Badrinath Temple

Overview data: 0% complete

Heritage Overview

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.

Website

https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/

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

Is Featured

Yes

Is Published

Yes

Completion Score

Completion Status

in-progress

Created By

b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175

Created At

2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00

Updated At

2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00

Inheritage Foundation

Badrinath Temple