BUDA KEDAR TEMPLE

Name : Buda Kedar Temple

Location : This temple is situated at the confluence of the Bal Ganga and Dharam Ganga rivers, at a motorable distance of 59 kms. from Tehri, Uttaranchal.

Legend : It is believed that Duyodhan offered tarpana here. According to legends, it is at this temple that the Pandavas encountered Rishi Balkhily at Bhrigu Parvat when they were on the lookout for Shiva after the Kurukshetra battle. The rishi directed them to the site of the confluence to meet an oldman meditating there. But when the Pandava got there, the old man vanished and instead, a shivling appeared there. Rishi Balkhily instructed the Pandavas to embrace the Shivling in order to free themselves from their sins. Their impressions are stamped on this Shivling – the biggest Shivling in northen India.

Attractions : Buda Kedar, besides being famous for its temple also proves to be a bird watcher’s paradise. Huge variety of colorful mountain birds can be sighted here in their natural environment. Trekking through the wooded hills is also a hit amongst the adventurous lot of tourists.

Chandrabadani Devi Temple

Name : Chandrabadni

Location : Chandrabadani is a mountain (2,277 m. above sea-level)
On the border of tahsil Devaprayag and Pratapnagar is the well known temple of Chandrabadni Devi which lies at the top of the mountain about 10 km. north of Kandi Khal ( a place on the Devaprayag-Kirti Nagar metalled road) , 22 km. from Devaprayag and 109 km. from Narendra Nagar.

Legend : It is said that when sati, the wife of siva, gave up her life in the yajna started by her father and siva was carrying her body to Kailash, her torso fell here. There are some old statues and lots of iron trishuls (tridents) outside the temple.

Description : It comands a beautiful view of the Sirkanda, Kedarnath and Badrinath peaks. The temple here is very small and contains a Shri-yantra carved out on a flat stone instead of any idol. Traditionally, a cloth canopy is tied to the ceiling over this Shri-yantra once a year and the Brahmana priest doing it has to do it blind-folded.

Surkhanda Devi

Name : Surkhanda Devi

Location : It is about 8 km. from Dhanolti on the motor road running from Mussoorie to Chamba and is connected with Narendra Nagar which is about 61 km. and with Tehri which is about 41 km. by motor roads in Uttaranchal. To reach the temple one has to leave the Mussoorie-Chamba road at Kadu Khal and climb a steep ascent of about 1.5 km. on foot.

Legend : The legend is that Sati, the wife of Siva, gave up her life in the yajna by her father. Siva passed through this place on his way back to Kailash with the dead body of Sati whose head fell at the spot where the temple of Surkhanda Devi stands.

Description : Surkhanda Devi temple is at an altitude of 2903 m and ringed by dense forests in a sanctified spot. People from all corners throng to this shrine. For reaching the temple, one has to walk 2 km from the motor road at Kaddulkhal.

Provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks and the Bhagirathi river. It is placed in the midst of an apple growing region.

Festivals : Ganga Dussehra Fair held every year between May and June, attracts thousands of devotees.

Paro Taktsang - Bhutan

Name : Paro Taktsang (or) Tiger's Nest

Location : The temple hangs on a cliff at 3,120 metres (10,200 feet), some 700 meters (2,300 feet) above the bottom of Paro valley, some 10 km from the district town of Paro (Bhutan).

Legend : The name Taktsang (stag tshang) means "Tiger's lair", the legend being that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew there on the back of a tiger.

In the 8th Century CE Guru Rinpoche visited Bhutan and blessed it as the second Kailash. At that time malignant spirits abounded and, in order to subdue them, he assumed the terrifying form of Guru Dorje Dröllo one of the Eight Manifistations of Guru Rinpoche (gu ru mtshan brgyad) and consecrated Paro Taksang as a sacred site to protect the Dharma and subdue harmful forces.

Description : It is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan. It was built around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated in the 8th Century. Completed in 1692, today it is the most well known as thirteen taktsang or "tiger lair" caves.

