Badrinath is situated in the lap of Nar-Narayan Parvat, with the towering Neelkanth peak (6,597mts.) in the background. Also known as the Vishal Badri, the largest among the five Badris, it is revered by all as the apt tribute to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that to revive the lost prestige of Hinduism and to unite the country in one bond, Adi Guru Sri Shankaracharya built four pilgrimage centres in four corners of India. Among them were Badrikashram (Badrinath temple) in the north, Rameshwaram in the south, Dwarkapuri in the west and Jagannath Puri in the east. Badrinath situated at an elevation of 3,133 mts. is considered to be amongst the most pious.
The revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries which gave it the name ' Badri Van ' meaning 'forest of berries.' Built by Adi Shankaracharaya, the philosopher-saint of the 8th century, the temple has been renovated several times due to damage by avalanches and restored in the 19th century by the royal houses of Scindia & Holkar. The main entrance gate is colourful & imposing popularly known as Singhdwar.
Inside Badrinath Temple
A flight of steps takes pilgrims to the main gate & then into the Badrinath temple . The temple is divided into three parts - the ' Garbha Griha ' or the sanctum sanctorum, the ' Darshan Mandap ' where the rituals are conducted and the ' Sabha Mandap ' where devotees assemble. The Garbha Griha portion has its canopy covered with a sheet of gold offered by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. The complex has 15 idols especially attractive is the one-metre high image of lord Badrinath, finely sculpted in black stone. It represents Lord Vishnu seated in a meditative pose called padmasan.
Darshan Mandap : Lord Badrinath is sitting meditating in the padmasana (lotus yogic posture). As you look at the Deities, standing to the right side of Badrinarayana is Uddhava. To the far right side are Nara and Narayana. Narada Muni is kneeling in front on the right side and is difficult to see. On the left side are Kubera, the god of wealth, and a silver Ganesh. Garuda is kneeling in front, to the left of Badrinarayana.
Special pujas are also performed on behalf of individuals. Every puja must be preceded by a holy dip in the Tapta Kund. Some of the special morning pujas are Abhishek, Mahaabhishek, Geeta Path. Some special evening pujas are Aarti & Geet Govind. Such pujas are to be booked in advance. The Badrinath temple opens at 0430 hrs & closes at 1300 hrs. Once again it opens at 1600 hrs & closes at 2100 hrs after the divine song Geet Govind. Rawal is the administrator-Pujari of the temple well versed in puja ceremonials & Sanskrit language and is expected to be celibate..
Badri refers to a berry that was said to grow abundantly in the area, and nath refers to Vishnu. Badri is the Sanskrit name for the Indian Jujube trees, which has an edible berry. Some scriptural references also refer to Jujube trees being abundant in Badrinath . Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi took the form of the berries to protect Lord Vishnu from the harsh climate during his long penance.
The Opening Date of Badrinath Temple shrine - 2011
Note: Badrinath temple opening date in 2011 will be decided on Shivaratri.
The opening date of Badrinath Temple is fixed on Basant Panchami by Raj Purohit and closure date is fixed on Vijaydashmi by Mandir Committee. The temple opens every year in the month of April-May & closes for winters in the third week of November. Joshimath is the winter deity of Badrinath .
Special booking of pujas can be done at Badrinath Mandir Committee by paying some fees. The pooja is organized before the temple is open for general public.
Some festivals celebrated in Badrinath are: Mata Murti ka mela , Krishna Janamashtami and Badri-Kedar utsav .
Kedarnath is the seat of Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve " Jyotirlingas " of Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 m at the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath Temple is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus. It is no wonder that Adi Guru Shankaracharya - a great scholar & saint, chose to enshrine Lord Shiva in this land, where the unholy becomes oly and the holy becomes holier. Kedar meaning powerful is another name of Lord Shiva the protector and the destroyer.
Situated in the backdrop of the majestic Sri Kedarnath range, Kedarnath Temple is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
At Kedarnath there are several Kunds (pools, tanks) that are known for their religious significans - shivkund, Retkund, hanskund, Udakkund, Rudhirkund are the most important. A little away from Kedarnath is a temple dedicated to Bhaironathji who is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening & closing of Kedarnath. The belief is that Bhairavnathji protects this land from evil during the time when temple of Kedarnath is closed. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Sri Kedarnath.
