BADARINATH
The Himalayan abode of Sri Maha Vishnu

HISTORICITY 

It is quite astonishing that history seems silent over the origin and expansion of the holy shrine. It is only the Vedas that enshrine certain references to the sanctity of this place, but they are not corroborated either by inscriptions or sculptural adornments. A passing reference is made to this place, being visited by people during the time of Asoka the great, but it was a Buddhist pilgrim' centre then. Even though certain theist rulers made renovations from time to time, they are washed away by the devastating avalanches occurred several times since then. The present temple owes, its existence to the efforts of Sri Sankaracharya, who on securing the image of the Lord Badarinath from Naradkund arranged for the building of temple with donations, and installed it according to Sastric injunctions. His unparalleled adoration culminated in dedicating all his sixteen master-pieces to the Lord Badarinath. Credit goes to him for having appointed a Namboodri Brahmin as the head-priest of the temple, and since then the practice is honoured and continued. Above all, he founded here one of his principal monasteries called Uttaramnaya Jyotirmath. Almost all the traditions and rites introduced by him are being carried on even to day, though formal tacit approval is to be accorded by the Maharaja of Theri Garwal.

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