the main deity Lord Vishnu. The temple pandit or the Rawal Ji from the clan of Namboodiri Brahmins from Kerala are only allowed pandits inside the temple to perform pooja.
According to konwn historians this temple was Buddhist temple till the 8th century and Adi Shankara converted this to a Hindu temple. Shankara discovered the IDOL of Badrinarayan in the Alaknanda River and established this in cave near the Tapt Kund hot springs. The architecture of the temple resembling to Buddhist vihara (temple) and the brightly painted facade which is typical of Buddhist temples leads to this argument. Other accounts relate that it was originally established as pilgrimage site by Adi Shankara in the 9th century. It is believed that Shankara resided in the place for six years from ad 814 to 820. He resided six months in Badrinath and spent the rest of the year in Kedarnath. Hindu followers assert that he discovered the IDOL of Badrinath in the Alaknanda River and established it in the cave near Tapt Kund hot springs. where as the traditional story asserts that Shankara expelled all the Buddhists in the region with the help of the Parmar ruler king Kanak Pal. The hereditary successors of the king governed the temple and endowed villages to meet its expenses. The income from set of villages en route to the temple was used to feed and accommodate pilgrims. The Parmar rulers held this title ""Bolanda Badrinath"", meaning speaking Badrinath. They had other titles, including Shri 108 Basdrishcharyaparayan Garharj Mahimahendra, Dharmabibhab and Dharamarakshak Sigamani.
In the 16th century, the King of Garhwal moved the murti to the present temple. The temple has undergone several major renovations, due to age and damage by avalanche. In the 17th century, the temple was expanded by the Kings of Garhwal After several significant damages in the great 1803 Himalayan earthquake, it was rebuilt by the King of Jaipur. It was still under renovation as late as the 1870s, however these were completed by the time of the First World War."

Shtala Purama

"The Hindu epic Mahabharata identifies the God Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) with Narayana and Arjuna - the chief hero of the epic - with Nara. The legend of Nara-Narayana is also written in the scripture Bhagavata Purana. Hindus believe that this pair dwells at Badrinath, where current most important temple stands today.
The Nara-Narayana pair is frequently worshipped in temples of the Swaminarayan Faith. The followers of this sect believe that their founder Swaminarayan Bhagwan resides in the murti of Naranarayan Dev in Kalupur Mandir.
The legend of Krishna and Arjuna commence their journey before the Mahabharata.Also narrated that this duo were direct reincarnation of Nara-Narayana. Nara and Narayana were two inseparable sages who were considered to be part avataara of Vishnu. They were twins born to Dharma (son of Brahma) and Murti (Daughter of Daksha). They took avataras on earth for the welfare of mankind. The sages defeated demon called Sahasrakavacha (Demon with thousand armors). By the way it was Sahasrakavacha who was reborn as Karna in the Mahabharata. According to the story of the Demon Sahasrakavacha for minute for which we know how confusing this can be, Karna in his previous birth was known as King Dambhodabhava who by his misdeeds ended up being called demon. Demons as usual will always want invincibility which they know is not possible hence they expect for the impossible, which at any cost will have loop hole which will pave the way to their destruction. So was this case with Sahasrakavacha. He meditated for no of years and paid austerities to Lord Surya and requested for boon as thus: that he should naturally have thousand armors attached to his body. To kill him one would have to meditate for 1,000 years and fight with him for yet another 1,000 years, by which he would lose just an armor at one time. Thus, he would have to lose all his armors before he could be killed, however there was also clause which stated that if anyone breaks an armor he or she would die, hence once more Nara had to be brought back to life by Narayana.
Around the same time yet another demon was creating havoc all over the world in the name of Hiranyakashapu. To destroy this demon we all are aware of how Lord Vishnu decided for incarnation of Lord Narasimha. After killing Hiranyakashipu Lord Narasimha’s had acquired from of Nara as a greater plan of vanquishing the thousand armored Demon Sahasrakavacha.
Nara and Narayana took turns for fighting and meditating; while one mediated the other fought the duel with the Demon, thus destroyed all, but one armor. The Demon knew his end was near and he pleaded to the Surya for help, who intervened and helped him. Lord Surya had promised Sahasrakavacha protection and refused to hand him over to Nara and Narayana. At this time, there was Pralaya on Earth due to the change of the Yuga because of which the Demon escapes death. But by his yogic power the all pervading Lord Narayana had declared that he would incarnate as Krishna and the Demon was to be destroyed by Nara in the Dwapara Yuga who would be born as Arjuna, and the wicked Dambhodabhava alias Sahasrakavacha as Karna. In Dwapar Yuga, an “amsa” of Lord Surya and Dambhodabhava was reborn as Karna with Kavacha. It is probably why Karna was said to have had a split personality.
According to the Bhagavata Purana, ""There in Badrikashram the Personality of Godhead (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.” The Skanda Purana states that “There are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth, and in hell, but there is no shrine like Badrinath.” The mountains around Badrinath are mentioned in the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas 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 km north of Badrinath, on their way to Svarga (heaven). There is also a cave in Mana where the great sage VedaVyasa is believed to have written the epic Mahabharata. The area around Badrinath was celebrated in Padma Purana as abounding in spiritual treasures."

