This Badrinath temple is Located in Central Himalayas in Garhwal district of Uttar Pradesh.
It is right back of Holy River Alaknanda. This Badrinath Divyadesam located is almost 10300 feet above sea level is a great Pilgrimage center in India.
Specials:
1. This temple is opened only six months in a year, from mid of May to the third week of November. But, it depends only upon the temple authorities. The temple is closed for next six months due to heavy snow-fall in winter.
2. The Lord God known in Tamil as Perumal is transformed from this temple to Joshi mutt temple for that six months when the Badrinath temple is closed. And after 6 months, he is taken back to Badrinath temple itself.
Sthalapuranam:
The Perumal serves as a "Teacher" (Guru) for himself and thereby explaining the Gnana to the world in 5 different ways.
The characters of (Soul) Aathma.
Character of (Supreme Soul) Paramathma
What the Aathma has to attain.
The ways, to attain it and
The obstacles that are found for the Aathma while its attaining it.
The Perumal, Badrin Narayana explains all these 5 different things known as "Artha Panjaga Gnanam". For a human, 5 relations are the most prominent one. They are Mother, Father, Guru, God and the pre generation persons known as Pithru. In this, Guru is so important and it is non - equivalent to anything. Without a proper guidance from a Guru, one cannot attain anything. So, the perumal here serves as the guru and explain the Wisdom - Gnana to the world.
As the same way, the perumal is born as both Naran and Narayanan and he gives the seva to both Naran and Narayanan and he gives the seva to Naran thereby explaining the Gnanam towards him.
While going towards Badrinath, one can enjoy the visit and get the seva of Perumals in Haridwar, VishnupAdham, Thiriveni Sangamam, Rishikesh, Deva Prayag, Kandam (Kadinagar), Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nandha Prayag, Joshi mutt, Hanuman Chatti, Bramagha dam, Taptha Kundam and Simha Dwaram.
Badrinath is 10,380 feet above from the sea level. Bhaktas who travel Badrinath, first should visit Brahma Kundam (theertham) in Haridwar, where bhaktas take a spiritual bath in that theertham before going to Badrinath. This place is also called as "Vishnu PAdhm" (Foot prints of Sri Maha Vishnu).
From here, we can see the Ganga river originating. It is said that river Ganga originates from the thiruvadi (feet) of Sri Vishnu. The Dwaram (the small entrance (or) hole) from where the Ganga river originates is said to be Haridwar. People get this Ganga water in a closed vessel containers and take to their homes and keep them as sacred. Haridwar is called as "Kapilasthan", because Kapila Munivar did the tapas here and worshipped Goddess Maya and because of this, the place is also called as "Mayapuri". There are temples for Goddess Manasa Devi, Chandi Devi, Maya Devi, Anjani Devi, Neeleshwar, Dattatreya, Navagrahas, Mahadeva and Mrithyunjaya Mahadeva.
Lots of Ashrams are found. Some of them are Kailasha Ashram dedicated to Aadhi Sankarar, Sri Vananda Ashram started by Swami Sivanandar, Gita Ashram, Swarga Ashram, Paramathma Niketan.
Badrinath is said to be one among the great Dhamas (holy Shrines). Other great Dhamas are Rameswaram, Dwaraka and Jagannath. There are 5 Badris namely Vishal Badri, Dhayana Badri, Yoga Badri, Vridha Badri and Bhavishya Badri and five prayags are Devaprayag, Rudra prayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag and Vishnu prayag.
Devaprayag:
This is the place where the Alaknanda and Bagirthi rivers mingle to one another and the river falls down as "Aadhi Ganga", In Devaprayag, Brahma deva, King Dasaratha and Sri Rama are believed to have done tapas. And a Mutt is installed by Aadhi Sankara here.
Rudraprayag:
Rudraprayag is the place where river Mandakini joins the Alankananda river. Here a temple for Rudra is situated. Mandakini river rises from Kedarnath and it joins Ganga and then towards Madhya Maheshwar near Gupta Kasi. In Gupta Kasi a famous temple for Ardha Nareeshwarar (half of the body portion representing the Power known as Shakti - Uma and other half as Shiva).
Karnaprayag:
Karnaprayag is the place where Karnan did strong tapas to get all sorts of mantra arrows.