During the winters, the shrine is submerged in snow & hence is closed. Fortunate are those who have good weather, but twice blessed are those who are at Kedarnath on a moonlit night- the snow peak gleams like hundred silver pinnacles atop the glittering mountains.
The holiest of Shiva's shrines is linked to Gold among base metals so that every pilgrims finds peace here, and it is said that devotees who die here become one with Shiva himself. Beyond the temple is the highway to heaven, called Mahapanth.
Kedarnath Temple Guide
The opening of date of Kedarnath Temple is fixed and depends on the Shiva Ratri and decided by priests in Ukhimath. Normally Kedarnath temple opens on Mid May. The closing date of Kedarnath is fixed on Yama Dwitiya (second day after Diwali, November).
Kedarnath Temple is open for devotees from 6 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm .
Shingar Darshan is from 5 pm onwards and Aarti is performed at 6:45 pm . Sharavani Annakoot Mela is celebrated on the day before Raksha Bandhan during August. Special Samadhi puja is help on the closing day of Kedarnath.
The Kedarnath Temple committee office organises booking for special pooja which is performed before the general darshan in the morning.
The Opening Date of Kedarnath Temple 2011
Note: Kedarnath temple opening date in 2011 will be decided on Basant Panchami.
The revered shrine of Gangotri , situated at an altitude of 3,200 mts. about sea-level amidst sylvan surroundings, constitutes one of the most important pilgrimages for the devout Hindu.
The Gangotri temple was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Sigh Thapa. The existing temple is said to be the one reconstructed by the Jaipur dynasty. Every year thousands of pilgrims through the sacred shrine between May & October. The Pujaris & brahmins are from the village of Mukhwa . The water from Gangotri is carried to offer to Lord Shiva. It is believed that this water has amrit (nectar) in it and will soothe the throat of Shiva who gulp the poison.
Gangotri Temple Guide
The Shrine of Gangotri opens during the last week of April or the first week of May, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya . The temples opening is preceded by a special Puja of Ganga both inside the temple as well as on the river bank. The temple closes on the day of Diwali followed by a formal closing ceremony amidst a row of oil lamps. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhwa, her winter abode (12 km downstream).
In summer , Gangotri Temple is open for devotees from 6:15 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 9:30 pm
As winter approaches the Gangotri Temple open from 6:45 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm
Mangalaarti is done by priests at 6 am behind the closed doors and it is not open for public. Sandhya Aarti is performed at Gangotri at 7:45 pm during summer and at 7 pm as winter approaches. Special pooja is done on Janamshtami, Vijaydashmi and Diwali
The Opening Date of Gangotri Temple 2011
Note: Gangotri Temple will open on May 6, 2011.
Day Wise Breakup
Day 1 : Haridwar (230 kms/6-7hrs)
Arrival Delhi Airport / Railway Station / Hotel, Meet & Assist further drive to Haridwar. Later drive to Haridwar transfer to your Hotel. Visit Har-ki-Pauri for Ganga Aarti in evening. Back to your hotel, Night halt.
Haridwar, lying at the feet of Shiva's hills, i.e., Shivaliks, in the Haridwar district of Uttaranchal Pradesh, is a doorway. Suryavanshi prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to the curse of sage Kapila. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth forms Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sixty thousand sons of king Sagara. In the traditional of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of their departed elder. It is doorway to the sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna, 3000 to 4500 meters up into the snowy ranges of the central Himalayas . The 'Aarti' worship of the Ganga after sunset and the floating 'dia' (lamp) is a moving ritual.
Day 2 : Haridwar - Uttarkashi ( 190kms/6-7hr)
Morning visit Haridwar Sight Seeing. Later drive to Uttarkashi. Check in Hotel, Later at evening visit Vishwanath Temple . Night Halt.
Uttarkashi: Situated at the bank of river Bhagirathi. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here where a massive iron trident is erected.
Day 3 : Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi (100kms/3-4 each side)
We proceed to Gangotri (3048 mts), enroute we enjoy picturesque Harsil village, Bhagirathi River and the most magnificent view of the Himalayas . After Gangotri Darshan we return to Uttarkashi. Oernight stay at Uttarkashi.
