Situated
in the lofty Himalayan heights in the Tehri-Garhwal hill tracks
(Uttarakhand) at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to
Badrinath is one of the most arduous one due to the lofty hilly terrain,
curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the
earth. Badrinath dhaam is considered as one of the most sacred centres
of pilgrimage.
The
temple’s present structure was built by the Kings of Garhwal about
two centuries ago. The temple has three sections - Garbhagriha
(Sanctum), The Darshan Mandap, and Sabha Mandap. The Garbhagriha
(Sanctum) houses Lord Badri Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad Rishi,
Uthavar, Nar & Narayan.
Lord Badri Narayan (also called as
Badri Vishal) is armed with Shankh (Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a
lifted posture and two arms rested on the lap in Yogamudra.The principal
image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in meditative
pose. The temple also houses Garuda (Vahana – vehicle of Lord
Narayan) and Goddess Mahalaxmi. Also here are the idols of Adi Shankar,
Swami Desikan and Shri Ramanujan Guru-Shisya parampara is supposed to
have its roots here.The principal image is of black stone and it
represents Vishnu seated in meditative pose. The temple also houses
Garuda (Vahana – vehicle of Lord Narayan) and Goddess Mahalaxmi.
As
per the tradition decided by Lord Brahma the temple would be open for
six months i.e from Hindu calender month Vaishaka to Karthik for darshan
to common people. For the remaining six months i.e from Margashsish to
Chaitra the temple would be closed for darshan by common people as it is
Devas turn for Lord’s darshan.
The LegendWhen
River Ganges was requested to descend to earth to help the suffering
humanity, the earth was too feeblw to bear the force of tis descent.
Hence the mighty river was split into twelve channels, one of them being
Alaknanda, which later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.
The
present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings of
Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and
represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by
Nara-Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and is one of the
Panch Badris.
