Badrinath Dham Yatra of Spiritual Ecstasy
Badrinath is the favourite place of devotees throughout India, especially Lord Vishnu devotees. Along with the spiritual specialities, Badrinath also beholds geographical, adventure and historical specialities as well. A trip to Badrinath Dham, the Char Dham Yatra’s final stop, is a refreshing and life changing one.
The name Badrinath has an interesting etymology. The temple is situated in Chamoli where jujube trees are in abundance. The word ‘badari’ is the sanskrit for jujube and the word ‘nath’ means lord. Here it’s indicating Lord Vishnu. That’s where the word Badrinath came from. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva’s presence is experienced from the Tapta Kund, a natural hot spring believed to be made by Lord Vishnu himself. Also, the high rock pedestal at Badrinath, Brahma Kapal, is believed to free people from the cycle of life and death.
Close to the origin of Alaknanda river, between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges, Badrinath is situated at 3100 metres above sea level. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri which is part of the Panch Badri temples and Sapta Badri temples. The other four Badris in Panch Badri are Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Vridha Badri. Along with these Badris, when Adi Badri and Ardh Badri are added, they are called Sapta Badri.
Badrinath is not just the part of Char Dham (Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are the other three Dhams) of North India. When the whole India is considered, Char Dham is different with each Dhan situated towards four directions. Badrinath is also included in this wider perspective of Char Dham along with Rameswaram, Puri and Dwarka.
However, Badrinath tour is more than just a temple visit. It’s about connecting with the holy via nature. Four rivers, the Yamuna, Ganga (River Ganges), Mandakini and Alaknanda are also part of this divine journey. These holy water bodies are believed to be playing an important role in the Badrinath Yatra by cleansing your sins.
How to Reach Badrinath Dham from Delhi
There are two common options by which you can travel from Delhi to Badrinath. You may consider one of them according to your convenience and budget.
By Road
Needless to say, the most popular option among the two is by road. The distance from Delhi to Badrinath is approximately 525 kilometres. The route typically includes stops at places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Joshimath. Even though public transport and several package tours to Badrinath are available from Delhi, people with adventure in mind often choose to ride on their own as well.
By Air
While there’s no direct access through air as there is no airport in Badrinath, you can fly from Delhi to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can cover almost half way like this. From Jolly Grant Airport you can continue your journey by road.
Routes of Badrinath Dham Yatra
Once you reach the starting point for your journey to Badrinath, you have a few route options to choose from: The major two routes are via Haridwar and Dehradun.
The Haridwar Route
If you start your journey from Haridwar, you’ll follow a path passing through Rishikesh and other holy places on your way to Badrinath.
The Dehradun Route
For those flying into Dehradun, your journey will not connect Haridwar, but it will pass through the towns of Rishikesh and Joshimath before reaching Badrinath. This will take around 10 hours covering 300km.
Facilities and Services for Badrinath Yatra
When you choose a Badrinath tour package, there are some common services and facilities typically available. However, the quality of service largely depends upon the package provider you chose. These facilities are provided to ensure a comfortable and spiritual trip to Badrinath Dham.
Accommodation
Badrinath offers a wide range of accommodations. From guest houses to ashrams to hotels options are many. It’s advisable to book your stay in advance with a trusted Badrinath tour provider, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Food
You’ll find restaurants and local eateries in Badrinath that serve delicious vegetarian meals. This town is also known for its delectable Prasadam, a sacred offering that is distributed to devotees. For restaurants as well, prior booking is available.
Medical Facilities
Basic medical facilities are available in Badrinath, but it’s recommended to carry essential medications and a basic first-aid kit. When you’re travelling with a Badrinath tour provider with local expertise, this will be taken care of.
Pilgrim Services
The temple authorities provide services to help with the darshan (viewing of the deity) and other rituals. Pandits and priests are also available to guide you through the religious ceremonies.
Transport
When you are travelling in a Badrinath package, your transport won’t be an issue. Even without a package, local taxis and shared vehicles are available for transportation within Badrinath and its surrounding areas.
Badrinath Yatra is a Blend of Divinity and Adventure
Irrespective of the route or mode of transport, Badrinath Yatra will impact you differently. The divinity, the adventure, the scenic wonders and the cultural insights this trip provides is something special. If your tour is arranged by an experienced Badrinath tour agency with local expertise, you can enjoy the Dham Yatra to its fullest. Every support service you require will be taken care of by them.
Dharmik Paryatan is a Badrinath Yatra provider committed to your spiritual experience and comfort. With a successful track record of conducting Char Dham Yatra, Do Dham Yatra, Dham Yatras by Helicopter and individual Dham Yatras along with several other packages.
