One of the Char Dhams and the most sacred Vishnu temple in North India, situated at 3,133 metres between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges in Uttarakhand.
📜 History & Origin
Mentioned in the Vishnu Purana and Skanda Purana as a sacred site of extreme antiquity. Adi Shankaracharya discovered the idol of Badrinarayan in the Alaknanda river and installed it in the cave temple in the 8th century CE. The Garhwal kings maintained the temple for centuries. The present structure was rebuilt after an earthquake in the 17th century.
🏛 Architecture & Structure
Colorful facade with a distinctive cone-shaped tower painted in vivid colors - unique among Himalayan temples. The main temple has three sections: Garbhagriha (sanctum), Darshan Mandap and Sabha Mandap. The black stone idol of Badrinarayan is 1 meter tall in a meditative posture. Hot spring (Tapt Kund) adjacent to temple where pilgrims bathe before darshan.
🆣 Puja & Rituals
Mahabhishek at 4:30 AM with 16 ingredients. Abhishek, Geeta Path, Tarpan services bookable via BKTC. Bal Bhog (6:00 AM), Rajbhog (noon), Sandhya Aarti (7:00 PM), Shayan Aarti (9:00 PM). Tapt Kund hot spring bath is mandatory before entering the temple.
🎉 Major Festivals & Occasions
Opening Day (Akshaya Tritiya, May) - deity brought from Joshimath; Mata Murti Mela (September); Closing Day (November) - deity taken back to Joshimath for winter.
🚌 How to Reach
Air: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (317 km). Rail: Rishikesh (297 km) or Haridwar (320 km). Road: Haridwar-Rishikesh-Devprayag-Rudraprayag-Joshimath-Badrinath (320 km, 10-12 hrs). Helicopter from Haridwar or Phata available.
🏠 Where to Stay
GMVN Tourist Complex (book gmvnl.in). Dharamshalas by Garhwal Mandal and religious trusts. Hotel Snow Crest, Hotel Dev Lok near temple. Budget guesthouses from Rs. 500. Advance booking essential May-June.
🏭 Nearby Temples
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings of Badrinath Temple? +
4:30 AM - 9:00 PM (May to November only)
How do I reach Badrinath Temple? +
Air: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (317 km). Rail: Rishikesh (297 km) or Haridwar (320 km). Road: Haridwar-Rishikesh-Devprayag-Rudraprayag-Joshimath-Badrinath (320 km, 10-12 hrs). Helicopter from Haridwar or Phata available.
What is the entry fee for Badrinath Temple? +
Free
What is the best time to visit Badrinath Temple? +
May-June and September-October; avoid July-August for heavy rains
What is the dress code at Badrinath Temple? +
Warm clothing essential. Traditional attire for darshan. No non-vegetarian food or alcohol anywhere near the shrine.