A Study On Badrinath Tourism Essay
Nestled in the shadow of the Nilkantha peak, in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, lies one the the most revered shrines for Hindu pilgrims – Badrinath.
Badrinath is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal hills, and lies on the banks of the Alakhnanda river.
Significance
The town of Badrinath has always found a prominent mention in religious Hindu texts and scriptures and was established as a major pilgrimage site in the ninth century by Adi Shankara. Mythology has it that Lord Vishnu had chosen this town for penance to ensure the welfare of all beings. Badrinath is also one of the char dhams (the four abodes) that have tremendous religious significance amongst devout Hindus.
Attractions
The Badrinath Temple: The temple, built by Adi Shankara, is the prominent attraction of
Badrinath and attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to seek the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu. The main shrine houses the balck stone idol of Lord Badrinarayan sitting under a gold canopy, under a Badri tree. Lord Badrinath is the presiding deity but there are several other deities that are worshipped at this temple. Tapt Kund: Believed to be the abode of Agni, the Hindu God of fire, Tapt kund is a thermal spring that devotees take a holy dip before entering the Badrinath temple. The spring is also said to have curative properties.Other famous natural springs that can be found at Badrinath are Narad Kund and Suraj Kund.
Brahma Kapal: On the banks of the river Alakhnanda, this is where pilgrims perform rites for their departed near and dear ones.
Sheshnetra: This is a rock boulder with an impression of Sheshnag, a mythological serpent. You can also visit ‘Charanpaduka’ a boulder that bears Lord Vishnu’s footprints.
Alka Puri: Is where the daring tourist goes in search of adventure. This place is famous for white water rafting.
Panch Prayag: While in Badrinath, be sure to visit the Panch Prayag, again of religious importance. Devprayag is famous for its rock inscriptions, Rudranath is famous for Chamunda Devi temple, Nandaprayag is known for the Gopalji temple, Karnaprayag for temples of Uma & Karna and Vishnuprayag is the place where people flock to visit the Lord Vishnu temple.
How to Reach
You could fly to Jolly Grant, about 300 km from Badrinath, and then hitch a bus ride to Badrinath. The nearest rail station is Rishikesh which is 297 km from Badrinath. Being a
place of religious significance, Badrinath is well connected by road to the tourist spots nearby namely Rishikesh, Haridwar & Dheradun from where you could take a bus and ride to Badrinath. We recommend the bus ride as you will get to see breathtaking scenery on the way to Badrinath.