Famous visitors include Milarepa, Machig Labdrön, Thang Tong Gyalpo, and in the 17th century Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

The monastery includes seven temples which can all be visited. The monastery suffered several blazes and is a recent restoration. It has survived four catastrophic fires and an earthquake. Visitors ascend the slope to the monastery on foot or on mule-back.

Hiking Adventure : Start the day with a short drive to Sartsam Chorten. From here you hike (1 ½ hours) to the viewpoint of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until you can see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the Taktsang monastery.

Pilgrimage to Paro Taktsang : Those who wish to go on pilgrimage to Paro Taktsang and nearby sacred sites, should obtain a special permit from the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs, Thimphu. In order to maintain the sanctity of the place, ordinary tourists without a permit may not be allowed to go beyond Tsogyal Pangchung (meadow of Yeshe Tsogyal) before the Shelkarchu waterfall. At that place there is however an excellent view of Taktsang and a place to offer butterlamps.

The complete pilgrimage to Taktsang consists of an outer (), middle () and inner() pilgrimage ( explained clearly in the website : http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/Paro_Taktsang

Vaishno Devi

Name : Vaishno Devi

Location : It is nestled in the mighty Trikuta mountain 61 kilometers north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winters due to snowfall.

The Legend : As the legend goes, more than 700 years ago Vaishno Devi a devotee of Lord Vishnu, used to pray to Lord Rama and had taken vow of celibacy. Bhairon Nath, a tantric (demon-God) tried to behold Her. Making use of his tantric powers, Bhairon Nath was able to see Her going towards the Trikuta mountains and gave chase. It took Bhairon Nath nine months to locate Her, the reason why the cave is known as Garbh Joon. Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with Her Trident when the demon-God located Her.
On arriving at the Holy Cave at Darbar, she assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut off Bhairon Nath's head which was flung up the mountain by the force of the blow and fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located. The boulder at the mouth of the Holy Cave according to the legend is the petrified torso of Bhairon Nath who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying moments.

The Yatra : The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, is a place known as Banganga, where Mata quenched her thirst and at 6 km., the holy cave at Adhkawari. After 6 km. of trekking, the yatries reach Adhkawari, the holy cave where Mata meditated for nine months.

Darshan : The journey amidst snow capped mountains and sprawling forests arise from within the holy shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi. There is a common faith among the folk that Goddess-Vaishno sends a 'Call' to her devotees and that once a person receives it, wherever he or she is, marches towards the holy shrine of the great Goddess. A supernatural power seems to draw them through the mountain and they climb up those great heights step by step, chanting 'Prem se bolo, Jai Mata Di'. There are images of three deities - The Mahakali, Maa Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi. They appear in the form of Pindis.

Bijli Mahadev Temple

Name : Bijli Mahadev Temple

Location : Kullu, Uttaranchal

Legend : Standing across the river, high on a projecting bluff, the Bijli Mahadev Temple is flanked by a 20 mtr high rod. According to a legend, the flagpole atop the temple draws blessings in the form of lightning which could shatter the shivalingam. It is said if a paste of butter and barley-gram is applied to the broken shivalingam, it will fully mend and return to its original form. At least once a year the idol of Shiva in the temple is supposed to be shattered by lightning, then miraculously repaired by the temple pujari (priest).

Description : This temple houses the pictorial view of the luxuriant valley below. Placed at a height of 2450 meters, the Pahari style temple architecture offers an eye-catching scenario not only to the ardent devotees but also to the frequent traveler.

A holy darshan of the temple requires a hefty voyage of three kilometers on foot, which is quite tiresome. The uphill path towards this sacred shrine is flanked by pine trees that make the stride a pleasant one.

Jagannathi Devi Temple

Name : Jagannathi Devi Temple

Location : This temple is in Bhekhli village, 3-km from Kullu, Uttranchal. It's a stiff climb but from the temple one can catch fine views of the town.

Deity : The deity in the temple is also known as Bhuweneshawari, who is considered as the sister of Lord Vishnu.

