A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu – Badrinath Temple, this holy shrine is situated in the small town of Badrinath in the Indian state Uttarakhand. Badrinath has an elevation of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). Garhwal Himalayas is the home of Badrinath and Kedarnath temples.
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Kedarnath Temple, another holy shrine of Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Due to the utmost weather conditions, the temple is open for people to come and worship only between April (Akshaya Tritiya) and November (Kartik Purnima, the full autumn moon).
Worship of Deity takes place in Ukhimath in winters. A considerable number of people worship Kedarnath and Badrinath Hindu shrines. There are many beliefs about the fulfillment of the prayers of many people. The two destinations are the destinations where every Indian in their lifetime wants to come and join hands in front of God.
Kedarnath: The shrine stands regally facing the Mandakini River with the backdrop of snow-covered mountains in the Valley. Pandavas lost their peace of mind due to their guilty conscience. They have killed their kiln and Guru in the Mahabharat war. They want to get absolved of their sin by the blessings of Lord Shiva. They went to Varanasi for atonement, but Lord Shiva was not in the mood to oblige them and went to the Himalayas at Gupt Kashi. Pandavas were determined for their penance to went to the Himalayas. Still, again, Lord Shiva didn’t fulfill their wishes and went to Mandakini valley Pandavas also pursued there, so Lord Shiva took the form of a Bull and started grazing with a herd of buffalos in Mandakini valley. One of the Pandavs, Nakul, had God gifted power to know the whereabouts of anything. Pandavas knew that Lord Shiva is in the herd of buffalos but which one they didn’t realize. So Bhim, the most powerful of the Pandavas, put his feet on both banks of Mandakini, knowing very well that only buffalos and bulls will pass through under his legs. Lord Shiva will not give in. Pandavas recognized Lord Shiva due to this fact. Bhim caught hold of the hump of Shiva in the form of the Bull. Lord Shiva went under the earth, leaving the hump in the hands of Bhim.
Pleased with the determination and grit of Pandavas for their atonement, Lord Shiva obliged them with absolvent of their sins and pronounced that whoever will worship the hump with pure oil will be absolved of all his wrongdoings. From that day onwards, scores of people visit Kedarnath and offer their prayers for the blessings of the almighty.
Badrinath: As per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu was lying on its Shehsh Nag bed on the bank of the celestial lake, and Goddess Laxmi was cuddling His feet. Narad the sage passed through that place and reprimanded Lord Vishnu for indulging in worldly deeds. Lord Vishnu was shocked and sent Laxmi, his consort, Nag Kanya, to Patal Lok. He went into isolation in the Himalayas. Lord Vishnu spent several years in meditation, Laxmi, when returned, could not find Lord Vishnu. She searched and searched and at last seen Lord Vishnu, pleaded with him to return. Lord Vishnu agreed that the Valley of Badri Vishal should remain the Valley of meditation and not worldly pleasure. He was so pleased by the resolve of Laxmi for putting so much effort into her search. He pronounced that every time the devotees will take His name, they should recite the name of Laxmi first. It is the reason why we call Sita Ram and Radha Krishan.
Mana Village: It is the last village of the Indian population and is mentioned in ancient scriptures as Manipadrapam and located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers. River Saraswati can be seen only at this place. After that, it vanishes into Pataal Lok. There are ancient caves like Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa. The great epic Mahabharat was composed here. It has also provided the world with religious scripture in Bhagavad Gita, the philosophy of Life, and its rights and wrongs.
Haridwar: Rishikesh: According to Hindu scriptures, Raibhya Rishi undertook hard penances on the right bank of Ganga. Mountains on three sides surrounded it. God, pleased with his penances, appeared and blessed him. From that moment, the location became Rishikesh, The Celestial Abode. From all over the world, pilgrims visit this place. Bharat, the brother of Ram, performed arduous penances at Rishikesh. The construction of a temple took place at that spot. The town came up around it. It became the abode of saints and sages from where they undertook a pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri, the Char Dhams of Himalayas.
Departure from Delhi and the Trip Calls off at Delhi.
As per schedule
Meet our driver at the Delhi hotel/Airport and drive to Haridwar. Check into the hotel. In the evening visit to Mansa Devi Temple & witness Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Overnight stay will be at Haridwar.
On this day, we will start in the morning for Gupkashi. It will take around seven hours. On the way, we will halt for a photographic session at Dev Prayag and Rudraprayag. We will be reaching Gupkashi in the evening. Overnight stay will be at Gupt Kashi.
Dev Prayag: The confluence of river Bhagirathi Na Alakananda. Bhagirathi originates from Gaumukh 18 km. Gangotri and Alaknanda start from Alka Puri beyond Badrinath. From here onwards, Bhagirathi is called Ganga.
Rudra Prayag: The union of Mandakini and Alaknanda. Mandakini originates from Kedarnath. There is a sheer difference in the colors of water flowing in these two rivers as the color of Mandakini is deep green since it passes through thick vegetation and has curative properties. In contrast, the water of Alaknanda is Muddy because it flows through glaciers, and its residue also flows in it; hence it is rich in minerals.
Gupt Kashi: This is an exciting place full of great views of steppe fields far below various nature hues. Pandavas wanted redemption from Lord Shiva as they have sinned, killing their brothers Kauravas. Shiva didn’t want to absolve them of their sins as per His frame of mind at that time. So Gupkashi was the place where Lord Shiva remained out of sight of Pandavas. It is the reason it is called Gupt Kashi.
On this day, we will move to Phata from here take a helicopter for Kedarnath. Enjoy the views of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, numerous waterfalls, and the shimmering Mandakini River. Perform your Puja at the Kedar Nath and return to Phata. From there, we will pick you up and transfer you to Gupt Kashi for an overnight stay.