Nandaprayag:
Nandaprayag is the place where the Nandakini river arises and joins Alaknanda. It is said that king Nanda did a severe tapas here in this place.
Vishnuprayag:
It is believed that this is the place where Pandu King did strong tapas towards the Emperumaan Sri Vishnu and it is believed to be the birth place of Panja Pandavas.
Hanuman Ghat :
Next to Vishnu Prayag is a place called Hanuman Ghat where Lord Hanuman and Bheema met each other. Once, Bheema thought he was the strong person in the world and was traveling along this side. At that time, Hanuman laid there as an old monkey. Bheema say an old monkey lying before him in the path and shouted at the monkey to give way for him. But, the old monkey (Hanuman) told that since he is so weak, he unable to move and requested that if Bheema could move the tail, he can move it and go along with his way. Bheema, not knowing that the Monkey is none other than the so powerful Hanuman, thought he can move the tail with his one hand, but he could not do so. Using his full strength, he tried, but he could not even move the tail for an inch. Finally, he thought, the old monkey might be some Demon known as Arakkan (or) Magician. But finally, Anjaneya revealed his original posture (Roopam) and explains him that they are brothers (since both them are sons of Lord Air known as Vaayu). Bheema fell to the feet of Sri Anjaneya and asked that he should be along with them during the war against the Gauravas (Duriyodhanan and his troop). Sri Anjaneya told that he will be along with them in the flag which is on top of the Chariot of Arjuna.
Since, Naran and Narayanan came to this sthalam, two mountains on the names of them are found. The Nara Parvatham (mountain) is on the Eastern bank of Alknanda river and Narayana parvatham on the west bank of Alknanda river. These two mountains are almost covered by snow, in all times.
Nara Parvatham is also called as Kubera Bhandar since lots of precious gems and diamonds are found on its glaciers. Once, there lived an arakkan (demon) by name "Sahasrakavacha", who gave lots of trouble for the Rishis and yogis. All of them prayed towards the perumal to save them out from the Demon. At that time, both Naran and Narayanan did tapas towards the perumal. On hearing that these two persons were doing severe tapas towards the Emperumaan, Sahasrakavachan rushed towards them to kill them. Both, Naran and Narayanan fought strongly with the demon and finally killed him. Thus, they permanently stayed in Badrinath to save all the Rishis and Yogis from all the demons.
About 5 miles away from Badrinath, is a place known as "Dharma Shila". It is believed that in this place, Dharma Rajan and his wife Kala did tapas towards the Lord Sri MahaVishnu. As a boon from the Lord, Dharma Raja and his wife asked that the Lord should also be along with them and that's the reason why Dharma shila is found near Badrinath.
Tapta Kund:
This tapta Kund situated in between the temple (Badrinarayanan) and Alaknanda river. Despite being so cold and lots of snow falls, this tapta kund excretes hot water (springs) which is said to be a special one. It is said that the Ganga river after coming from the Divine Feet of Sriman Narayana is beared by the Lord Shivaperuman's head and since it comes out form the hot and from Kabhala of Shiva, it is said the water of Tapta kund is hotter.
After taking bath in tapta kund, devotees to climb some steps upwards to worship Garudalwar. After worshipping him, we can reach the pragaram. The place is known as 'Simh Dwaram' where Garudalwar statue is situated.
In front of Badrinath temple, the Nara and Narayanan mountain are located. Inside the temple, Lord Sri Badrinarayana in sitting position which is termed as "Padmasana" pose. On his left is Naran and Narayana and to his right, Kubera with his face adorned in silver. Narada Maharishi is also there along with them. A Sudharsana Chakkaram (A power of Wheel in Lord's right hand) to spiritualise the kshetram. The Utsavar is Uddhava and in front of him is a small Garudalwar statue.
It is said that a big date tree (Elandhai) is covering the Badrinarayana temple and it will not be visible to any person in Kali yugha. The tree is said to symbolize Sri Mahalakshmi and she is protecting Badrinarayana from cold by covering him.
Moolavar and his Sannadhi:
The Moolavar Badrinarayana is said to be made of Salagramam. He is along with Aravindhavalli thaayar, Garuda, Kubera, Naradha, Utthavar, Devarishi and Narayana. He is in sitting pose and has 4 hands. His left hand holds the Sangu the Conch and in his right hand hold the Wheel the chakkaram and lifted upwards and remaining two hands are joined together and found as Yoga mudra and Abhaya Varadhan.