Legend : This pretty shrine also is linked with a fabulous legend. It says that, once a shepherd boy accidentally noticed that two girls danced to the tune of his magical flute and he caught hold of one among them. The goddess revealed her identity and agreed to settle in the village at Bekhli.

Description : This temple is believed to have been constructed 1500 years ago. The Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli Temple is placed at an altitude of 1800 meter. The 90 minutes ascend to the top is rewarded with the panoramic view of the surroundings and the holy dharshan of the gorgeous deity. The sculptures and images enshrined in the shrine show Rajasthani and Gaddi tribal influence.

Raghunathji temple

Name : Raghunathji temple

Location : Uttranchal. About a km from Dhalpur in Raghunathpura or Sultanpur. To reach the temple, cross the main road outside the bus stand and follow the lane up the hill opposite the Kailash cinema.

Legend : The temple is dedicated to lord Rama. According to a local legend, Lord Rama worshipped here after his victory over Lanka. The temple compound also hosts Annapurna Devi Temple, Hanuman Temple, Shankaracharya Temple and Garud Temple.

Tungnath Temple

Name : Tungnath

Location : At this temple at 3,680 mts. The highest Hindu shrine in the Himalayas, 3 kms uphill from Chopta, Thungnath is reached through a path that wends through alpine meadows and rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila with its panoramic views. The entire journey and the shrine are located in some of the finest, most picturesque pocket of the Himalayas.

Desription : This Panch Kedar temple is worshipped as Shiva Arm. The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that form the river Akashkamini. It is the highest Shiva temple in the World.

The temple comes to sight only a few hundred yards before the finish of the trekking. Standing in the centre of the stone paved platform, under 3,600 metres high summit of Chandrashila (4,090m) the monument is a fine piece of ancient architecture. The strong built and powerful looks of the temple, made with stone, symbolize the power and anger of Lord Shiva.

The idols of Vyas and Kalbhairav stand along the "Shivling" inside the temple. The other four 'Kedar' are beautifully engraved on silver plate. Facing the small, low height gate of the temples, sits Nandi-the divine bull, the vehicle of the Lord. Two small temples, dedicated to Parvati and Kalbhairav embellish the small courtyard, on a flat rock possible to have an idea before starting the construction.

RudraNath Temple

Name : RudraNath. The strange mountain formation when given a close glance resembles the face of Lord Shiva. Hence the place is known as Rudramukh. “Rudra” refers to Lord Shiva and “mukh” means “face”.

Location : 23 km from Gopeshwar, Gaurikund, Uttranchal. Rudranath is sometimes considered as the toughest Panch Kedar temple to reach.

Altitude : 2,286 m

Year of Construction : 8th Century AD

Legend : According to the legends of Panch Kedar, this temple shelters the face of Shiva. There is a small rectangular space just outside the sanctum sanctorom. The deity is a Swyam Bhuva (Self Appeared) Shivalinga shaped like a human face formed by the projection of a huge rock. This face has a serene smile and a gaze of pure benevolence in the all-seeing eyes. Measuring about 3 feet from the chin to the top of the jatas, a white cloth remains bound tightly on the crown of Lord Shiva.

The Rudranath temple is believed to be established by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandavas came to the Himalayan mountains in search of god Shiva, to redeem them of the sins of killing in the epic Kurukshetra war. God Shiva did not want to meet them and escaped in form of a bull in the ground and reentered in parts in the Panch Kedar places: the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tunganath, the navel and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheswar, the face showing up at Rudranath and the hair and the head appearing in Kalpeshwar. In winter, a symbolic image of Shiva is brought to Gopeshwar for worship. The Doli Yatra starts from Gopeshwar. The Doli Yatris cross Liti Bugyal and Panar and finally reach Pitradhar. The worship of ancestors is done here. Then, after crossing Dhalabni Maidan, the Doli or the symbolic image of Shiva, reaches Rudranath.Here first the Vandevi is worshipped. The local belief is that Vandevi protects the area. The Kheshtra is protected by Vandevi or Vandevatas.

