Badrinath : One of the Scared Shrine among the Four in India

Badrinath is the one of the holiest shrines among the four in india.it is in the supercilious Himalayan heights in the Garhwal (Uttarakhand). It is considered that the revered shrine is still alive there. its state of being holy give special importance in the ancient scriptures as "there are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to badri.

Badarinath Dham is one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage located The way to Badarinath is one of the most interesting one due to the lofty bumpy terrain, curves and cliffs within the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.

During the way to Badarinath there are many pilgrimage sites at Deo Prayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag and Vishnuprayag as well as Pandukeswar where king Pandu did Tapasya with his queen Madri and where his sons Pandavas, stayed during their pilgrimage to heaven.

It is believed that at Badarinath Lord MahaVishnu have done his forfeit. As Lord Vishnu was doing his penance in the open, Goddess Mahalaxmi is supposed to undertake the form of Badari tree to offer him shelter to face the offensive of the adverse weather conditions, therefore the name Badari Narayan. It is believed that Lord Vishnu revealed to Narad rishi that Nar & Naryans forms were his own.

Behind the temple of Lord Badarinarayan is the Lakshmi Narsimh mandir, with shrines to Desikacharya and Ramanujachary.At Badarinath one can witness one of the greatest wonders of Nature in the Hot water springs of Taptkund on the banks of ice chilled river Alaknanda. The temperature of the water in the Kund is 55 degree centigrade whereas the normal temperature in this region for most part of the year remains at 9-10 degree centigrade to sub-zero levels. Before visiting the temple the pilgrims take a holy bath in the Taptkund. 

The Temple structure was built by the Kings of Garhwal. The Temple has three sectors - Garbhagriha (Sanctum), the Darshan Mandap, and Sabha Mandap. The Garbhagriha (Sanctum) houses Lord Badari Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad rishi, Udhava, Nar & Narayan.

Lord Badari Narayan (also called as Badari Vishal) is armed with Shankh (Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a lifted posture and two arms rested on the lap in Yogamudra.The principal image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in meditative pose. The temple also houses Garuda (Vehicle of Lord Narayan). Also here are the idols of Adi Shankar, Swami Desikan and Shri Ramanujam. Guru-Shisya parampara is supposed to have its roots here.

Haridwar: Holy City of Uttarakhand

Haridwar is a holy city of Uttarakhand, India. Haridwar stands for Dwar of Hari or Gateway to God, 'Hari' meaning god and 'dwar' meaning gate. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. A paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. In mythology it has been variously mentioned as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri. It is also an entry point to the Char Dham.

Haridwar has been an abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit. Haridwar has also been a centre of attraction for learning various arts, science, and culture. The Haridwar city has a long-standing position as a great source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and is home to the unique Gurukul. Today, Haridwar is developing beyond its religious importance, as a major industrial destination of state, with the fast developing Industrial Estate of State Infrastructure & Industrial Development Corporation, SIDCUL, and the close by township of BHEL and its affiliated industries.

Haridwar is a holy city of Uttarakhand, India. Haridwar stands for Dwar of Hari or Gateway to God, 'Hari' meaning god and 'dwar' meaning gate. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. A paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. In mythology it has been variously mentioned as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri. It is also an entry point to the Char Dham.

Haridwar located on the foot hills of Shivaliks and on the banks of River Ganga. This major pilgrimage center is well connected by trains to all the major towns of India. In fact trains bring the major load of pilgrims and tourist inflow to Haridwar. Haridwar is located at a height of almost 300 meters . One Should never expect any sort of pleasant high altitude climate here. During the summers the temperature usually hangs around 40 degrees but winters sees the mercury dipping as low as six degrees. So neither of the seasons are suitable or ideal for tourists to venture in Haridwar. The monsoons further add to the miseries of the visitors.

Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal. It’s also your starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the rivers Ganga and the Yamuna. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to sage Kapil’s curse. The penance was answered and the river.

Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Hardwar one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity Hardwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breath taking beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges. About three and half lakh People reside in this city. Hindi, Punjabi, Garhwali and English are the main Languages of Communication.