Gangotri Temple : The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi.
Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted lock. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.
Kedar Ganga Sangam: Around 100 Yards from the Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar Valle, this river meets the Bhagirathi on its left bank.
Day 4 : Day 04: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (220kms/8-9hr)
Early morning, drive straight to Guptkashi. Check in Hotel, night halt.
Day 5 : Guptkashi - Kedarnath (30kms by road & 14kms Trek)
Morning drive to Gaurikund, Trek start from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (3584 mts) on foot or on by pony / Doli. Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, toiletries and clothes for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. Check in Hotel. Later visit Kedarnath Temple . Night halt.
Gaurikund: At a distance of 5kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters., one can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple . This is the place where Goddess Parvathi meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The r! emaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Day 6 : Kedarnath - Rudraprayag (14Kms Down Trek & 75kms/3hr by Road)
Early morning, after Temple Darshan trek down to Gaurikund. Later, drive to Rudraprayag via Guptkashi. Check in Hotel at Rudraprayag. Night Halt. Rudraprayag: It is the confluence of river Mandakini and river Alaknanda.
Day 7 : Rudraprayag - Badrinath (165kms/7hr)
Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. Check in Hotel. Later visit Badrinath Temple , There are other interesting sight seeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River . Just within the three kms of Badrinathjee. Overnight stay.
Badrinath one of the 'Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries".
Tapt Kund : Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.
Narad Kund : A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.
Brahama Kapal : A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform proppitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.
Sheshnetra : 1.5kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.
Charanpaduka : 3kms. away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.
Mata Murty Temple : Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple , Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.
Mana Village : Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet .
Vasundhara : As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 kms. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms. is motorable upto Mana.
Bhim Pul : On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.
Vyas Gufa (cave) : Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.
Early morning, pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). Later drive back to Joshimath / Pipalkoti / Kirtinagar. Check in Hotel. Overnight stay.
Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Of the four 'Maths' established by Adi Shankaracharya, Joshimath is in the Badrinath to Joshimath and installed in the temple for people to worship. There are many temples in the township most important is the temple of Nir Singh in commotion of Lord Vishnu. The left arm of this deity is with time and the popular belief holds that the day the the arm completely withers Badrinath valley will cease to exist and the Gods will transfer the residence into the neighboring Niti Valley at Bhavishya Badri. Joshimath is connected by regular bus service to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Badrinath and many other centres in the region.
Early morning, visit Narsingh Temple & Shankracharaya Math. Later, Drive back to Rishikesh. Check in Hotel. Overnight stay.
Rishikesh, the 'place of sages' is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of " Hrishikesh " and this area hence firth came to be known as Rishikesh.
Day 10 : Rishikesh - Hardwar - Delhi (250kms/7-8hr)
Drive back to Delhi . On Arr. Delhi , transfer to Railway Station / Airport. Tour Terminate.
Departure Dates
Starting from 5 th May 2011 Onwards
Tour Cost
TOTAL TOUR COST (Per Person): NETT RATES HENCE NON-COMMISSIONABLE
Total Pax.