Description :

Rudramukh is located at a height of 2286 meters and is surrounded by supreme natural beauty. The temple is the third temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region. The other temples in the circuit include: Kedarnath and Tungnath to be visited before Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar or Madmaheshwar and Kalpeshwar to be visited after Rudranath. The face (mukha) of god Shiva is worshipped as "Nilkanth Mahadeva" here.

Tourists need to trek for fifteen kilometers in order to reach Rudranath from Gopeshwar. The Mandir Committee has a guesthouse where devotees can spend the night if they wish to. A motorable road is present up to the village Sagar — 5 km (3 mi) from Gopeshwar, beyond which a 20 km (12 mi) trek has to be undergone to reach Rudranath. The trek winds through tall grass, oak and rhododendron forests. The trek path is stated to be slippery. Other routes include: an uphill, 17 km (11 mi) trek from Gangolgaon — 3 km (2 mi) from Gopeshwar — through the forest and Panar and Naila shepherd settlements. Another trek route from Gopeshwar to Rudranath passes via Mandal (13 km/8 mi) and then additional 6 km (4 mi) to the Anusuya Devi temple and then another 3 km (2 mi) to Rudranath. The Anusuya Devi temple is home to goddess Anusuya, who is believed to help devotees in distress.

There is a natural ledge overhanging the face of Shiva from where droplets of water fall perennially. The temple is very damp and cold with small puddles here and there. There are a few pieces of flat wood on which the pujari or temple priest and his assistant stand during the performance of the elaborate rituals. The large half open eyes of the deity are kept covered with larger golden coverings. The enormous upturned, golden moustaches transform this face into a terrifying angry face. Every evening, in elaborate worship, the mask is removed from the face of Shiva to give a brief glimpse of a rarely-sighted aspect of Shiva. This is the only temple of Shiva where his face is his symbol.

There are numerous sacred water tanks ("Kund") near the temple. These include Surya-kund, Chandra-kund, Tara-kund, Mana-Kund etc. Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti are the famous mountain peaks, which provide the backdrop to the temple. The Vaitharini stream or Baitarani or Rudraganga flows near the temple, which has a grey stone idol of Rudranath. The river is identified with the "river of salvation", where souls of the dead cross to reach the other world. Thus, devotees visit Rudranath to perform rituals of the dead, such as performing a pind offering. Some believe that offering a pind to ancestors here equals offering a hundred million at the holy city of Gaya.

Festivals :

The temple celebrates an annual fair on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Sravan (July–August). The fair is attended mainly by locals. The priests at the Rudranath temple are Bhatts and tiwaris of Gopeshwar village. At Nandikund (2,439 m/8,002 ft), on the trekking route to Rudranath, devotees worship old historic swords protruding from the rocks, believed to be of Pandavas.




Website : http://littlerandomwalks.blogspot.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudranath

Baijnath Temple

Name : Baijnath Temple

Location : Baijnath Temple, located at a distance of 19 kms from Kausani, Uttranchal. At an elevation of 1126 mt. in the Garur valley of Katyur is the complex of Baijnath Temple.

Deity : Shiva & Parvati

Description : It is a 12th century temple on the banks of Gomti River. Built by the Katyuri kings there are ancient temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahama. The Baijnath Temples dating back to the 12th and 13th century are constructed of stone. The temple complex exhibits the amazing architecture of the age. The main temple that houses the beautiful idol of Parvati is chiseled in black stone. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

Name : Madhyamaheshwar Temple

Location : Situated in Rudraprayag, the Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the Five Kedar Temples.

Deity : Lord Shiva is enshrined in Madhyamaheshwar Temple.

Legend : There is a legendary connection of this place to the birth of Lord Shiva, According to mythical source the stomach of Lord Shiva emerged from here. So devotees throng the temple premise during Shiva Ratri and other festivals related to Lord Shiva.

Description : Natural calamities and foreign invasions have contributed in the slow destruction of temples, but by conjoint effort of the inhabitants and Government these temples were slowly recovered and reconstructed. One such is the Madmaheshwar Temple.

