Badrinath vs Kedarnath, both being part of the Char Dham yatra, are equally important. Badrinath and Kedarnath are located in the state of Uttarakhand in India. Kedarnath temple has the shrine of Lord Shiva, while the Badrinath temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu. These high-altitude shrines, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, remain closed for 6 months a year, specifically during the winters due to the heavy snowfall in the region. The temple door opens only when the head priest decides an auspicious date for the re-opening of the temple. Know all about these auspicious places and how to visit them here!
The History Of Kedarnath Temple
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One of the most revered tourist destinations, Kedarnath town in Uttarakhand is located amidst the Garhwal ranges in the Himalayas. Kedarnath town is located at 3580 m, above sea level. The Kedarnath town, located in the heart of the Greater Himalayas, is home to the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site- The Kedarnath temple. According to historical legends, the ancient name of this region is Kedar Khand. According to the Indian Legend of Mahabharata, the Pandavas, after having defeated the Kauravas, felt extremely guilty for the death of so many people, and out of guilt, they sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. The lord tricked them repeatedly and then took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. The lord then dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface of the Kedarnath temple.
The other portions of Lord Shiva at four other places in India and together comprise the Panch
Kedar Pilgrimage site. The four other revered destinations are- Tungnath, Rudranath, Madmaheshwar, and Kapleshwar. The Kedarnath temple and the other four pilgrimage destinations are important pilgrimage sites for the Hindus, and many tourists visit them throughout the season.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Kedarnath
Best Time To Visit The Kedarnath Temple
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The Kedarnath temple, located in the Kedarnath town of Uttarakhand remains closed for 6 months in a year. Nestled in the lap of the Greater Himalayas, The temple complex and the nearby surroundings receive heavy snowfall in the winter months of December and January.
The temple premises are open for 6 months, and the best time to visit this sacred destination in Uttarakhand is May or October. Indulge in the Kedarnath Temple’s serenity and divine atmosphere, meditate at the temple courtyard, and be mesmerised by the picturesque view of the Garhwal mountains. To visit the Kedarnath temple, devotees must register at the official pilgrimage site of Uttarakhand Tourism. Detailed information about the Char Dham yatra and the opening and closing dates of the temple is also shared by Uttarakhand Tourism.
The History Of Badrinath Temple
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Badrinath remains the final destination of the devotees performing the Char dham yatra. Situated at a height of 3100 m, Badrinath temple is the home to the holy shrine of Lord Vishnu and is surrounded by the enchanting Neelkanth peak. The entrance of the temple is guarded by the hot water springs of the Tapt Kund.
It is believed that the hot water springs of the Tapt Kund contain sulfur and are said to absorb the sins of the devotees coming to the Badrinath temple. It is believed that Adi Shankara built the Badrinath temple during the 8th century. The temple was first a Buddhist shrine, as can be seen by its architectural design, which resembles that of a Buddhist vihara. Adi Shankara found the shrine of Lord Vishnu in the Alaknanda River and then placed it where the Badrinath temple today stands.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
The Significance Of Badrinath Temple
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The Badrinath temple is a prominent pilgrimage site for the Hindus. Badrinath is one of the 108 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The Badrinath town is also a part of the Panch Badri temples which include the Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Vridha Badri.
The main entrance gate of Badrinath temple is vibrant and colourful and is popularly called as the Singhdwar. The temple is divided into three parts- The Garbha Griha or the sanctum sanctorum, where the main shrine of the Badrinath is placed, The Darshan mandap, where all the rituals of the temple are conducted and The Sabha Mandap where pilgrims assemble.
The Badrinath temple gate has the statue of the Bird Garud, placed just opposite the Badrinath idol. The temple gates are adorned with intricate carvings. The Garbha Griha has the idol of Badrinath, sitting in a meditative pose. The best time to visit the Badrinath temple is during the months of May-Nov, when the temple premises remain closed for six months due to heavy snowfall in winter.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Almora
Now that you have a complete guide to the Badrinath vs Kedarnath temple and the history and significance of the temple, come and visit this exotic Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand to experience solace and divinity. Go ahead and plan a trip to Uttrakhand to embark on a spiritual journey of the Char Dham yatra amidst the Himalayas. Don’t wait any further. Book your tickets now.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Badrinath Vs Kedarnath
How to register for the Char Dham yatra to Badrinath and Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand?
The devotees have to register themselves on the website of Uttarakhand Tourism for the Char Dham yatra to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. The registration is made mandatory for the tourists seeking entry to the temple.
Which is the nearest airport to the Badrinath temple?
The nearest airport to the Badrinath temple is the Jolly Grant International Airport, at a distance of 314 km and the distance of the airport from the Kedarnath temple is 279 km. Easy cabs and tourist buses are available from the airport to the temple complex.
What are some nearby attractions to Badrinath and Kedarnath?
The nearby attractions to the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples include the Panch Shila, Tapt Kund, Narad Kund, Brahma Kapal, Sheshnetra, Panch Dhara, Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, Shri Bhairavnath mandir, Tungnath, Guptkashi. All are situated amidst the picturesque views of the serene Garhwal Himalayas.
What is the recommended stay at the Kedarnath and the Badrinath temple?
The recommended stay at both these shrines is 1-2 days. Situated at a high altitude, the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples are a 1-2 day trip for the devotees
What are the accommodation options available at the Badrinath temple?
The Badrinath temple has various hotels and Dharamshala for a comfortable and relaxing stay for the tourists.
- Guest Houses of BKTC at Shri Badrinath
- Dharamshalas for the tourists at very nominal charges.
- Private Hotels and resorts.
- As Badrinath is at a High altitude, Pilgrims can stay at Joshimath and complete Badrinath darshan in a Single day trip. Guest Houses, Hotels and Dharamshala are available at Joshimath.
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