Devotees can get the darshan of this Lord, without any time restriction they can spend here and Holy bath to Lord known as Thirumanjanam, offering of eatables etc are done in the presence of the devotees.
Thaayar and her Sannadhi:
On the south pragharam of the temple is the sannadhi for Aravindhavalli thaayar is situated and She is called as "Mahalakshmi". On the west side, Aadhi sankara sannadhi and behind the temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Mandir and Sannadhis for Sri Swami Desikar, Udayavar Ramanujar are located.
On the north side of the temple on the bank of River Ganges, a big rock named "Brahma Gobalam"; it is believed that if we dedicate Pindam (a ball made of rice) here for the departed souls known as Pithrus, for the next 14 generations people are said to go to heaven and Moksha. And if done once, thereafter, if one perform this once, there is no need to do the annual ritual for the departed souls that is known as Shrardham.
Moolavar:
The Moolavar of Badrinath Kshetram is Badri Narayanan. He is in sitting posture (Irundha thirukkolam) facing east
Prathyaksham for Naran.
Thaayar:
The Thaayar in this Kshetram is Aravindhavalli.
Mangalasasanam:
Periyalwar - 1 Paasuram.
Thirumangai Alwar - 21 Paasurams.
Pushkarani:
Tapta Kundam.
Sthala Viruksham (Tree):
Badri Viruksham (Date tree).
Vimaanam:
Tapta Kanjana Vimaanam.
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Personal Experience in this Divyadesam
Arranged for Badrinath through Kala Rajan. The Driver, Naval Kishore, came on time on 22nd Aug, 2007 @ 6am.Reached Rishikesh around 1.30pm. On the way itself we had little tiffin, which was not gud. Then took a room in hotel shivlok for rs 550. Had lemon rice, curd rice with chips prepared by mom in the morning. A guide came arranged by Kala Rajan for Rishikesh. Took us to Lakshman jula. Saw Ganga maa temple, Krishna temple, Ram Julla and back to hotel room. We slept for some time and then got up in the evening took the fatfata to see Ganga Arthi. It was very very nice. Came back to hotel and went to TTD nearby. Had dharshan of Lord Balaji. Had dinner in nearby madras hotel. Had dosas, uttapas. Came back to room and slept.
On 23rd Aug @ 5am the driver came and woke us up. Drove down to Dev prayag. Went to TriveniSangam where Alaknanda, Bagirathi rivers meet to form Ganga. We took bath in the river. The water was too cold. Giri performed the rites for his father, my father and other ancestors there. Then we climbed to the Ragunath mandhir (neelamega perumal). Had gud darshan of the god and came down the steep steps. Had tea, which was very sweet. So left that without drinking. Amrit had stomach pain and on the way we halted in a hotel. Amrit was better and then we had lunch there. Had rotis, dal. It was nice after the tiring journey. Again started our journey with beautiful scenery. One can’t describe the natures beauty! Even the pictures or video cannot show the nature as it has to be naturally seen and felt! On the way, there was blasting and we had to wait for almost 1hr on the road. We reached Pippalkoti around 7pm. Took a room in indralok hotel for rs 300. The room was gud. We all refreshed and were feeling really better. Went to the hotel and again had rotis, rajma. Mom had dosa and rotis. Had a glass of lassi, which was gud.
Came back to the room and slept. Took good rest!