The unique North Indian architecture is noticeable in the construction of this temple focusing on the legendary issues and stories of Kings and warriors. The glorious temple is surrounded by natural vegetation of unparalleled scenic elegance. This sanctified place reflects the spirit of religiosity in India, speaking much of its endless panoramic pilgrim spots and heritage points.

If you want to implore the spiritual vista of India and indulge in sacramental acts, no other place would be more suitable. For a pilgrim as well as a common man, Madmaheshwar Temple is an apt place.

Joshimutt

Name : Sri Paramapurusha Perumal Temple, Joshimutt

Temple Location :
This Divyadesam is around 154 miles away from Haridwar, while travelling from Devaprayag to Badrinath.

There is no firm or conclusive agreement on the where this Divyadesam is situated. Many of the pilgrimage believe that Joshimutt is the Divyadesam which is called as "Thiruppirudhi" and some say that Thiruppirudhi is in the interior of Himalayas.

Specials:
The Specialty of this place is Sri Aadhi Sankaracharya, who came all the way from Kerala in the 8th Century A.D., performed Tapas under a tree here and after getting enlighten, established a MUTT known as "Jyothirmutt". This Jyothismutt later became "Joshimutt".

Sthalapuranam
Thiruppirudhi which is otherwise called as Joshimutt explains that it has a close relation between the Lord Emperumaan and His devotees. The devotees shows their Preethi (affection) towards the Emperumaan and they get the same from the Emperumaan. That's the reason this spot got the name as "Thiruppirudhi".

This Thiruppirudhi Kshetram is about 154 miles away from Haridwar while travelling from Devaprayag to Badrinath.

Devotees who travel towards Badrikashramam with lots of efforts and traveling in snow, they feel tired and supressed. But, after reaching this Joshimutt they are happy and feel relaxed because only few miles away from here is Badrikashramam. The Salagrama Narasimha at the Sankara Mutt is being worshipped by the devotees as considering him as the Lord Sriman Narayana.

It is said a king by named "Nandar" stayed in this Kshetram and sacrifices for the welfare of the whole humanity to live a good life, this sthalam is also called as "Nandaprayag". It is said that the Kanva Maharishi also lived in this sthalam.

In winter season, when Badrikashramam sthalam is closed, the Badrinath utsavar is took from Badrinath and kept in here and gives his seva as Badri Narayanan for his bhaktas for six months.

Among 108 divyadesams, there are two divyadesams where we cant go with our body, only our Aathma (soul) can reach. That two divyadesams are Paramapadham and Thirupparkadal. But, the Lord God shows His full view as depicted in Thiruppaarkadal, to His devotees in this location.

Sri Aadhi Sankarar has constructed a temple here for Sri Narasimha and standing posture Sri Vasudeva. To reach the temple, one has to go downwards in the step which is around 3/4 miles away. Sri Aadhi Sankarar has established a peetam and got the Gnana by doing tapas here and wrote "Sankara Bhashyam".

Moolavar:
The Moolavar of this sthalam is Paramapurushan. He is in sleeping posture (Kidantha kolam) in Bujangha sayanam facing east. Prathyaksham for Parvathi devi.

Thaayar:
The Thaayar of Thiruppirudhi sthalam is Parimalavalli Naachiyaar.

Mangalasasanam:
Thirumangai Alwar is the only Alwar who has done Mangalasasanam on this sthala perumal in 10 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:
Since, this sthala perumal is like the same way as the perumal found in Thiruppaarkadal and His disciples can't go along with their human body only their Aathma (soul) can reach, the bhaktas in their mind itself worship this perumal as the perumal in Paarkadal. Since, the bhaktas worship in their mind (Maanaseegam), the pushkarani is Maanasaras. Other theertham are Govardhana Theertham and Indira Theertham.

Vimaanam:
In Krishna avathaar, Sri Kannan protects all the Yadhavas, Aayars and all the cows from the heavy rain through the Govardhana mountain serving them as an umbrella. Likewise, this sthala perumal protects the people here having his Vimaanam as Govardhana Vimaanam.