Transportation
Guide
Lux. Package
Dlx. Package
Reg. Package
02
Tata Indica Car
Rs. 24,970=00
Rs. 22,055=00
Rs. 18,645=00
02
Toyota Qualis / Tavera / Xylo
Rs. 28,270=00
Rs. 25,355=00
Rs. 21,945=00
02
Toyota Innova
Rs. 30,470=00
Rs. 27,555=00
Rs. 24,145=00
04
Toyota Qualis / Tavera / Xylo
Rs. 20,570=00
Rs. 17,655=00
Rs. 14,245=00
04
Toyota Innova
Rs. 21,670=00
Rs. 18,755=00
Rs. 15,345=00
06
Toyota Qualis / Tavera / Xylo
Rs. 18,139=00
Rs. 15,224=00
Rs. 11,814=00
06
Toyota Innova
Rs. 18,881=00
Rs. 15,966=00
Rs. 15,565=00
06
Tempo Traveller
Rs. 21,631=00
Rs. 18,716=00
Rs. 15,306=00
08
Tempo Traveller
Rs. 19,442=00
Rs. 16,527=00
Rs. 13,117=00
10
Tempo-Traveller
Rs. 18,150=00
Rs. 15,235=00
Rs. 11,825=00
10
Toyota Innova x 02
Rs. 19,800=00
Rs. 16,885=00
Rs. 13,475=00
12
Tempo Traveller
Rs. 17,270=00
Rs. 14,355=00
Rs. 10,945=00
14
Tempo Excel / Mini Coach
Rs. 18,199=00
Rs. 15,284=00
Rs. 11,874=00
16
Tempo Traveller + Toyota Innova
Rs. 18,249=00
Rs. 15,334=00
Rs. 11,924=00
16
Dlx. Coach (2x2)
Rs. 20 707=00
Rs. 17,792=00
Rs. 14,382=00
18
Tempo Traveller x 02
Rs. 19,173=00
Rs. 16,258=00
Rs. 12,848=00
18
Dlx. Coach (2x2)
Rs. 19,783=00
Rs. 16,868=00
Rs. 13,458=00
20
Dlx. Coach (2x2)
Rs. 19,085=00
Rs. 16,170=00
Rs. 12,760=00
22
Dlx. Coach (2x2)
Rs. 18,507=00
Rs. 15,592=00
Rs. 12,182=00
24
Dlx. Coach (2x2)
Rs. 18,029=00
Rs. 15,114=00
Rs. 11,704=00
Extra Bed / Extra Person
Rs. 7,370=00
Rs. 5,665=00
Rs. 3,080=00
MAPAI SUPPLIMENT (Daily Breakfast & Dinner)
Rs. 3,500=00
Rs. 3,520=00
Rs. 3,025=00
HOTELS DETAILS:-
Destination
Luxury Hotels (CPAI)
Deluxe Hotels (EPAI)
Regular Hotels (EPAI)
Haridwar
Hotel Godwin / Country Inn Suites (A/C)
Hotel Hari Heritage / Parkview (A/C)
Hotel Khanna Palace / Sugandha Dlx. / Hotel Adobe (A/C)
Uttarkashi
Shikhar Nature Resort
(Lux. Swiss Tents)
Hotel Shivlinga (S.Dlx.)
Hotel Shriniwas / Monal / Bhagirathi / Narayana / Akash Ganga / Mahima
Guptkashi
Camp Nirwana (Lux. Swiss Tents)
Camp Nirwana (Lux. Swiss Tents)
Hotel Himalayan / Raj Palace
Kedarnath
Punjab Sindh Awas / Agra House
Punjab Sindh Awas / Agra House
Punjab Sindh Awas / Agra House
Rudraprayag
Monal Resort (A/C)
Monal Resort (Dlx) / Balbir (A/C)
Balbir Palace / Shangrilla Resort
Badrinath
Sarovar Portico (Cent. Heated)
Narayan Palace / Snow Crest
Hotel Dwarikesh / Patliputra
Joshimath
Hotel Dronagiri / Mount View (S.Dlx)
Dronagiri / Mount View (S.Dlx)
Hotel Snow Crest (Stn)
Pipalkoti
Hotel Le Meadows (A/C)
Hotel Le Meadows (A/C)
Hotel Le Meadows (Dlx)
Kirtinagar
Riverside Resort (A/C)
Riverside Resort (A/C)
Srikot Castle / Shree Yantra / Daisy
Rishikesh
Hotel Vasundhara Palace (A/C)
Great Ganga (A/C) / Narayana Resort (A/C Cottage) / Divine Resort (S.Dlx.)
Hotel Narayana / Neeraj Bhawan (A/C)
COST INCLUDES: Accommodation on twin sharing (DBR – CPAI / EPAI) Basis.
Transportation by Non A/C Vehicle with all road, state taxes, driver allowance, permit & night halt charges.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: 2.58% Govt. Service Tax, All Meals, Table drinks, laundry, porter, pony, tips, camera fee, ropeway charges, entrance charges, travel insurance, personal expenses of the clients or any other expenses incurred due to bad weather, road closure, land slides etc. and anything not specified in cost include.
