Badrinath - A Pilgrimage Centre of Hindus
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Altitude : 3,133m
Temperature : Max: 17.9°C, Min : 5.6°C Distance : 296km from Rishikesh. 301km from Haridwar ¤ Most Sacred Region Besides being an ancient religious centre, Badrinath also attracts tourists because of its natural beauty. founded by Shankaracharya in the four quarters of India. The place derives its name from the word ‘badri’, meaning berries that once grew here abundantly. It is situated on the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Rishi Ganga.  Ancient
Hindu texts categorically state that a visit to
Badrinath is something of an absolute must to
complete a pilgrimage. The importance of the
place is evident from the space scribes of the
Mahabharata and the Puranas (ancient Hindu
texts) had dedicated to it. The shrine of
Badrinath in this city attracts thousands of
pilgrims from all over India.¤ Badrinath Temple The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Vishnu (Preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer). The presiding deity of the temple is Badrinath (another form of Vishnu), also called Badri Vishal or Badrinarayan. Shankaracharya is believed to have installed the deity inside the shrine after it was thrown into the Narada Kunda (a hot water spring near the temple) in the days of Buddhist ascendancy. Badrinath is depicted sitting in the padmasana (‘lotus posture’), in which the feet are placed on opposite thighs. He is surrounded by a host of gods. The most important ones amongst these are Kubera, the God of Wealth, and Ganesha, the God of Wisdom and Prosperity. Within the temple complex is an another shrine dedicated to Laksmi, the Goddess of Fortune. This shrine is situated to the left of the main temple building. The front portion is painted in red. Outside the exit door of the Badrinath Temple is the seating place of Shankaracharya, who meditated here. The temple remains closed during winter. ¤ Attractions of Hot Springs Adjacent to the Badrinath Temple are some medicinal sulphurous hot springs. The temperatures of these springs often vary. The Tapt Kund and Narada Kunda are some of the important springs. The temperature of the former is about 45°C. Among other places of interest in the town are Nilkantha, Managram and Bhimpul. |
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