Badrinath dham is an important pilgrimage destination belonging to Lord Badrinarayan who is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The temple stands along River Alkananda’s banks in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. The temple is cradled at a height of 3133m above the sea level and is largely thronged by devout Hindu pilgrims, especially the Vaishnavites during the yatra season each year. Badrinath dham is the last of the Chardhams in the chota chardham circuit. The temple is counted among the 108 lord Vishnu Divya deshams and is a highly revered pilgrimage spot in our country.
Apart from the main shrine of Badrinath, there are many other places to see in and around Badrinath dham. Each of these places comes with great spiritual importance. If you are planning to visit Badrinath dham this yatra season, the given list of must-visit places in Badrinath will come handy. Read on to learn more-
Badrinath Temple
The famous Badrinath temple is the principal attraction of the town of Badrinath. Besides being one of the Chota Char Dhams, It’s also one of the 108 Divya Desams. The temple remains open from April end to November beginning. The presiding idol in the temple is a 3.3. feet high marvelous statue of Badri Lord/ Lord Vishnu. Hindus also call the Badrinath incarnation as one of Vishnu’s 8 self-manifestations. Vishnu purana, Divya Prabandha and Skanda Purana mention Badrinath in their texts. There are many good hotels in Badrinath where tourists and pilgrims can stay.
Mata Murti Temple
The Mata Murti temple belongs to Mata murti who is Nar and Narayana’s revered mother. Her temple stands along River Alkananda’s bank about 3kms away from the Badrinath town. Mata Murti can bless her disciples with Vairagya provided they pray to her sincerely. Mata Murti ka mela is one very pompous festival that takes place around the temple in honor of Mata Murti, pulling huge crowds from far and wide.
Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is a cascading milky waterfall perched at a height of nearly 12000ft. The falls presents a real sublime view and has magnificent towering snowcapped peaks all around. At a distance of about 4kms from the holy town of Badrinath lies the vasudhara falls. It comes within the periphery of the Mana village. According to common beliefs the waters of this beautiful falls is repelled by sinners and turns away from them.
Seshnetra
Seshnetra is an extremely sacred spot bearing a large stone slab that has the imprints of an eye of Ananta Sheshnag; the mythical snake. It is about 1.5kms from the Badrinath dham. According to popular beliefs this sheshnetra or eye of Shesh nag keeps a watch on Badrinath temple, thereby protecting it from all evils. As per mythology, Ananta Sheshnag had been that gigantic snake upon which lord Vishnu had taken retreat
Bheem Pul
Bheem pul is said to have been constructed by the Pandava brother, Bheema who is said to have thrown a huge piece of rock to bridge the gap between two mountains. Today this ‘pul’ or bridge looks like a natural rock joining the two mountains and underneath this rock bridge flows the gushing Saraswati River. Bheem pul falls within the periphery of Mana village.
Tapt Kund
Just below the Badrinath temple, there are some hot water springs that have Sulphur infused water. It is a well-known medical fact that Sulphur heals wounds and cures body pain. Pilgrims visiting the temple always bath in the Tapt Kund before entering it. the springs always have a temperature of 45 degrees regardless of season or hour.
Narad Kund
Narad Kund is situated close to the Tapt Kund. The Icon of Badrinath was sourced from the Narad Kund. Boiling hot water spring bubbles under the Gaur Shila and water from this spring is believed to get rid of even the most difficult diseases and incurable ailments. Many devotees do plunge in the steaming water before entering the temple complex.
Surya Kund
Near the Tapt Kund in Badrinath, lies another Sulphur spring called the Surya Kund. This is a Thermal Spring and history says that Adi Shankaracharya had discovered the idol of Lord Vishnu below its waters. Devotees are attracted by the spiritual significance of the spot and the famous healing powers of the Sulphur water.
Brahmakapal
About 5 minutes away from Badrinath temple and 40 minutes away from the Tourist Lodge is Brahma Kapal. Hindus come here to pay their respects to the souls of their ancestors and this place is situated about 2 km away from Badrinath hills. Legends say that Lord Brahma stays in Brahma Kapal and if last rites are performed here along with the holy Shraddha then souls get freedom from the painful cycle of birth and death and attain salvation.
Charan Paduka
Charanpaduka perched at an elevation of 3380ft above the sea level is another sacred spot which visitors to Badrinath shouldn’t miss. It is about 3kms away from the temple of Badrinath and features a large slab of rock with the imprint of Lord Vishnu’s foot.
Alkapuri
Alkapuri is the source of the river Alaknanda and it’s a huge glacier that’s divided from the Gaumukh by the mighty Narayan Parvat. The region behind Alkapuri is a huge white glacial plateau and the Bhagirathi river emerges from its north while Alaknanda emerges from its south. From the Alkapuri Glacier spot, one can view the Chaukhamba and Neelkantha peak.
Satopanth
On the North western side of the glorious Neelkanth peak is the Satopanth Glacier. Satopanth actually means the truth and its path (sat + panth). Adventure tour operators organize Satopanth trek but it’s quite a difficult one. The glacier is very near the Indo Tibet border so taking photos isn’t allowed.
Neelkanth Peak
One of the highest peaks in the Garhwal Himalayan Range is the Neelkanth Peak. This is a pyramid shaped peak which is fondly known as queen of Gharwals. The peak is beautiful, snow clad and gives tourists a splendid view. Many successful attempts to scale Neelkanth have happened. If you wish to be a part of mountaineering or trekking expedition then do contact a tour operator.