Specific Rules and Regulations

For travellers coming to India as most Indians are quite attuned to the travel conditions in the country :

1. Food-wise anything that is boiled, cooked or fried is a safer bet than anything cold or raw. So avoid cold salads, raw vegetables, drinks with ice etc.
2. Carry a mosquito/insect repellent wherever you go to avoid diseases like malaria or simply even the itchy discomfort.
3. Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need for diarrhoea, fever etc. Also, keep on your personal band-aids and an antiseptic ointment.
4. Use sunscreen all the time to prevent sunburn. Try and wear a hat if you're going to be in the sun.
5. Initially, at least, avoid excessive alcohol and strenuous activity to stave off heat stroke.
6. Ensure you are physically and mentally fit to perform the journey as the Yatra involves trekking at an altitude of 1,4000ft. Get yourself medically examined and certified fit for the journey.
7. At least a month before the Yatra, it is advisable to start preparatory exercises: Even a brisk walk of about 4 to 5 km per day would be beneficial. Breathing exercises like Pranayama would help combat the lack of sufficient oxygen at high altitudes.
8. Do carry heavy woollens, including thermal body warmers, wind cheaters, raincoats, sleeping bags, blankets, water-proof shoes with sufficient grips, small water proof tents, torch with sufficient batteries and walking sticks.
9. Keep a slip with your Name, Address and the name of accompanying yatri in your pocket.
10. Women are advised to avoid sarees and opt for salwar kameez or trousers.
11. Carry water and dry eatables. Ration and firewood quota is available en route and can be purchased.
12. All medical facilities during Yatra are free. It is advisable to carry your own personal medical kit and First aid box.
13. Hire only a registered ponywalla or porter. Don't walk far away from ponies carrying luggage.
14. Move slowly and steadily, as this is an arduous pilgrimage and maintain discipline.
15. Dont relax at places where warning signs are fixed. Don't attempt short cuts on the route.
16. Please carry an oxygen kit."

Do's & Dont's

Dress Code :
Even though, the temple is open only during the summer months, it is highly advised to wear woolen clothes with socks and scarfs. Carry umbrellas as the region is prone to seasonal rains.

Temple Timings

"The temple is open only six months every year (between the end of April and the beginning of November), due to extreme weather conditions in the Himalayan region. Morning - 4:30 A.M to 11:30 A.M. and Evening - 4:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M."

Darshan Timings

Morning - 4:30 A.M to 11:30 A.M. and Evening - 4:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

Seva Timings

"1. Abhishekam : 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and at 3:00 PM.
2. Geet Govind and the Aarti are performed : 6 PM and 9 PM."

