Badrinath has many places of tourist attractions.
Here are the tourist attractions in Badrinath:
The Temple
This is the main temple where people seek blessings. It is dedicated to
Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to be present here since Vedic
times. According to legends, Adi Shankaracharya established it here
during the 8th century. The structure of the temple was built over three
centuries ago by the Garhwal kings. It stands five metres high and is
built like a cone with a small cupola of gilt bull.
The temple contains three sections; a Garbha Griha or the sanctum
sanctorum where the main deity rests, a Darshan Mandap for puja and a
Sabha Mandap for devotees to gather. In all there are 15 idols in the
complex, all made in black stone. These consist of idols of Lakshmi,
Vishnu's wife, Garuda, Lord Shiva, his wife Parvati and and son Ganesh.
The idol of Lord Vishnu present here is sitting with crossed legs in a
meditative posture while his hands are folded.
The temple remains closed in winters because the entire area is covered
in snow and opens only in summers (April or May). The temple has been
damaged many times due to avalanches and has been renovated time and
again.
Panch Badri
The main temple of Badrinath along with four other temples or Badris
forms Panch Badri. The temples of these other badris are located within
few kilometres of the temple of Badrinath. Yog Dhyan Badri is located 24
kms from Panch Badri at Padukashwar. Pandavas handed over their empire
to King Parikshit here before retiring.
The second Badri is the Bhavishtya Badri at Subain near Tapovan.
Bhavishya Badri means future badri. It is believed that a time will come
when the present route to Badrinath will become inaccessible and then
Bhavishya Badri will be worshipped instead.
Adi Badri is the remains of 16 temples; it can be reached from
Karnprayag. And lastly Vriddha Badri, situated 7 kms from Joshimath, is
believed to be here several years before the existence of Adi
Shankarcharya.
Tapt Kund
These are the natural thermal springs on the bank of Alaknanda River
where pilgrims refresh before visiting the temple. Believed to be
infused with medicinal properties, Tapt Kund is also considered to be a
holy experience.
Brahma Kapal
This is a flat platform on the bank of river Ganga where devotees
perform rites of their deceased ancestors.
Sheshnetra
Sheshnaga is a legendary character in the Hindu mythological epics and
tales of Lord Krishna. The place has a boulder on which an impression is
believed to be of the eye of this mighty serpent, netra in Hindi means
eye. Hence, this place is named 'Sheshnetra'
Neelkanth
These are the snow capped mountains shaped like pyramids, which form
the beautiful background to the temple of Badrinath.
The Valley of Flowers
It is a 19 km. trek from Govindghat and lies is on the main route to
Badrinath. The Valley has been declared as National Park.