DevaPrayag

Name : Thirukkandam - Kadi Nagar - Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple, Devaprayag

Temple Location :

The First Divyadesam as one travels from Haridwar to Badrinath is Devaprayag. This Kshetram is also called as "Thirukkandam" and also as "Kadi Nagar".

It lies about 45 miles away from Rishikesh to Badrinath and about 1700 feet above the sea level.

Specials:

The Speciality of this sthalam is only at this sthalam the great rivers Alaknanda and Bagirathi mingle each other.

Sthalapuranam :

This Thirukkandam divyadesam is also called with the names as "Kadinagar", "Devaprayag". This sthalam is situated around 1700 feets upwards from the sea level. The Alaknandha and Bagirathi river mingle together in this sthalam and comes down and is called as "Aadi Ganga".

Prayag means the place where two rivers mingle together and since two divine (holy) rivers mingle together, it is said that this sthalam got the named as "Deva Prayag". The place where the two rivers is said to be the place where the Neela megha perumal originates and the two rivers are referred to as two pirattis.

It is said that in this sthalam Brahma devar, King Dasaratha and Sri Rama have done penance austerities here and an Idol of Raghunathji is said to be installed by Sri Aadhi Sankara.

Periyalwar is the only alwar who has done Mangalasasanam on this perumal in 11 paasurams.

Moolavar:
The Moolavar of this kshetram is Neelamega Perumal. He is also called with the name "Purushothaman". He is giving his seva in Standing posture facing east Prathyaksham for Bharadwaja Maharishi.

Thaayar:
The Thaayar found in this sthalam is Pundareekavalli.

Mangalasasanam:
Periyalwar is the only Alwar who has done Mangalasasanam on this sthala perumal in 11 Paasurams.

Pushkarani:

Mangala theertham:
Ganga Nadhi.

Vimaanam:
Mangala Vimaanam.

Badrinath

Name : Thiruvadhari Ashramam - Sri Badri Narayana Perumal Temple, Badrinath

Temple Location : This Badrinath temple is Located in Central Himalayas in Garhwal district of Uttar Pradesh.

It is found right back of Holy River Alaknanda. This Badrinath Divyadesam located is almost 10300 feet above sea level is a great Pilgrimage center in India.

Specials:

1. This temple is opened only six months in a year, from mid of May to the third week of November. But, it depends only upon the temple authorities. The temple is closed for next six months due to heavy snow-fall in winter.

2. The Perumal is transformed from this temple to Joshimutt temple for that six months when the Badrinath temple is closed. And after 6 months, he is taken back to Badrinath temple itself.

3. Badrinath is the most important of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage

Sthalapuranam :

The Perumal serves as a "Teacher" (Guru) for himself and thereby explaining the Gnana to the world in 5 different ways.

1. The characters of Aathma.
2. Character of Paramathma
3. What the Aathma has to attain.
4. The ways, to attain it and
5. The obstacles that are found for the Aathma while its attaining it.

Badrinath Temple The Perumal, Badrin Narayanan explains all these 5 different things known as "Artha Panjaga Gnanam". For a human, 5 relations are the most prominent one. They are Mother, Gather, Guru, God and the pre generation peoples. In this, Guru is so important and it is non - equivalent to anything. Without a proper guru, one cannot attain anything. So, the perumal here serves as the guru and explain the Gnana to the world.

As the same way, the perumal is born as both Naran and Narayanan and he gives the seva to both Naran and Narayanan and he gives the seva to Naran thereby explaining the Gnanam towards him.

While going towards Badrinath, one can visit enjoy and get the seva of Perumals in Haridwar, Vishnupaadham, Thiriveni Sangamam, Rishikesh, Deva Prayag, Kandam (Kadinagar), Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nandha Prayag, Joshi mutt, Hanuman Chatti, Bramagha dam, Taptha Kundam and Simha Dwaram.

