BADARINATH
The Himalayan abode of Sri Maha Vishnu

JOSHIMATH

This is of supreme significance for- several reasons. Adi Sankara lived in a cave very near to this, for five years. His Himalayan genius was blossomed only when he was here founding of monasteries and erecting of temple together with the dedication of his works to the Lord. So, sacred to all. There is a temple dedicated to Narasimha in which Badarinath is worshipped during the Winter. It is on the way to Badari and no pilgrim worth the name misses this holy place.

BRAHMA KAPAL

Matsya Purana and Vishnu Dharma Sastra extol its importance in glowing terms. It is situated on the right bank of Alakananda and it is famous for offering sraddha to the dead ancestors and they are promised immediate liberation. If once, sraddha is offered to the dead, there is no occasion to offer any further in future, since they are liberated and merged in Brahma. Having gone to the highest abode of Vishnu from here, they earnestly await their descendants to meet them there, nay they earnestly long for the birth of some illustrious one in their family to visit Badari and do sraddha. So, ardent theists perform sraddhas here soon after reaching Badari; and many visit only for this purpose. Thousands of persons can be seen here doing this sacred ritual.

MANA

It is a small village with great spiritual significance. It lies in' the valley of Alakananda and the Mata Murti temple here attracts pilgrims. In its neighbourhood lie many caves of spiritual importance. Vyasaguha, Ganeshguha, Bhimaguha and Muchikundaguha are among the best and worthy of visitation. Showing and narrating the importance of many more places, the guide ushers the pilgrims into the inexhaustible treasures - house of spirit, leaving the rest upward movement, or downward fall to the choice of each individual.

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