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Badrinath Temple Uttarakhand: Badarinarayana or Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This sacred temple is located in Uttarakhand and is one of the 108 Divya Desams (pious shrines) of Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated near the banks of the Alaknanda River in the Chamoli district's Garhwal hill trails. It is among the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. Let us check out 8 lesser-known facts about the sacred temple that everyone must know. 

Badrinath Temple Uttarakhand: 8 Lesser Known Facts About This Sacred Shrine 

1. One Of The Major Char Dhams 

This sacred shrine is the only sacred site that is a part of both the Chota Char Dham (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath) and the Char Dham (Jaganethirth Puri, Dwarka, Rameshwaram, Badrinath).

The sacred Badrinath Temple is one of the major Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. (Image Source: Canva)

2. Second Vaikunth Among Significant Eight 

Lord Vishnu is said to reside at Vaikuntha. After Kshir Sagar, Badrinath is regarded as the second Vaikuntha.

3. Shankh/Conch Is Pohobited Inside The Temple Premises 

It is believed that the conch is one of the favourite instruments of Lord Vishnu. However, inside the premises of the Badrinath temple, the use of conch is prohibited. 

4. Place Gifted By Lord Shiva To Lord Vishnu 

It is believed that Lord Shiva owns this place. However, Lord Shiva gave the sacred Land of Badrinath to Lord Vishnu as a gift. 

5. Akhand Jyoti At Badrinath 

During the winter, the temple is closed for six months. No devotee is permitted to visit Badrinath during this time. For darshan, the principal deity is moved to Joshimath. An internal flame (Akhand Jyoti) burns for six months during this off-peak period when the gates (Patt Dwar) of the temple are closed. 

6. Practice Of Buddhism In Badrinath 

This site served as a Buddhist pilgrimage site when King Ashoka ruled over India. However, Adi Shankaracharya turned it into a pilgrimage for Hindus. 

7.  Significance Of The Term “Badri” In Badrinath 

Indian Jojoba trees, also known as Berry trees, are referred to as "Badri." Ancient Hindu scriptures mention that once Lord Vishnu was meditating among hills. Devi Lakshmi, his wife, took on the form of a berry tree to provide him with shelter and weather protection. Because of its size, the tree was given the name Badri Bishal. There are a lot of similar trees in the area. Thus, the place came to be known as Badrinath. 

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8. Rawal Preists At Badrinath 

The chief priest at the Badrinath Temple is known as Rawal. For the Rawal to serve the holy Badrinath deity, they must be of the Adi Shankaracharya lineage. 



(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)