Badrinath

There is no entry fee for devotees. The timing of the temple is 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM. There is a short break in between from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. From November to April end, the temple remains closed due to extreme weather conditions.

Though the regular darshan is free for all devotees, there are different amounts charged for performing special poojas or Abhishekams. The prices are-

4:30 PM to 6:30 AM
Maha Abhishek (1 Person)- INR 4300
Abhishek Puja (1 Person)- INR 4101

6:30 AM to 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Ved Path (1 Person)- INR 2100
Geeta path (1 Person)- INR 2500

Badrinath Special Puja
Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah Path- INR 35101
Entire Pujas of a day (1 Person)- INR 11700
Evening Aarti/Archana & Path (6:00 PM to 9:-- PM)
Swarna Aarti (1 Person)- INR 376
Vishnusahasranam Path (1 Person)- INR 456
Kapoor Aarti (1 Person)- INR 151 
Shayan Aarti (1 Person)- INR 3100

Daily or Periodical Puja/ Bhog & Akhand Jyoti
Akhand Jyoti Annual- INR 4951
Ghrit Kambal Ghee on closing day- INR 4951
Ghee for Deepak on closing day- INR 3511
Akhand Jyoti One day- INR 1451

Puja on Special Occasions
Bhagwan Nar-Narayan Janmotsava (Shrawan Month)- INR 4951
Shrawani abhishek (Shrawan Month)- INR 11701
Shri Krishan Janmastami Utsav- INR 10551

1. Liquor and non-vegetarian food should not be consumed in this holy town.
2. It is advisable to carry ample woollen clothing since Badrinath is always chilly.
3. Photography is prohibited inside the temple premises.
4. It is normal to feel a little dizzy in Badrinath due to the low oxygen content in the air.

The Badrinath Temple, located on the banks of Alaknanda River, looks attractive from outside with the colourful main gate. It is called as the Singhdwar which is around 50 metres tall with a small cupola on top. The entire shrine is divided into three structures- the Garbha Griha or the sanctum sanctorum, the Darshan Mandap for the rituals and the Sabha Mandap for the devotees. The Garbhagriha has a conical shaped roof covered with sheets of gold and is 15 metres tall. A series of broad stairs lead devotees to the main entrance. Just inside is the mandap, a large pillared hall which has walls of intricate designs. The main shrine has an image of Badrinarayan, a 1 metre tall black stone, holding a conch and a Chakra. The sanctum also houses images of many other gods like Nar and Narayan and Lakshmi and saints like Adi Shankara, Vedanta Desika and Ramanujacharya.

The history of the Badrinath Temple is vague. According to one belief, the temple was a Buddhist shrine till the 8th century after which Adi Shankara converted it into a Hindu temple. Another belief is that the temple was originally established by Adi Shankara in the 9th century. It is said that he discovered an image of Lord Badrinath in the river Alaknanda and enshrined it near Tapt Kund. He also expelled the Buddhists living in that region. In the 16th century, the King of Garhwal moved the idol in the present temple. The temple came under the British rule when the state of Garhwal was divided. The Badrinath Temple has gone through several renovations. In the 17th century, it was expanded by the Kings of Garhwal. In 1803, it was destroyed in a major earthquake and was rebuilt by the King of Jaipur.  There are many tales associated with the Badrinath Temple. According to one legend, Lord Vishnu performed penance at this place and during his deep meditation, he was unaware of the harsh weather. His consort, Goddess Lakshmi, turned into a Badri tree and protected the lord. He was pleased by her efforts and therefore, named the place, Badrikashram.

Badrinath, a holy town in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, is sandwiched between two mountains Nar and Narayan. It is one of the most famous pilgrim locations in the country as it hosts the Badrinath Temple. It is one of the four sites for Char Dham Pilgrimage. The Badrinath Temple is situated at the bank of Alaknanda river. Before visiting the temple, however, the devotees go to the natural thermal spring, Tapt Kund. It is found near the temple and travellers take a holy dip in the natural hot water which is believed to have medicinal values. The natural beauty all around works as an icing on the cake.

After worshipping for your loved ones, you can go to Brahma Kapal, on the bank of Alaknanda to remember your ancestors. It is a flat platform where various Pandits can be seen with Pooja Samagri to perform various rituals to pray for your ancestors. You could also attend the fair held in the month of August at Mata Murti Temple. One can also visit Bheem Pul, Vyas Cave, Ganesh Cave, Seshnetra, Panch Dharas and Panch Shilas, each having mythological importance. Adventure seekers may even trek to the Neelkhant peak which experiences the first crimson glow of the sun on its snowy peak.

The cuisine of Badrinath does not have any delicacy that stands out or is unique to the area. Other than these the options for eating out here are also, not exactly elaborate and choices tend to be limited. One can find local eating joints and stalls that serve trypical Indian food and popular Chinese items. Also since the place assumes much religious significance for Hindus, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are prohibited.
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Day 1: Upon arrival in Badrinath, check in the hotel and relax for some time. Get a backpack ready with some spare clothes and a pair of shoes before heading to the temple. You can take a cab or use local transport to the destination where devotees are lined up to pay their devotion. Take a dip in the Tapt Kund which is regarded for its purification of the soul, explore the surrounding sculptures and head towards the next destination which is Brahma Kapal. People participate in a ritual called ‘Shraddha Karm’ for the peace of deceased souls of family members. You can participate yourself or observe this ritual before returning back for the day.

Day 2: In the morning, partake in the dawn prayers at Mata Murti Temple. You can take a cab or auto rickshaw ride from your hotel after catching the popular street breakfast of ‘aloo-puri’. You can take a ride to the last village of India ‘Mana’ situated closer to the Tibetan border. Serenade yourself in the Tibetan culture, try the locally available dishes and have a cup of tea at the ‘Last tea shop of India’.

Day 3: Have breakfast in the morning and then check out from the hotel. As it will be the day of the departure, indulge yourself in some rigorous trekking and soul settling hot springs. Located at a distance of 8 kilometres from Badrinath, Vasudhara Waterfalls is a must visit. Take a bus from the nearby bus stand and you will reach the trekking point to the waterfall. After a small climb, you will find the last habitat on Indian site, the Bhim Pool. Listen to the folklore from the pundits about the legendary hero and take a dip in the waterfall before ending your trek. Climbing down you can discover various hot springs along the ridge. Take a relaxing bath before heading out to catch your flight/train back home.