Alternatively: One can visit Kedarnath by trekking 20 km from Gauri Kund. We will transfer you to Son Prayag. From there, board a sharing Jeep which will take you to Gauri Kund. It will charge Rs. 100/- per pax. From Gauri, Kund Trek begins at 20 Kms to Kedarnath. Ponies, Dollies, and for kids pits are available at Gauri Kund on a payment basis. The trek to Kedarnath is a lifetime experience with the ever-present Mandakini river roaring below, waterfalls coming down from melting glaciers in the backdrop of dense forest. After reaching Kedarnath, take some rest at the accommodation and perform Puja at the Holy Shrine. Overnight stay will be at Kedarnath.
On this day, move early in the morning for the return journey to Gupkashi. Come down to Gauri Kund take sharing Jeep from there, costing Rs 100 again to Sonprayag. We will pick you up from there and transfer you to Gupt Kashi for a night’s stay.
On this day, early in the morning, we will start from Gupt Kashi for Badrinath. On the way, we will halt at various confluences for the photographic session and visit Narsimha Temple at Joshi Math, where worship of Lord Badrinath takes place in winters and is a seat of Shankaracharya.
Rudra Prayag: The union of Mandakini and Alaknanda. Mandakini originates from Kedarnath. There is a sheer difference in the colors of water flowing in these two rivers as the color of Mandakini is deep green because it passes through thick vegetation and has curative properties. In contrast, the water of Alaknanda is Muddy since it flows through glaciers, and its residue also flows in it; hence it is rich in minerals.
Nand Prayag: It is the confluence of Nandakini and Alaknanda. Nandakini originates from Nanda Devi.
Karan Prayag: It is the confluence of the Pindar River, which originates from Pindari Glacier in the Kumaon region and Alaknanda. There is also a temple here dedicated to Karna, who mediated here from Mahabharat.
We will be reaching Badrinath in the evening and transfer to accommodation. We will visit Mana Village in the evening.
. Overnight stay will be in Badrinath.
Early morning we will visit Badrinath, and after conducting rituals, we will proceed for Srinagar for an overnight stay.
On this day, we will start early for Delhi, and on the way, we will visit Rishikesh.
Rishikesh: According to Hindu scriptures, Raibhya Rishi undertook hard penances on the right bank of Ganga. Mountains on three sides surrounded it. God, pleased with his penances, appeared and blessed him. From that moment, the location became Rishikesh, The Celestial Abode. From all over the world, pilgrims visit this place. Bharat, the brother of Ram, performed arduous penances at Rishikesh. The construction of a temple took place at that spot. The town came up around it. It became the abode of saints and sages from where they undertook a pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri, the Char Dhams of Himalayas.
Here we will visit Laxman Jhula, various temples, and Ashrams, and after lunch, we will proceed for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi, the tour ends. Further arrangements can be made by Adventure Delight if informed in advance.
Ans. Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines are in Chamoli District of the state of Uttrakhand in India. Lord Vishnu is the deity of Badrinath, the operator of this universe, and Lord Shiva, the destroyer of this universe or purifier of this universe, is the deity of Kedarnath. These are the most sacred shrines of Hindus and must-visit temples in one’s lifetime to attain salvation.
Ans. The best time to undertake a journey to Badrinath and Kedarnath is May-June and September-October. The monsoon months are strictly not to trip due to heavy rainfall resulting in massive landslides and roadblocks.
Ans: Yes. It is pretty safe to visit Badrinath and Kedarnath as solo lady travelers. The people are helpful, hospitable, and easy to talk to in the Himalayas. There are pretty decent facilities to stay in and for food available throughout the pilgrimage route. It is advisable to contact a reputable travel agency to arrange your transportation, accommodation, and food.
Ans. The availability of ATMs is quite widespread on this pilgrimage route.
Ans. Only decent vegetarian food is open the entire way.
Ans. Few heavy woolens and other light, loose cotton clothes and raincoat and umbrella to be carried if visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath in May-June-September and heavy to light woolens to be taken along in October.
Ans. Yes, many neat and clean stay options are available on Badrinath and Kedarnath route. But please don’t expect luxury.
Ans. According to Hindu Mythology, the pilgrimage should start from Kedarnath. It shall complete at Badrinath. Kedarnath Dham is on the eastern side, and Badrinath is on the western side. So, first, Kedarnath Dham is to be visited, followed by Badrinath Dham.
The ideal itinerary to visit Badrinath and Kedarnath for seven days from Delhi is- Delhi-Hardwar-Guptkashi-Kedarnath-Guptkashi- Badrinath-Srinagar-Rishikesh-Delhi.
Nowadays, helicopter services are also available from Gupt Kashi and Phata for Kedarnath. It is an excellent idea to avail Helicopter service to Kedarnath. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 22 km and is not a cup of tea for faint-hearted people.
Ans. Yes, there is no differentiation between Hindus and non-Hindus anyone can visit Badrinath and Kedarnath. Anyway, Hindus also have to register themselves for this pilgrimage, and the same is with non-Hindus.
Ans. If you would like to witness the might of faith, it can, in the eyes of 77 years old, many ladies and men taking a 22 km trek from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath. If your interest lies in spirituality, then Aarti at various river banks of Ganga and these holy shrines will engulf you. Suppose raw natural beauty, green meadows, the sight of clouds in the backdrop of blue sky, multiple waterfalls, and gigantic rustic mountains is where your passion lies. In that case, this is a perfect adventure. This tour will give you a chance to visit Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world.
Ans. Mana is the last village of the Indian population, and it is five km away from Badrinath. It is the only place where one can see the Saraswati River, the mythological river. There is also a confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers at Mana Village. Bhutia tribals inhabit it.