Prasada details / Timings

Hard sugar candy, Tulsi, and dry fruits are the typical prasad offered at Badrinath temple.
Shri Badrish Laddu
Donation for Small Pack : Rs. 195/-
Donation for Large Pack : Rs. 390/-

Sending World-wide at actual Shipping Charges
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Location

Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Road, Joshimath Taluk,
Chamoli District,
Uttarakhand.
Pincode : 246422

Directions

Badrinath is well connected to other parts of the Uttarakhand state. One has to take a bus from New Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh, from where the state transport buses are available to Badrinath. Buses and Taxis are available from major places in Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Chamoli and Ukhimath.

Travel Mode

By Road :
The trip to Badrinath usually begins from Haridwar passing through Rishikesh-Devprayag-Rudraprayag-Karnaprayag-Nandprayag-Joshimath-Vishnuprayag and finally reaching Badrinath on bus or cab. Badrinath is 318Km from Haridwar.

By Rail :
Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railhead 295Km from Badrinath temple. Cabs or buses can be hired to reach Badrinath temple from Rishikesh.

By Air :
Jolly Grant airport Dehradun is the nearest airport 312Km from Badrinath temple. Cabs or buses can be hired directly from Dehradun to Badrinath or to go to Haridwar and Rishikesh and start the trip.

Nearby Temple's

1. Mata Murti Temple
It is situated 3 km away from the Badrinath Temple. The Temple is dedicated to the mother of Lord Narayan. According to a legend, it was Mata Murti’s wish that Lord Vishnu should come out of her womb when he takes the next avatar. Lord Vishnu agreed and took birth as twins Nar and Narayan to kill a devil. A fair is held every August at the Temple to celebrate the legend.

2. Neelkanth
This majestic peak overshadows the Badrinath Temple. The cliff of the peak is where the sun rays first fall on in Badrinath. The peak is named after Lord Shiva and it is a common faith that if you observe the peak for some time, you can see the outline of Lord Shiva sitting on the top facing the sky.

3. Satopanth
This is a lake 25 km away from Badrinath which is considered a sacred site. The lake is triangular in shape signifying the deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is believed that all three come down to earth to take a bath in this holy lake on every Ekadasi of the Hindu Calendar. However, permission is required to visit the lake.

4. Urvashi Temple
This temple is dedicated to the Apsara Urvashi. The story behind the temple is intriguing. It is believed that Lord Indra sent several Apsaras to distract Nar and Narayana during their meditation. In response, Narayan tore his left thigh and created several Apsaras, Urvashi being the most beautiful among them all. Urvashi led all the Apsaras and shattered Lord Indra’s pride near a pond 2 km away. There is a temple built at the pond dedicated to her.

Sorrounding Places to Visit

1. Tapt Kund (at Badarinath)
Located just below the temple, the meeting point of Alaknanda and Rishi Ganga rivers, this thermal spring of hot sulphurous water has inviting freshwater pool. The bathing area, 16.1/2 feet by 14.1/4 feet, has separate arrangements for men and women. Although the normal temperature is 55°c, the water temperature keeps rising gradually during the day. It is considered to have high medicinal value. A dip here is considered to be a good cure for skin diseases.

2. Narad Kund
Located near Tapt Kund, this kund is believed to be the recovery source of the Badarinath idol. The hot water springs comes out from beneath the Garur Shila and falls into a tank. Darshan of Badarinath is always preceded by a holy dip in this kund. Apart from that there are many other hot water springs. Devotees take a dip in them for their religious and medicinal value. Suraj Kund at Badarinath and Gauri Kund on way to Kedarnath are another famous Kunds.
Caution: Avoid staying too long inside the hot spring water pool to prevent skin burn.


