Badrinath Yatra, Uttarakhand

Badrinath is a scenic town where most of the travelers plan to visit for a holy pilgrimage site. The place is also home to Badrinath temple which is followed religiously by the Hindu Devotees. It is believed that there are specific timings to visit the Badrinath temple, which is as popular as Kedarnath temple.

History & Legends About Badrinath

The name Badrinath is originated from the Local word which is called Badri. it is quite similar to the wild beery that are seen in the forests. It is believed that Lord Vishnu had once sat in the penance of the mountain. It was his consort Goddess Laxmi who took the berry tree formation and gave him shade from the harsh sun rays. It is not just a dwelling place for this god but also said to be a home for ample pilgrims, sages, and saints too who often mediate here to look for better luck.

As per the research made, it has also been found that it was Lord Badrinath whose idol was recovered by Adi guru Shankaracharya of Narad Kund. He later re-enshrined it in the 8th century A.D in the temple. It is said that Badrinath temple if one of those sacred shrines On earth which hold great importance.

Opening & Closing Time

The timings as said earlier keep on changing in Badrinath. It does not matter whether you plan for a trip in early summer or late winters, what you have to keep in mind is to plan and research well in advance about the opening and closing of the temple. It usually opens the door on the festive season of Akshaya Tritiya which usually falls between April and May. Then there is a huge process on that day which is carried out.

The last day for the Darshan of the temple is on the Vijayadashami day which usually falls between October or November. Till this period, the temple remains open from 4.30 in the morning till evening for which often there is a huge rush of Hindus too who make it a pint to visit on this holy day.

Best Time To Visit Badrinath

The best time to visit Badrinath is from April till June. It is believed that Badrinath Summer time has a better climate and is not excess breeze too. Between May to June, there is a huge crowd that often plans for a visit to this place. The temperature at the time during these months is between 7 degrees to 18 degrees which is quite moderate and pleasant too. That is why it is always better to have Darshan at Badrinath Dham.

If you are planning to visit Badrinath in Monsoon then probably, you should only look for the same at early or late monsoon but not during the peak season which is from August and September when there is heavy rainfall. Besides the temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius too which is why it is expected that traveling at this time can be quite a risky affair.

But if the temple visit may not be possible, you might enjoy some beautiful scenic nature too which is quite well known. In winter the temple is close so there is no scope for you to visit the place. But yes, October is the time when the inter-season begins and it may last till April.

However, the season is all covered up the snow-clad areas and the temperature can get into negative often. The heavy snowfall is expected and that is why to visit this is during winter is a big No-No.

How To Reach

The transportation route set by the government for this pilgrimage site is quite advanced but is expected that a person can travel to this place by road. The airways and railways are not directly connected but River Alaknanda is a place that gives a challenge for the people to visit the temple through its different rifts too. It is said that there is a bus service which can take you to the place.

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh from where you can travel again by road to Badrinath.

The airport is located in Dehradun which is Jolly Grant Airport through which to reach Badrinath you anyhow will have to take the bus only. But be rest assured that road journey will give you a splendid journey experience.

Pooja & Ritual in Badrinath Temple

There is a special pooja which these days is performed on behalf of devotees.

However, the puja must be preceded y the Holy dip in the Tapta Kund. There are many other poojas to such as:

• Mahabhishek
• Gitapath
• Bhagwat
• Abhishek
• Geet Govind
• Aarti

For any Badrinath puja, it is expected to do the booking well in advance and then pay some fees to the committee while getting all the desired puja equipment which have been prescribed by Adi Shankracharya.

The time of Aarti in Badrinath is und 4.30 am with Maha Abhishek and ends at 9 pm with the Shyam Aarti while Darshan for the general public is around 7-8 am.

Architecture

To begin with the main entrance gate of the temple, it is quite colorful and is also popularly called as Singhdwar.

At the Badrinath Mandir Gate, directly opposite the main Idol of the Lord himself, is seated the idol of Bird Garud, the vehicle of Lord Badrinarayan, sitting in prayer with his hands folded. The walls and pillars of the Mandapa are covered with intricate carvings.

Right opposite the Mandir gate is the main gold of the lord where he is in the seating position of the Bird Garud which is Lord Badrinarayan Vehicle. The temple is 50 feet tall and has a cupola on top which is all covered with the gold glint roof.

It is divided into three parts:

• Garbha Grih: There is a canopy that is all covered with gold sheet. It is believed to be the home for kuber, Udhava, Narayan and Lord Badari
• Darshan Mandap: This is the place which has Lord Badari Narayan idol with two arms that have Conch and Chakra in a lifted posture
• Sabha Mandap: This is the place wherein all the pilgrims and devotees gather together
• The mandapas pillars and walls have intricate carvings

There are opening and closing timings those changes every year. That is why you must plan for your trip well in advance.