Badrinath Mandir

Badrinath Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages in India and a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badri Narayan. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,300 meters, the sacred Badrinath Mandir is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River and surrounded by snow-clad peaks, including the majestic Neelkanth mountain.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu meditated here, while Goddess Lakshmi took the form of a Badri tree to protect him from harsh weather—hence the name Badrinath. The temple’s black stone idol of Lord Vishnu is considered self-manifested (Swayambhu) and attracts lakhs of devotees every year.

The yatra usually begins in April/May and continues till October/November, as the temple remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. Festivals like Mata Murti Ka Mela and Badri-Kedar Utsav add to the spiritual vibrancy of the pilgrimage.

Undertaking the Badrinath Yatra is believed to wash away sins and grant liberation (moksha), making it a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey for devotees.