Got up in the morning on 24th Aug @ 4.30am. Took bath and started our journey to Joshimath. The roads were not that good. Moreover it was drizzling and foggy. Only one vehicle can pass through the road. It was indeed very dangerous to travel like this. Giri, Amrit and mom were all sleeping in the vehicle. The driver was driving with full attention and myself couldn’t close my eyes with fear till the daylight appeared. Reached around 8.30am and had gud darshan of Lord Narsimha. It is said that after killing Hiranyakasyap, lord took time to cool down his anger.. For every 6months the lord in badrinath will be bought to this place and the pooja goes on. The idol of the Lord is in sitting posture with both hands on laps as if He’s tired and resting. After the darshan we started our journey to the main temple, Badrinath. The way was no doubt very beautiful with clouds on the mountains/hills. River Alaknanda running in between the mountains. We crossed mountains after mountains. Finally we reached Hanuman Chetti. Amrit was excited to see Hanuman and we took prasadam and started further. On the way we saw army people doing morning jog, smiling at the passerby. We are really grateful to them to save us. Finally when we were about to reach Badrinath, amrit had headache may be because of the climate. It was little cold. And he started crying. But soon we reached the hotel @ 10 am. It was ok! The room was tooooo cold. We got down. Kept all the luggages, had tea and left the room. Amrit though had headache was trying to manage. It was only 10 minutes walk from the hotel room. We went directly to Tapt Kund where natural hot water was ready for the people. In mythology, it is said that lord Agni had a curse from a sage. To rectify that Agni came to Lord Badri. Lord said that he could take the sins from the people who come and take bath in that Kund! After this giri went to find a priest to perform rites to his father in Brahma Kund. A Telugu priest came and did everything to our satisfaction! By that time the temple was closed and we had to return back. Way back we found a gud hotel for lunch. Again same! Rotis, dals… by this time we were all fed up having rotis. But cant help!!!!!!! Have to survive!!!!!!!
Came back to room with little difficulty, as we had to climb up. Took little rest. Then in the evening went back to temple. Went to Lakshmi mandir and did kumkum archana as it was Friday. We also took Sahasranamavalli archana ticket to have darshan of Lord Badri vishal! Had to wait out. By that time we had darshan of Nar-Narayan, hanuman and other gods. Had 20 minutes of darshan inside the temple of Lord Badri. Kept few coins near lord Kubera. Next to him was garuda, then badri, uthsavar, little below was narada, next nar-narayan. By the time we came out it was almost 7pm. did few shopping, had dinner. Amrit for a change had soup. Again same rotis and dal. Back to room and had gud rest as we had to get up early for darshan again!
Got up on 25th Aug @ 4.30am. Had bath and packed things. Amrit didn’t come with us as he had headache and sleeping! Went to temple and had very very gud darshan. The original saligram of the lord. In tapasya posture. The priests gave oil, milk, and water bath to the lord. After that we came back to the room with full satisfaction. Enjoying the nature. We started @ 6.30am to Mana village which was only 3km from Badrinath. The view was very very beautiful. We were amidst Himalayas. The driver stopped the vehicle near the entrance of the village as we had to go only walking. It was steep way climbing up the mountains but little sort of road. We went to Ganesh cave where lord Ganesha wrote Mahabaratha as Ved Vyasa was dictating. Next we went to Vyasa cave it was 30 mts away from ganesh cave. It was so strange that no telephone, mobile but with such a long distance they could talk, hear!!!!! Near vyasa cave, there was the India’s Last Tea shop. Next to this was the Indo-china border! We had gud tea here. The climate was so nice, the nature was so beautiful. Next we started descending which was much difficult than climbing. In that 2 dogs followed us. Ohhh after few minutes we got rid of the dogs. We went to see the Bhim pul/bridge. This was laid by bhim for draupathi when she couldn’t cross the Saraswati River. It was very cold there and there was saraswati temple. We spent few minutes and then started to come down. In few minutes we were down. We could see Saraswati and alaknanda merging. Started our journey back to Haridwar. The roads were not gud but enjoying the nature time flew. Way back I could count the mountains we went by. It was almost 8 mountains till we reached pippalkoti @12pm, hotel indralok again where we had again rotis, rajma, dal, and lassis. Started to haridwar and reached Srinagar around 6pm. Took a room for Rs 500 without geyser working anyway got that arranged and all of us got refreshed. Had our dinner same rotis, dal, dosa. We went to sleep around 8pm itself.
Next day, 26th Aug we got up at 4.30am took bath and left for haridwar at 6am after having tea. By this time giri had the dialogue masala chai cheeni kum. All of us by this time were fed up of tea, rotis, dals…. We reached haridwar around 9.30am. Went to Chandi Devi temple through rope way called udan katolla. Then went to Manasa Devi temple through ropeway. By this time all our energy lost and were searching for lunch. We saw Mysore south Indian hotel. Mom and amrit had meals. We both had dosa then curd rice. After long time we all had seen the rice and it was little better! After that our journey started to reach Gaziabad.. Finally we reached around 7pm. We all were really exhausted. We then said Bolo Badri vishal ki jai! Bolo Naval kishore ki jai, as he was our saarathi who bought us safely.
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