Badrinath, situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of about 3,133 meters, is one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It forms an important part of both the Char Dham and Chhota Char Dham circuits. Nestled between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges with the Neelkanth peak towering above, the temple lies on the banks of the Alaknanda River and offers a stunning blend of divine energy and Himalayan beauty. The name “Badrinath” comes from “Badri,” meaning berries, as the area was once covered with berry trees.

According to legend, Lord Vishnu meditated here while Goddess Lakshmi protected him by taking the form of a berry tree. The temple’s origin is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, who found the deity’s idol in the nearby Narad Kund and established the shrine. The vibrant temple, with its colorful façade and ancient stone architecture, is a striking example of Garhwali design.

Nearby attractions include Tapt Kund (a natural hot spring for ritual bathing), Mana Village (the last Indian village near Tibet), Vyas Gufa (where sage Vyasa is believed to have written the Mahabharata), and Charan Paduka, a rock said to bear Vishnu’s footprints.

Due to its high altitude, Badrinath experiences cold weather most of the year. The best time to visit is from May to June and September to early October, when temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and the temple is open. During winter, heavy snowfall leads to its closure, and the idol is moved to Joshimath for worship. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and steeped in devotion, Badrinath remains a timeless symbol of faith and serenity in the Himalayas.