3. Mana Village - Vyas & Ganesh Gufa
4 km from Shri Badarinath, inhabited by Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is considered to be the last Indian village boardering Tibet. The villagers of Mana are closely linked with the activities of Shri Badarinath temple for they offer a choli to the deity on the closing day of the temple - an annual traditional feat. The Mana village is full of caves and it is said that Ved Vyas dictated his famous epic of Mahabharat to Ganesh, in one of these caves, now known as Vyas Gufa (cave). Inside is a marble statue of Ved Vyas shown writing the granth (epic book). On this route a natural bridge over the Saraswati river and 125 m high Vasudhara falls form an important part of the pilgrimage to Badarinath.
The area around the remote village even in ancient times offered ideal setting and excellent shelter to philosophers and saints. The caves associated with ancient sages and yogis, like Ganesh Gufa, Bhima Gufa and Muchakanda Gufa are known since very long.

4. Govindghat, Valley of Flowers
Situated between Joshimath and Badarinath, Gobindghat is the starting point for the trek to the valley of flowers. The vicinity has Lakshman Temple and an imposing Gurudwar a named after tenth sikh Guru Govind Singh.

5. Lok-Pal Hemkund Sahib
One of the most famous Gurudwaras in India, Hemkund Sahib is located here, at an altitude of 4320 meters above sea level. Lying in heavenly environs, the place is revered both by Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from other faiths it is an important pilgrimage. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects the surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear screne waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat & Sapt Rishi Peaks feed the lake and small stream called Himganga flows out to this lake. It is believed that Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Ram, meditated by the lake and regained his health after being severely wounded by Meghnath, son of the demon King Ravana, during battle. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake.

The motorhead for Hemkund Sahib is Govind Ghat located 20 km from Joshimath & 270 km from Rishikesh. The trek upto Ghangaria is the same as for the Valley of Flowers. The trek from Govind Ghat to Hemkund Sahib is about 20 km and is steep climb. Porters & ponies are available at Govindghat. Private taxies & other light vehicles also ply between Rishikesh (nearest railhead) & Govind Ghat and back.

6. Vasuki Tal
This is a high altitude lake which can be reached by an 8 km trek that ascends to 14,200 feet. Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bhimpul and Vasudhara Falls are 3-6 km. All these destinations are famous for their links with Hindu mythology and form part of the pilgrimage to Badarinath.

Joshimath, the first math established by Shri Adi Sankara, is located at a distance of 14 kms from Helang enroute to Badari. Adi Sankara is believed to have got enlightenment here and authored Sri Sankara Bhashyam. This located at a height of 6150 ft above sea level. Here, there are separate temples for Lord Narasimha and Lord Vasudev (different forms of Lord Vishnu). This is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sung by Sacred Vaishnavaite Saints).

In the temple for Lord Narasimha, separate statues of Badari narayan, Udhava, Kuber, Chandikadevi, Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Garud can be seen together in the sanctum. Outside the temple separate statues of Brahma, Krishana, Lakshmi & Anjaneya can be seen. Vyas Maharishi is believed to have worshipped Goddess Lakshmi here. The presiding deity Lord Narasimha is believed to have been established by Adi Sankara. It is widely believed that one hand of the presiding deity is getting weakened and the day it disjoints, the way to Badari will get eternally blocked and Lord Badari Narayan will thereafter give darshan only at either Bhavishya Badari or Adi Badari (part of Panch Badaris).

The temple of Lord Vasudev houses Lord Vasudev in the sanctum sanctorum as well as Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Leela devi, Oorvasi devi & Balram in the outer praharam. Further separate structures are available for Vinayaka, Brahma, Indira, Chandra(Moon), Navadurgas & Gauri Shankar.

