 Situated in the lofty Himalayan heights in the
Tehri-Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand) at the height of 10,248
feet above sea level. The route to Badrinath is one of the
most arduous one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and
cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.
Badrinath dhaam is considered as one of the most sacred centres
of pilgrimage.
The temple’s present structure was built by the Kings of Garhwal
about two centuries ago. The temple has three sections - Garbhagriha
(Sanctum), The Darshan Mandap, and Sabha Mandap. The Garbhagriha
(Sanctum) houses Lord Badri Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth),
Narad Rishi, Uthavar, Nar & Narayan.
Lord Badri Narayan (also called as Badri Vishal) is armed
with Shankh (Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a lifted posture
and two arms rested on the lap in Yogamudra.The principal
image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in
meditative pose. The temple also houses Garuda (Vahana – vehicle
of Lord Narayan) and Goddess Mahalaxmi. Also here are the
idols of Adi Shankar, Swami Desikan and Shri Ramanujan Guru-Shisya
parampara is supposed to have its roots here.The principal
image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in
meditative pose. The temple also houses Garuda (Vahana – vehicle
of Lord Narayan) and Goddess Mahalaxmi. As per the tradition
decided by Lord Brahma the temple would be open for six months
i.e from Hindu calender month Vaishaka to Karthik for darshan
to common people. For the remaining six months i.e from Margashsish
to Chaitra the temple  would be closed for darshan by common people as it is Devas turn for Lord’s darshan.
THE LEGEND
When River Ganges was requested to descend
to earth to help the suffering humanity, the earth was too
feeblw to bear the force of tis descent. Hence the mighty
river was split into twelve channels, one of them being Alaknanda,
which later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.The
present temple was built about two centuries ago by the kings
of Garhwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone
and represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked
by Nara-Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri and
is one of the Panch Badris.
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