The
Abode Of Lord Vishnu Cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan
is the holiest of the four main shrines, Badrinath along the left bank river
Alaknanda. With the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, it is an
important destination on the scared itinerary of every devour Hindu. Once
the spot was carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries and hence was famous as
'Badri Van'.
Badrinath
is considered the holiest of the four important shrines in Garhwal. The town
is at an altitude of 3,133 m. above sea level, situated on the left bank of
river Alaknanda and exactly between the two mountains Nara and Narayan. The
shrine is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver and falls in the religious
itinerary of every devout Hindu.
The present temple was built
about two centuries ago by Garhwal Kings. It is a conical structure, 15 m.
tall and has small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. There are 15 idols in
the temple complex, each sculpted in black stone. The principal idol
represents Vishnu in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nara-Narayan.
Legend dates it prior to the Vedic age though it is believed to have been
re-established by Adi Shankaracharya, an important Hindu saint in 8th
century A.D. Some of the other images include Laxmi (Vishnu's consort),
Garud (Vishnu's mount), Shiva & Parvati and Ganesha.
The
temple has been renovated several times due to damages by avalanches. It
looks fairly modern now due to the colourful "Singh Dwara" or the
main entrance gate. It has three parts- Garbha Griha (the sanctum
sanctorum), Darshan Mandap (for pujas) and Shobha Mandap (for devotees to
assemble). The revered shrine is still alive with myriad legends from
mythology. Its sanctity is emphasised in the ancient scriptures as "There
are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens, earth and the nether
world, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be".
Mythological Legend Legend has it, when the Ganga was
requested to descend to earth to help suffering humanity, the earth was
unable to withstand the force of its descent. Therefore the mighty Ganaga
was split into twelve holy channels. Alaknanda was one of them that later
became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.
The temple of Shri
Badrinathji on the banks of the Alaknanda river, dates back to the vedic
times. Situated at an altitude of 3,133 mts., the present temple is believed
to have been built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya- an 8th century's
philosopher-saint, who also established a 'math' here. Also known as 'Vishal
Badri', Badrinath is one of the Panch Badris.