7. Village Mana - Vyas Guha
This village, located at a distance of 3 kms from Badarinath is the last Indian Village situated at the Indo-China Border and has gained historical importance on account of Vyas Caves. This village located on the banks of River Saraswati (only place where this river can be seen) is very beautiful. Maharishi Vyas (Sage), author of the Mahabharat is believed to have lived in the caves, hence named after him. It was in these caves, Vyas Maharishi composed the Mahabharata. This was done at the orders of his mentor Kalpatru Maharishi who appeared in his dream. Mahabharata depicts the history of Pandavs, Kauravs including the epic war of Kurukshetra and most importantly Bhagawad Gita authored by Krishna (reincarnation of Vishnu). Ganesh, the son of Shiv and Parvati, is said to have helped Vyas Maharishi in putting this epic in the written form. In addition to Mahabharat, Vyas Maharishi composed 18 puranas (legendary stories), Brahma Sutras and classified the Hindu Vedas into 4 parts – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. It is only in this cave that Adi Shankara is believed to have met Maharishi Vyas and discussed his Sankara Bhashyam (explanatory notes) for Brahma Sutras.

Rock formation inside the Vyas Guha appears to resemble the orderly stacking of palm leave manuscripts – oldest writing material and is worshipped as Vyas Pusthak. Maharishi Vyas is also considered, by some, as reincarnation of Vishnu. Ganesh Guha (caves) is also located in Mana Village.

8. Pandukeshwar
This place is believed to have been established by King Pandu, father of Pandavas. It is situated at 4 kms from Govind Ghat, 219 kms from Kedarnath and 24 kms from Badarinath. There are two temples – one for Lord Yoga Badari Narayan and the other for Lord Vasudev. During winter, Lord Vasudev temple functions as the abode for Lord Badari Narayan and all the daily rituals connected with worship are performed here. Both the temples are centuries old.

9. Adi Badari
The main Temple is of the lord Narayan that is distinguished by a raised platform in the pyramidal form. Here a black stone idol of lord Vishnu is enshrined. Local tradition attributes the building of the temples to Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It is situated at a distance of 17 Kms from Karnaprayag and is easily approachable by motorable road. On way to Ranikhet are some beautiful remains of 16 small temples belonging to the Gupta period.

10. Brahma Kapal
In a quest to ensure a heavenly abode for the dead ancestors, the shradh ceremony (propitiating rites) or the offering of pind is an important part of Hindu rituals. After offering pind here, it is believed, the spirits of the dead are permanently enshrined in Heaven and no more pinds are to be offered elsewhere. The Brahma Kapal, on the bank of the Alaknanda is a flat platform a few yards north of the temple. Legend has it that when Shiva chopped off the fifth head of Brahma, it got stuck to his trident. Lastly with the blessing of Lord Vishnu at Badarivan, the head of Brahma fell down from the trident at this place & hence the name Brahma-Kapal (head).

11. Charan Paduka
3 km away is a beautiful meadow carpeted with wild flowers in the summer. Here is a boulder bearing the footprints of Lord Vishnu. It is said that when Lord Vishnu descended from Vaikunth (the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu) he stepped on this boulder. The area is a steep climb from the town and is full of caves & boulders.

12. Neelkanth Peak
At the back of the temple, a side valley opens to a conical shaped Neelkanth peak (6600 m.) It is popularly known as the Garhwal Queen. It is a shining pyramid of white crystals, which are ever ready to change their colour & hue. Reflecting the first glow of dawn into the valley & glittering like a golden temple, Neelkanth embodies all the divinity of this divine land.

13. Sheshnetre
On the opposite bank of the river Alaknanda, in the lap of Nar Parvat, there are two small seasonal lakes. Between these lakes is a boulder having an impression of the legendary snake, Sheshnag. The formation of eye on the boulder is natural.

14. Panch Dharas & Panch Shilas
The Panch Dharas (five streams) which are famous in Badaripuri are Prahlad, Kurma, Bhrigu, Urvashi & Indira dhara. The most striking of these is the Indira dhara, about 1.5 km north of the town Badaripuri. Bhrigudhara flows past a number of caves. The one on the right of river Rishi Ganga, originally from the Neelkanth range is Urvashi dhara. Kurma dhara water is extremely cold whereas Prahlad dhara has lukewarm water, which glides majestically down the rocks of Narain Parvat.

