Explore Religious Sites Around Badrinath Dham
If you are visiting Shri Badrinath Dham to seek blessings of Lord Badri Vishal, make sure to explore the nearby religious and mythological sites as well. Senior journalist Kranti Bhatt provides insights into these significant locations:
- Brahma Kapal Teerth: Located in Badrinath, this is where rituals for ancestors (Pind Daan) are performed. It is believed that after offering Pind Daan here, there is no need to perform it anywhere else.
- Hot Water Springs: The two ancient hot water springs in Badrinath are revered. It is customary to bathe here before visiting the temple.
- Lakshmi Temple: Within the Badrinath temple complex, the temple of Goddess Lakshmi becomes her abode after the temple doors open.
- Bamani Village: Across the Rishiganga, this village is associated with Lord Vishnu’s childhood games at a place called Leela Dungi, which still exists today.
- Ghantakarn Temple: A protector deity of the region, Ghantakarn has a shrine within the temple complex and another temple in Mana village.
- Mana Village: Located 3 km from Badrinath, this last village of India, known in scriptures as Manibhadra Pur, features Vyas Cave and Ganesh Cave. It is believed that Sage Vyas composed the Vedas here, and Lord Ganesh transcribed them.
- Saraswati Temple: Two kilometers ahead of Mana village, the Saraswati River originates amidst rocks, creating a mesmerizing sound. The river passes beneath the Bhim Pul and later merges with the Alaknanda River.
- Sheshnag Rock: An extraordinary natural formation resembling Sheshnag is considered auspicious to view.
- Charan Paduka Teerth: Behind the Badrinath temple on Narayan Parvat lies this site with footprints believed to be of Lord Vishnu.
- Neelkanth Peak: The majestic Neelkanth Peak, snow-clad year-round, adds to the grandeur of Badrinath with its mesmerizing form of Lord Shiva.
- Joshimath: About 45 km before Badrinath, this sacred site houses the idol of Lord Narasimha and the Nav Durga temple. It is also where Adi Shankaracharya meditated and attained enlightenment. Known as Jyotirmath, it is now called Joshimath.
- Bhavishya Badri: Located 40 km from Joshimath on the Tapovan route, it is believed that Lord Vishnu will appear here in the future.
- Pandukeshwar: About 30 km before Badrinath, this holy place features the Dhyan Badri Temple and a temple dedicated to Kubera. From Govind Ghat nearby, one can access Hemkund Sahib and the Lakshman Temple.
