Badrinath Travel Guide

Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Badrinath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. What makes it unique is that Lord Badrinath is believed to be the only deity of the Pancha Badri temples who is depicted in a meditative posture rather than a standing or seated one, symbolizing deep contemplation and devotion. The temple's location in the rugged Himalayas and its high altitude make it accessible only during a limited period each year. It is open to pilgrims for around six months, typically from late April to early November. The rest of the year, it remains snowbound and inaccessible. Tapt Kund, a natural thermal spring near the temple, is considered holy by devotees. Pilgrims often take a ritualistic dip in these hot springs before entering the temple as it is believed to have purifying properties. Near Badrinath, there is a lesser-known temple called Bhavishya Badri, which is said to be the future residence of Lord Badrinath. Badrinath Gates open for Pilgrims after grand rituals and prayer ceremonies. Closing date generally lies after a week of Deepawali and announced by the Puja Samiti.

An Insight into Badrinath Tourism

The Story of Lord Shiva and Badrinath Badrinath is primarily considered to be a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. However, Lord Shiva also holds an important place in the religious beliefs and rituals associated with Badrinath.   It is said that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are close, and Lord Shiva is believed to have accompanied Lord Vishnu to Badrinath. Some legends also state that Lord Shiva had once visited Badrinath to participate in Lord Vishnu’s meditation and austerities.   In addition to this, Lord Shiva is also believed to be present in the form of a natural hot spring, known as Tapta Kund, near the Badrinath temple. Pilgrims visiting Badrinath take a dip in this hot spring as part of their religious rituals, and it is considered to be auspicious and purifying.   Hence, although Badrinath is primarily a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva also holds an important place in the religious beliefs and rituals associated with the shrine, and his presence and blessings are considered to be an integral part of the pilgrimage to Badrinath.