Badrinath, one of the 108 Divya Desams, is the most sacred pilgrimage place situated in the Himalayan heights in the Garhwak hill track in the Chamoli district in the state of Uttarkhand, India at an altitude of 10,248 feet. The presiding deity of the temple is known as “Badrinarayan” or ” Badari Vishal”. The archa murthy of Badarinarayan is seen under the Badari tree and is flanked by Kuber (God of wealth) and Garuda, Narad, Naranarayana. There are also shrines dedicated to Sri Maha Lakshmi, Adi Shankara, Swami Ramanujar.
In 2013, the date of opening of Shri Badrinath Temple is May 16 at 4:00 AM with Vedic chanting. The closing date is after Diwali (November 3, 2013).
Also Please read:
http://anudinam.org/2012/04/01/its-time-to-plan-for-badrinath-trip/
http://anudinam.org/2012/04/01/badrinath-divya-desam-video/
The name Badrinath is derived from the word “BADRI” which represents the area where “berries” grow in abundance.
Generally, The Temple doors are closed down around October (dates are fixed on Vijayadashmi by committee) at the advent of winters and are opened again for worship at around Mid April on/after Akshaya Tritiya (dates are decided on Basant Panchami ).
Thus Badrinath Temple remains open for a period of 6 months only in a year from may to october and remains closed from october to April due to winter snow. The temple darshan timings are 4:00am to 10:00pm.
While Badrianth Temple is shut down for winter months every year, prayers to the Badri Vishal ‘Utsav Murti’ continue at the Narsimha temple in Joshimath. The priests of Badrinath Temple continue to perform the rituals on the ‘Utsav Murti’ at Narasimha temple during the winter season.
Every year a grand re-opening of the temple is done with the locals, huge crowd of Pilgrims and the Army people. (Since this area is under Indian Army control).
Thirumangai Azhwar has done mangalasasanam to Badri perumal.
The best season to visit this temple is during the months of May-June and July. A detailed travelogues and video can be read from the following link.
Travelogue:
http://anudinam.org/2012/04/01/its-time-to-plan-for-badrinath-trip/
http://anudinam.org/2012/04/01/badrinath-divya-desam-video/
