Panch Badri - A Soulful Journey

Generally seven in number which constitutes the Sapta Badri Yatra, Panch Badri Yatra of Uttarakhand consists of five Badri Dham. This entire circuit is dedicated to the shrines of Lord Vishnu and one of the prime pilgrimage options for devout Hindus and Vaishnavites. All these Dham have gained importance for being the abode of Lord Vishnu and extends from Satopanth in extreme north to Nandprayag. This entire area constitutes the Badri - Kshetra which is home to the group of five of the most prominent Lord Vishnu temples. At the holy Panch Badri Yatra pilgrims visit 5 different Vishnu temples in 5 different locations which are dedicated to the five different names of Vishnu.

Here are the Panch Badri locations:

Adi Badri

 Adi Badri is a group of 16 magnificent and splendid ancient temples dating back to the Gupta period and is now one of the most crucial parts of the Panch Badri Yatra of Uttarakhand. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Vishnu is said to have stayed during the Satya, Treta and Dwapar Yuga before shifting his home to Badrinath during Kaliyuga. When the pilgrimage to Badrinath is interrupted owing to numerous unpredictable conditions devotees visit Adi Badri instead. As per another Hindu legend, Maharishi Ved Vyas is said to have written the famous Bhagavad Gita here which was delivered by the almighty lord himself.

Best Time to Visit - May, June, September and October

Opening and Closing Timings - The temple Kapat opens on the eve of Makar Sankranti and closes during the month of November.

Badrinath

Perched at an elevation of 10,800 feet above sea level and sitting by the banks of River Alaknanda is one of the most important shrines in India, Badrinath, which is not only a part of the all India Char Dham Yatra and Chota Char Dham Yatra but it is also a crucial pillar in the Sapta Badri and Panch Badri Yatra as well. This holy and sacred Dham was re-established during the 7^th century by the highly revered saint and sage Adi Shankaracharya - the creator of the famous Cha Dham Yatra. This splendidly adorned temple sits majestically against the snow clad backdrop.

Best Time to Visit - May, June, September and October

Opening and Closing Timings - Temple Kapat is opened during the day of Basant Panchami and closed during the eve of Vijayadashami.

Bhavishya Badri

 Located at a distance of 17 kms east from Joshimath and amongst the thick green forests of Tapovan, stands the future Badri. It is believed that a time will come when all the routes leading up to Badrinath Dham is closed off and shut down after some natural occurrences then this Badri will become the new Badrinath Dham and home for Lord Vishnu. Devotees are required to trek onwards beyond Tapovan and up to the Dhauliganga River in order to reach this temple. Sitting at an elevation of 9,003 feet above sea level this temple is also known for its scenic views and breathtaking vistas which amps up the spirituality of every pilgrim.

Best Time to Visit - May to October

Opening and Closing Timings - Open throughout the year from 7 am to 6 pm

Vridha Badri

Situated at a towering height of 4,530 feet above sea level, among the splendid and extremely breathtaking surroundings this shrine is one of the most pious centres of pilgrimages for Vishnu worshippers. As per legend, Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared in front of Narad in the form of an old man, after having performed some severe penance. The idol sitting inside the temple is that of an old man which represents Lord Vishnu. Another legend states that Lord Badrinath was worshipped here by sage Adi Shankaracharya before his final enshrinement in the current Badrinath Dham.

Best Time to Visit - May to October

Opening and Closing Timings - Open throughout the year from 5 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 9 pm.

Yog Dhyan Badri

 Nestled comfortably in Pandukeshwar at an elevation of 6,001 feet above sea level, this temple is famed for being as old as the Badrinath Dham itself. Legend has it that the father of Pandavas - King Pandu had meditated here to Lord Vishnu with aim of asking to cleanse him of the sin of killing two mating deer who were ascetics in their past life. Pandu is said to have installed a bronze image of Lord Vishnu before attaining his salvation here. this is also the place where the five Pandava brothers were born. Another event which highlights this temple is the fact that the Pandavas paid a visit to this temple after the epic Mahabharata in order to perform their penance for having killed their cousins, Kauravas. Over here they handed over their kingdom Hastinapur to their grandson Parikshit before heading on to the Himalayas making this temple extremely significant.

Best Time to Visit - May to October

Opening and Closing Timings - remains open throughout the year from 5 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 9 pm.