The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Vishnu (Preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer). The presiding deity of the temple is Badrinath (another form of Vishnu), also called Badri Vishal or Badrinarayan. Shankaracharya is believed to have installed the deity inside the shrine after it was thrown into the Narada Kunda (a hot water spring near the temple) in the days of Buddhist ascendancy.

Badrinath is depicted sitting in the padmasana (‘lotus posture’), in which the feet are placed on opposite thighs. He is surrounded by a host of gods. The most important ones amongst these are Kubera, the God of Wealth, and Ganesha, the God of Wisdom and Prosperity. Within the temple complex is an another shrine dedicated to Laksmi, the Goddess of Fortune. This shrine is situated to the left of the main temple building. The front portion is painted in red. Outside the exit door of the Badrinath Temple is the seating place of Shankaracharya, who meditated here. The temple remains closed during winter.


Sightseeing at Kedarnath Temple :
Badrinath Temple(Adi Shankaracharya Ji) : The Temple has been renovated several times due to damage by avalanches. The present structure is 15 mtrs high and has a gilded cupola. The rawal or chief priest of the temple is a Namboodripad Brahmin from Kerala. The temple is divided into three parts - the garbha griha or sanctum sanctorum, the darshan mandap where the rituals are conducted and the sabha mandap where devotees assemble.

Tapt Kund And Surya Kund : The famous hot springs just below the temple. The sulphurous waters have a temperature of 550C. A dip, considered holy and refreshing to the body as well as the soul, is a must before offering prayers to Shri Badrinath ji.

Neelkanth : A majestic peak of the Himalayas, towering to 6600 mtrs, presents the most dramatic sight of Badrinath.


Reaching Badrinath -
By Air : The nearest airport is at Dehradun.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Rishikesh at 298 kms
By Road : Badrinath is connected by road