Badrinath Temple
Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India, Uttarakhand
Temple
Nagara Architecture / Mountain Style
Early Medieval Period
Major Pilgrimage Site (Char Dham), managed by BKTC.
Year Built
750
Built By
Adi Shankaracharya (revived/re-established), Garhwal Kings (rebuilt current structure)
Patronage
Garhwal Kingdom, Various Himalayan rulers, Devotees
Badrinath Temple
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Badrinath Temple
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Badrinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines and a principal component of both the Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimages. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Badrinarayan form, the temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Its vibrant facade stands against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Open for only six months a year due to extreme weather, it draws countless pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual solace in its divine, high-altitude setting.
Location
Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India(Uttarakhand)
Year Built
750
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Seasonally (approx. May-Oct/Nov): Approx. 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM (with afternoon closure), Daily.
Entry Fee
General entry free; fees apply for VIP Darshan.
Heritage Status
Major Pilgrimage Site (Char Dham), managed by BKTC.
Preservation Status
Fair to Good, ongoing upkeep, high altitude challenges.
Historical Context
Referenced in Mahabharata and Puranas (Skanda Purana), its ancient sanctity was revitalized by Adi Shankaracharya (8th-9th C) who, according to tradition, recovered the Saligram idol from the Narad Kund and established it in a cave, later building a small shrine. He also founded the Joshimath nearby for its administration. Subject to repeated damage from avalanches and earthquakes due to its location, it was rebuilt multiple times, notably by Garhwal kings. Later Maratha chieftains like the Scindias and Holkars also contributed patronage, reflecting its pan-Indian importance as a principal Char Dham site.
Archaeological Survey
Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). ASI may provide technical assistance if requested.
Location Map
Architectural Details
Nagara Architecture / Mountain Style
Early Medieval Period
Built by
Adi Shankaracharya (revived/re-established), Garhwal Kings (rebuilt current structure)
Materials
Stone, Wood (facade/renovations)
Dimensions
Height15m
Featured Image
Excavation Details
No archaeological excavations reported. Historical and architectural studies confirm renovations over centuries. Significance is primarily religious and historical based on Puranic accounts and Adi Shankara's association.
Restoration Work
Ongoing upkeep, focus on structural stability due to high altitude conditions.
Patronage
Garhwal Kingdom, Various Himalayan rulers, Devotees
Construction Technique
Stone masonry, Wood carving
Architectural Influences
3 items
Building Techniques
Stone construction with distinct brightly painted facade, Conical roof on mandapa
Coordinates
30.743300, 79.493900
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Located at high altitude. Site involves steps and paved but sometimes crowded pathways. Requires acclimatization. Ramp access may be limited.","restrooms":"Available, basic","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited (assistance required, ramps may not cover all areas)"}
Visitor Facilities
9 items
Best Visit Times
Temple open seasonally (approx. late April/May to Oct/Nov). Best periods are May-June and Sep-Oct, avoiding monsoon landslide risks (July-Aug). Very early morning darshan (before 6 AM) is recommended to avoid long queues and experience morning rituals.
Seasonal Events
4 items
Visitor Restrictions
Requires warm, layered clothing due to high altitude. Modest attire respecting sanctity is necessary. Footwear removed before entering. Photography inside the main sanctum is prohibited. Non-Hindus may face restrictions in accessing the innermost areas. Acclimatize properly.
View Count
2
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
67
Completion Status
in-progress
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00