Around the Tapt Kund there are five blocks of mythological importance called Narad, Narsimh, Barah, Garur & Markandeya Shilas (stone).

Standing between Tapt and Narad Kund is conical formed Narad Shila. It is said that the sage Narad meditated on this rock for several years. Standing in the waters of Alaknanda just below the Narad Shila is a huge stone looking like a lion with its gaping jaws and hooked claws. It is said that Bhagwan Narsimh after killing the demon King Hiranyakashyapa remained in the shape of a block of stone forever.

Near the Narad Kund the Barah Shila has the shape of boar. Barah is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The Garur Shila near the Tapt Kund had Garur (the carrier of Vishnu) fasted & meditated on this stone. Sage Markandeya on the advice of Narad left Mathura to meditate here in Badarivan and attained ultimate peace. Markandeya Shila is the stone on which the Sage meditated.

15. Saraswathi Dham
3 km north of Mana village emerges the river Saraswati from a lateral glacier. Saraswati is known as the Goddess of learning, blessed Ved Vyas to compose the epic Mahabharata at Mana. The river after touching Vyas Gufa, gets lost in the Alaknanda at Keshav Prayag. From here to Allahabad, Saraswati flows incognito. It is said that at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Allahabad, the Saraswati remains invisible.

16. Vasudhara Falls
3 km from Mana village, the Vasudhara falls, 125 m high, against the backdrop of snow covered mountains and glaciers is a captivating sight. The torrents of water come gushing down and are diffused in fine showers and soft mist by wind blowing from different directions. Close to the falls are prominent peaks of Satopanth, Chaukhamba and Balkum. One is also able to see the glacial snouts from where the river Alaknanda emerges.

17. Bhim Paul - Bhim Bridge
The bridge over the river Saraswati on the outskirts of Mana village is made of a huge slab of stone. It is believed that when the Pandavas and Draupadi were on their way to Swargarohan, Bhim bridged the river with the huge slab to get them across. The view from the bridge is truly spectacular. Bhimpul - Bhim Bridge The bridge over the river Saraswati on the outskirts of Mana village is made of a huge slab of stone. It is believed that when the Pandavas and Draupadi were on their way to Swargarohan, Bhim bridged the river with the huge slab to get them across. The view from the bridge is truly spectacular.

18. Valley Of Flowers
An irresistible treat for naturalists, ecologists, environmentalists, zoologists, ornithologists, trekkers, tourist and pilgrims, the valley was introduced to the world in 1937 as the Valley of Flowers by Frank S. Smith mountaineer, explorer and botanist.

The valley remains snow covered from November to May but when the ice envelop thaws in June it is a signal for profusion of colors hidden in petals of alpine herbs to blaze during July & August. Some 300 species of wild flowers bloom here in a natural way.The valley remains in bloom for three months while the floral composition keeps on changing every few days. Best time to visit is between August 3rd week and September 2nd week.

The 19 km trek starts from Gobindghat, situated between Joshimath and Badarinath.The main land of the valley is about 4 km from Ghanghria. After trekking, 1 km from Ghanghria, a bifurcation point (one way leads to Hemkund Sahib & other to Valley of Flowers ) is reached. Travel beyond Ghangaria is on foot since the entry of ponies is prohibited.

19. Joshimath Or Jyotirmath
Joshimath, the first Math established by Shri Adi Sankaracharya, is located at a distance of 14 km from Helang en route to Badari. An important town enroute Shri Badarinathji has religious history, magnificent scenery, bracing climate & a hub of commercial centre all one needs for a holiday or pilgrimage. Joshimath or Jyotirmath holds an important position in the history of Hindu revivalism. Adiguru Shankaracharya got enlightenment here in a cave and in this cave he wrote his famous Shankar Bhasya.

