Badrinath – The holiest of cities

There are few places in the world as sacred as Badrinath. Since time immemorial, the city has enjoyed a highly revered status. The reason behind the attached sanctity goes back to an ancient legend which says that this was the place where the Badri Van was located where Lord Vishnu spent some time on earth.

Situated on the banks of the holy river Alakananda, Badrinath is a picturesque place. Located between the Nar and Narayana mountains, the village has an enchanting scenic appeal, which is enchanted not only by devotees but also by other tourists. The Neelkanth peak that can be seen in the background makes for an amazing backdrop. Badrinath’s natural beauty and favorable climate make it a favorite with tourists and has earned it the nickname Garhwal Queen.

The main attraction of Badrinath is the temple of badrinath which is believed to have been built by Adiguru Shankaracharya. According to a popular belief, it is the abode of Lord Vishnu and is also one of the four temple cities in the country. The presence of the Badrinath temple and the spiritual air that fills the place makes it perfect for meditation and is often referred to as Tapobhumi.

Apart from the temple, there are many other attractions in Badrinath. The most famous is the Tapt Kund. These are natural hot springs that are believed to be sacred. The waters of these springs have medicinal properties that can cure many foods. Most of the devotees who visit the town assure that they take a dip in the tank. According to popular legends, the tank is the abode of Agni, the god of fire. Other revered springs in the area are Narad Kund and Surya Kund. Badrinath is an important place for Hindus and is believed to be the gateway to heaven for the souls of the departed. Most of these rites are performed on Kapal, a platform on the banks of the Alaknanda River.

Badrinath is a place where you can’t move far without coming across another natural wonder or religious site. A mysterious rock is present at Badrinath which is believed to have the impressions of Sheshnag, the mythological serpent. Chandrapaduka Rock is a must-see for devotees as it is believed to contain the footprints of Lord Vishnu. The source of the Alaknanada river is a great attraction for adventurers. It flows from a lake called Satopanth which is located at an elevation of more than four thousand meters.

Badrinath is always a rewarding place to visit. The spirituality that emanates is relaxing and calming at the same time. Visit Badrinath for religious reasons or just for its natural beauty.