Tirubhadariasramam - Badarinath Mandir

Like Kedarnath, it is situated in Badarikasram, an integral part of Rudra Himalaya, but is separated by a huge high mountain range; else both would have been lying at a stone's throw from each other, says the local with exuberance overflowing from his countenance. As they are separated by a big mountain with two snow-capped tall peaks, the representative forms of Nara and Narayana lost in deep meditation, they appear to be in two different worlds altogether. As the high snow-covered mountain range does not allow easy passage to Badarinath from Kedarnath or vice versa, pilgrims take a circuitous route, adding about 200 odd kilometers more. Among the special features that mark it out from the Kedarnath shrine, Brahma Kapal ranks first. It is a place of unique spiritual significance for offering pindas to the manes, and it lies on the right bank of Alakananda, the principal tributary of the Ganges. Another feature that commands veneration is, although it is a Vaishnava kshetra, it houses in its sacred precincts, the famous Sankaracharya Peetha, one among the flour established by Adi Sanakara himself, and it is called Uttaramnaya Joshimath. Yet another, that declares its glorious catholicity is, that the Naivedya and prasad given here are to be accepted by all, regardless of one's faith in the Presiding Deity. If anyone refuses, either due to stupidity, or bigotry, he is deemed to be worse than chandala - an untouchable, unfit to claim any religious rite. According to sastric injunctions, one who gives dana, be it a piece of silver, or gold in this sacred kshetra, will never be born poor in the next thousand births. Ah! what a merit! How pious is this kshetra! There are many holy spots dear to Hari and Hara in this land, though it is predominantly a Vaishnava kshetra, and there lies its uniqueness in catholicity.

The Temple

The holy shrine is built on a 45 foot-high-plinth on the right bank of Alakananda; and it faces east. Its exterior is quite imposing with shining gold kalasas that lure the pilgrims with their ethereal beauty and grandeur. The temple has three distinct parts. As the devotees cross the portals, they enter the outer hall, called Sabha Mantap. It is the first part and herein they stand waiting to avail the darsan of the Lord Badarinath. The idol of Badarinath made of Saligram measuring about three feet in height installed in the garbhagriha - the inner-most part which is adorned with Thaptha kanchana Vimana. It is in padmasana posture, with two hands in yoga mudra pose. The priests sit in here and offer prayer services to the idols. There are nine idols in total in this garbha griha. Sri Mahalakshmi, His consort stands to His left, and next to Her, the stone images of Nara and Narayana in sitting posture are installed. The images of Garuda, Vinayaka and Kubera are seen to the right side of the Iord with those of Narada and Uddhava in the front. It is indeed a grand spectacle, and the Lord with abundant floral decoration feasts the eyes of the devotees in a wide variety of ways; for, some see in the idol Lord Brahma, yet some others Lord Vishnu, a few Hanuman, and others, Maheswar, or even Kali etc., according to the faith they have in the Almighty. Whatever form they wish, the All-pervading Lord reveals Himself in that august form and it is the prime cause of attraction for Saivates and Vaishnavates, who visit in their millions every year. Among the niches adorning the outer walls, the carving of Kamadhenu at the rear draws the devotees most and wrings veneration, since it is unique as a piece of sculpture, and an object of adoration, not found anywhere in any temple. To the right side, the office of the Sankaracharya Mutt is housed, and is busy always distributing prasadam packets to every ardent devotee on solicitation

Pujas And Timings

The darsan of the Lord Badarinath is made available only during fixed hours in the season. The morning pujas, like Abhishek, Mahabhishek, Gitapatt and Bhagavathpatt are offered with chanting of Vedic hymns, accompanied by chiming of bells. Elaborate rituals are observed during the evening pujas; and Geetgovind and Aarati consume a lot of time. The rituals are many and they are characteristic of the North Indian style. Though they differ from the South Indian, the piety and ardor that break through them reveal the glory of the Lord and the sincerity of the adorer. The temple is opened for worship for six months a year, and the Lord is worshipped at Joshimath in the winter season. The opening and closing dates are fixed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Temple Committee in consultation with Rawal and Astrologers. Normally, during the first week of April, it is opened with special puja called Akhand Jyoti Damn, and likewise many ceremonies will be observed on the closing day. Generally it falls in the month of November. The temple staff then reside in Joshimath and carry on the rituals with promptitude due to them..

The temple is situated close to the snow capped peaks of Nara Narayana and on the bank of Alakananda in the temple township, accessible by bus and walk, if vowed.

[ Back ] [ Temples Of India ] [ Up ] [ Next ]