Atop the cave is the Kalpvriksha, a Mulberry tree that is said to be 2400 years old under which Adi Guru is believed to have attained enlightenment. It is one of the four 'Maths' organized by Adiguru, the other three are at Dwarika, Puri and Rameshwaram. Located at a height of 6150 ft above sea level, there are separate temples for Lord Narsimh and Lord Vasudev (different forms of Lord Vishnu). This is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sung by Sacred Vaishnavaite Saints).


20. Auli (Skiing)
The Himalayas are the world's highest mountain chain, and also the youngest. Believed to be the home of gods, the sages have always come to the Himalayas to attain bliss, meditate and experience divinity.

People come from around the world to seek solitude from an increasingly The Himalayas are the world's highest mountain chain, and also the youngest. Believed to be the home of gods, the sages have always come to the Himalayas to attain bliss, meditate and experience divinity.

People come from around the world to seek solitude from an increasingly Auli in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttaranchal offers exciting skiing opportunities to Auli in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttaranchal offers exciting skiing opportunities to both, the beginner as well as the advanced skier. Snow capped slopes of Auli specially 3 km long slope (2519 m - 3049 m) flanked by tall stately Deodar forests cut the wind velocity to the minimum. Just 16 km from Joshimath on the Badarinath route, Auli offers a 180o panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi (7817 m), Kamet (7756 m), Mana Parvat (7273 m) & Dunagiri (7066 m).

It is found that the slopes compared favourably with those in Europe. Seasonal skiers have a clean stretch of 10-20 km of absolutely virgin slopes to sport on. Auli has been easily adapted for family with children too young to try the skill of skiing. They can enjoy the cable car rides & rope lifts. It is a spectacular sight to see the sun rising over the high snow peaks quite early in the morning. Auli is surrounded by places of pilgrims & destinations like Badarinath, Joshimath, Hemkund Sahib & Valley of Flowers.

The ideal time to be at Auli is from January to March. Auli is 253 km from Rishikesh & 13 km from Joshimath.
 

Accomodation Facilities

Both Temple and Private Accomodation available

Other Amenities

"Medical & Health Facilities Govt. / Dist. Hospitals : Dehradun, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Gopeshwar, Tehri, Narendranagar

Dispensery : Kedarnath, Badarinath

Important Police Stations EN Route Chardham Muni-ki-reti : 0135-2430041 Lakshman Jhula : 0135-2430228 Deoprayag : 01368-2660609 Shrinagar : 01346-252102 Rudraprayag : 01364-235208 Karnaprayag : 01363-244203 Chamoli : 01372-262306 Joshimath : 01389-222103 Badarinath : 01381-222203 Agastyamuni : 01364-256231 Gaurikund : 01364-269203 Narendranagar : 01378-227248 Chamba : 01376-225270 Barkot : 01375-224241

Superintendent of Police Pauri : 01368-222254 Rudraprayag : 01364-233210 Uttarkashi : 01374-222116 Haridwar : 01334-239777 Chamoli : 01372-252134

Director General Police 12, Subash Road, Dehradun, Phone : 0135-2712082"

Annual Uthsavas

1. Badri-Kedar festival The festival is usually organized in the month of June. Artists from all over Uttaranchal come together to showcase their musical talent dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The festival is celebrated for 8 days.

2. Mata Murti ka Mela A large fair is held at the Badrinath temple every September to commemorate the day the river Ganga landed on the Earth. The day is dedicated to Mata Murti, mother of Nar and Narayan (fifth avatar of Vishnu). It is believed that she divided the River Ganga into twelve channels.

3. Janmashtami This festival is celebrated on the day Lord Krishna (eighth avatar of Vishnu) was born. It is celebrated in the months of either August or September. Several processions and Poojas are organized for Lord Krishna on this day.