Char Dham Yatra: Badrinath Dham Legends, Mythology, History

The Ancient Story of Lord Badrinath (भगवान बद्रीनाथ)

There are no historical records about the Badrinath temple, but the presiding deity Badrinath is mentioned in Vedic texts from around 1750 to 500 BC. According to some records, this is come to know, this temple was worshiped in some form during the Vedic period. Later, during the reign of Ashoka, due to the spread of Buddhism.

This temple must have been converted into a Buddhist temple. Because this temple was a Buddhist temple till the 8th century and it looks like a Buddhist temple and Jagatguru Adi Shankaracharya revived this temple and converted it into a Hindu temple.

Shankaracharya Discovered the Idol of Lord Badrinath from Narada Kund

Badrinath is one of the pilgrimage shrines of Lord Vishnu (बद्रीनाथ भगवान विष्णु के तीर्थस्थलों में से एक है) . It is believed that in the 8th century the revered Adi guru Shankaracharya discovered the idol of Lord Badrinath from Narada Kund and installed it in the present temple. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Badrinath, sitting on “Padmasana” position(यह मंदिर भगवान बद्रीनाथ के रूप में पद्मासन स्थिति में बैठे भगवान विष्णु को समर्पित है). It stands as a testament to the architectural marvels of its time and remains a center of intense devotion.

According to Hindu legend, Lord Vishnu sat in meditation at this place and during his meditation, Vishnu was unaware of the cold weather. Mother Lakshmi protected him in the form of a plum(ber) tree or called Badri tree. Vishnu pleased with the devotion of Lakshmi, and after that place known as “Badrikashram(बद्रिकाश्रम)”.

Why is This Place Named Badrinath?

In some historical records, the place was covered with plum or ber fruit forest, but not a single one is found there today. The temple depicts Lord Vishnu as Badrinath sitting in Padmasana posture. As per some Upanishad, Vishnu was punished by sage Narada, who had seen Vishnu's wife Lakshmi massaging his feet. Vishnu went to Badrinath to perform penance by meditating for long periods in Padmasana.

Badrinath Dham (बद्रीनाथ धाम) is mentioned in many ancient books like Bhagvat Purana, Skanda Purana and Mahabharata. According to the Bhagavata Purana, "Here in Badrikashram the Lord (Vishnu) in his incarnation as the sages Nara and Narayana, was performing great penance from time immemorial for the welfare of all living entities".

In Skanda Purana states that, there are many holy temples in heaven, earth and hell, but there is no temple like Badrinath. Even in Padma Purana, the area around Badrinath is considered full of spiritual treasures. This holy place has been revered in the Mahabharata as a place Which can provide salvation to the devotees who come near it, whereas at other holy places they must perform religious rituals. This temple is also included in Nalayira Divya Prabandham (नलयिरा दिव्य प्रबंधम्), 11th century of Periyalvar in Vaishnava theory of 7th-9th century. It is revered in the hymns and among the 13 hymns of Thirumangai Alvar. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshiped as Badrinath. The temple is known as Thiruvathriya Achiramam(तिरुवथ्रिया अचिरामम).

Badrinath Yatra is a Test of Devotion and Patience

Badrinath Yatra is a bit tough which is a test of devotion and patience, where one has to face physical challenges with unwavering faith. The peace of travel amid the grandeur of nature promotes introspection and a deeper connection with the divine. The destination itself provides a sense of fulfillment with an aura of peace and spirituality that makes the arduous journey worthwhile. Badrinath is a town and nagar panchayat in Chamoli district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a Hindu holy place, and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites of India. It is also part of the Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit of India and takes its name from the Badrinath temple.

How to Reach Badrinath Dham

By Air to Badrinath Dham

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. We get regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru to Dehradun. In Dehradun, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to go for Badrinath.

vBy Train to Badrinath Dham

Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Kotdwar are the nearest railway station to reach Badrinath. In my experience, Haridwar is the best option if you're traveling by train.

By Road to Badrinath Dham

You can drive to Badrinath from many cities in North India like Chandigarh, Haridwar, New Delhi, Lucknow, Rishikesh, and Srinagar or you can take bus service from these cities to Badrinath.