Badrinath is 10,380 feet above from the sea level. Bhaktas who travel Badrinath, first should visit Haridwar, where Brahma Kundam (theertham) is found where bhaktas have a spiritual bath in that theertham before going to Badrinath. This place is also called as "Vishnu Paadham"

From here, we can see the Ganga river originating. It is said that river Ganga originates from the thiruvadi (feet) of Sri Vishnu. The Dwaram (the small entrance (or) hole) from where the Ganga river originates is said to be Haridwar. People get this Ganga water closed in a small vessel and take to their houses and keep them as sacred. Haridwar is called as "Kapilasthan", because Kapila Munivar did the tapas here and worshipped Goddess Maya and because of this, the place is also called as "Mayapuri". There are temples for Goddess Manasa Devi, Chandi Devi, Maya Devi, Anjani Devi, Neeleshwarar, Dattatreyar, Navagrahas, Mahadeva and Mrithyunjaya Mahadevar.

Lots of Ashrams are found. Some of them are Kailasha Ashram dedicated to Aadhi Sankarar, Sri Vananda Ashram started by Swami Sivanandar, Gita Ashram, Swarga Ashram, Paramathma Niketan.

Badrinath is said to one among the great Dhamas (holy Shrines). Other great Dhamas are Rameswaram, Dwaraka and Jaganath. There are 5 Badris namely Vishal Badri, Dhayana Badri, Yoga Badri, Vridha Badri and Bhavishya Badri and five prayags are Devaprayag, Rudra prayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag and Vishnu prayag.

Devaprayag :This is the place where the Alaknanda and Bagirthi rivers mingle to one another and the river falls down as "Aadhi Ganga", In Devaprayag, Brahma devar, King Dasarathan and Sri Ramar are believed to have done tapas. And an Mutt is installed by Aadhi Sankarar here.

Rudraprayag :Rudraprayag is the place where river Mandakini joins the Alankananda river. Here a temple for Rudran is found Mandakini river rises from Kedarnath and it joins Ganga and then towards Madhya Maheshwar near Gupta Kasi. In Gupta Kasi a famous temple for Ardha Nareeshwarar is found (Artha Nareeshwarar is one of seva given by Lord Shivan where he is found as one part of his body and another side for Uma devi).

Karnaprayag :Karnaprayag is the place where Karnan did strong tapas to get all sorts of mantra arrows.

Nandaprayag :Nandaprayag is the place where the Nandakini river arises and joins Alaknanda. It is said that king Nanda did a severe tapas here in this place.

Vishnuprayag :It is believed that this is the place where Pandu King did strong tapas towards the Emperumaan Sri Vishnu and it is said that the Pandja Pandavas born here.

Badrinath Temple Next to Vishnu Prayag is a place called Hanuman Ghat where Lord Hanuman and Bheeman met each other. Once, Bheeman thought he was the strong person in the world and was travelling along this side. At that time, Hanuman laid there as a old monkey. Bheema say an old monkey lying before him in the path and shouted at the monkey to give way for him. But, the old monkey (Hanuman) told that since he is so weak, he could not able to move and told that if Bheema could mvoe the tail, he can move it and go along with his way. Bheeman thought he can move the tail with his one hand, but he could not do that. Using his full strength, he tried, but he could not even move the tail for an inch. Finally, he thought, the old monkey might be some Arakkan (or) Magic man. But finally, Anjaneyar showed his original Roopam and explains him that there are brothers (since both are Vaayu Puthras). Bheema fell to the feet of Sri Anjaneyar and asked that he should be along with them during the war against the Gauravars (Duriyodhanan and his troop). Sri Anjaneyar told that he will be along with them in the flag which is found on top of the Chariot of Arjuna.

Since, Naran and Narayanan came to this sthalam, two mountains on the names of them are found. The Nara Parvatham (mountain) is found on the Eastern bank of Alknanda river and Narayana parvatham on the west bank of Alknanda river. These two mountains are almost covered by snow, in all times.

Nara Parvatham is also called as Kubera Bhandar since lots of precious gems and diamonds are found on its glaciers. Once, there lived an arakkan (demon) by name "Sahasrakavacha", who gave lots of trouble for the Rishis and yogis. All of them prayed towards the perumal to help them out from the Arakkan. At that time, both Naran and Narayanan did tapas towards the perumal. On hearing that these two persons were doing severe tapas towards the Emperumaan, Sahasrakavachan rushed towards them to kill them. Both, Naran and Narayanan fought strongly with the demon and finally killed him. Thus, they permenantly stayed in Badrinath to help all the Rishis and Yogis from lots of Arakkans.

About 5 miles away from Badrinath, is a place found which is called as "Dharma Shila". It is believed tht only in this place, Dharma Rajan and his wife kala did tapas towards the perumal. As the Varam from the perumal, Dharma Raja and his wife asked that the perumal should also be found along with them and thats the reason why Dharma shila is found near Badrinath.

Tapta Kund :
This tapta Kund is found in between the temple (Badrinarayanan) and Alaknanda river. Inspite of being so cold and lots of snow fallings, this tapta kund excreats hot water (springs) which is said to be a special one. It is said that the Ganga river after coming from the thiruvdi of Sriman Narayanan is beared by the Lord Shivaperuman's head and since it comes out form the hot and from Kabhala of Shiva, it is said the water of Tapta kund is hotter.

After taking bath in tapta kund, bhaktas have to climb some steps up where Garudalwar is found. After worshipping him, we can reach the pragaram. The place where Garudalwar is found is called "Simha Dwaram".

Infront of Badrinath temple, the Nara and Narayanan mountain are found. Inside the temple, Badrinarayanar is found in sitting position which is termed as "Padmasana" pose. On his left is Naran and Narayanar and found, to his right, Kuberan with a big silver face is found. Narada Maharishi is also found along with them. A Sudharsana chakkaram to spiritualise the sthalam is also found. The Utsavar is Uddhava is found and infront of him, a small Garudalwar is found.

It is said that a big date (Elandhai) tree is covering the Badrinarayanar temple and it will not be found to any person in Kali yigham. The tree is said to be the hamsam of Sri Mahalakshmi and she is protecting Badrinarayanan from cold by covering him.

Moolavar and his Sannadhi :

The Moolavar Badrinarayanar is said to be made of Salagramam. He is found along with Aravindhavalli thaayar, Garudan, Kuberan, Naradhar, Utthavar, Devarishi and Narayanar. He is found in sitting pose and has 4 hands. His left hand holds the Sangu and his right hand hold the chakkaram and is lifeted upwards and remaining two hands are joined together and found as Yoga muthirai and Abhaya Varadhan.

Bhaktas can get the seva of this perumal how much times they want and all the thirumanjanam, Naivedhyam etc are done infront of the bhaktas.

Thaayar and her Sannadhi :

On the south pragharam of the temple is the sannadhi for Aravindhavalli thaayar is found and she is called as "Mahalakshmi". On the west side, Aadhi sankarar sannadhi and behind the temple, Lakshmi Narasimhar mandir and Sannadhis for Sri Swami Desikan, Udayavr Ramanujar are found.

On the north side of the temple big rock by name "Brahma Gobalam" is found in the bank of Ganga river. It is believed that if we dedicated Pindam (a ball made of rice) here for our forefathers, the next 14 generations people are said to go to heaven and Moksha. And thereafter, if one perform this, there is no need to do the Shrardham from then.

Moolavar :
The Moolavar of Badrinath Kshetram is Badri Narayanan. He is found in Irundha (sitting) thirukkolam facing his thirumugham towards east direction. Prathyaksham for Naran.

Thaayar :
The Thaayar found in this Kshetram is Aravindhavalli.

Mangalasasanam :

* Periyalwar - 1 Paasuram.
* Thirumangai Alwar - 21 Paasurams.

Pushkarani :
Tapta Kundam.

Sthala Viruksham (Tree):
Badri Viruksham (Date tree).

Vimaanam :
Tapta Kanjana Vimaanam.