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Sri Mukkur Lakshmi Narasimhacharyar Thiruvadigale thunai

Sri Maha Periyava Thiruvadigale thunai
Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaya Namaha
Mylam, Sri Valli Deivanai Sametha Murugan thunai
Srimathe Ramanujaya namaha

Table of Contents
1.

Rishikesh to Joshmat Route .................................................................................................................. 3

2.

Pancha Prayag Details ........................................................................................................................... 4

1.

Vishnu Prayag (The first of Pancha Prayag) ...................................................................................... 6

2.

Nandha Prayag (The SECOND of Pancha Prayag) ............................................................................. 7

3.

Karna Prayag (The THIRD of Pancha Prayag) .................................................................................... 8

4.

Rudra Prayag (The Fourth of Pancha Prayag) ................................................................................... 9

5.

DEV Prayag (The FIFTH of Pancha Prayag) ...................................................................................... 13

DEVAPRAYAGAI DIVYA DESAM ................................................................................................... 15

3.

JOSTHIMAT.......................................................................................................................................... 21

4.

Pancha Badri Details ........................................................................................................................... 24

1.

Adhi Badri (17 KM from Karna Prayag) ........................................................................................... 25

2.

Vrudha Badri (7 KM from Joshmath) .............................................................................................. 26

3.

Bavishya Badri (24 km from Joshmath) .......................................................................................... 27

4.

Yoga Dhyan Badri ............................................................................................................................ 28

5.

Badrinath......................................................................................................................................... 29

5.

Vyasa Kuha / Sarasvathi River in Mana............................................................................................... 42

6.

GMVN Details ...................................................................................................................................... 55

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1. Rishikesh to Joshmat Route

5am start from Rishikesh to reach JOSHIMATH

Dev Prayag(Prayag1) - PURSHOTAM TEMPLE (DivyaDesam1),

Rudra Prayag(Prayag2), Lunch

Karna Prayag(Prayag3)

Sightseeing Nand Prayag(Prayag4)

Night stay at Joshmath

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2. Pancha Prayag Details

Panch Prayag the five sacred river confluences of the Ganges River. The Panch
Prayag begin in the Garhwal Himalayas, in the state of Uttarakhand. The
word prayag means 'confluence' in Sanskrit. The five member rivers of Panch
Prayag are Vishnu Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Karna Prayag, Rudra Prayag and
Dev Prayag, named in the sequence of their descending flow from the Himalayas.

Prayag

Details

Temple

Vishnu Prayag

Dhaula Ganga + Alaknanda

= Alaknanda

Sri Vishnu Temple

Nandha Prayag

Nandakini + Alaknanda =
Alaknanda

Karna Prayag

Pindar Ganga + Alaknanda

= Alaknanda

Rudra Prayag

Mandakini + Alakananda =
Alakananda

Dev Prayag

Bhagirathi River +
Alaknanda = Great Ganges

Jai Badri Kedar

Near City
12km from Joshimath.
256 KM from
Rishikesh
190 KM from
Rishikesh

Uma Devi Temple

Rudranath Temple,
Chamunda Devi
Temple etc..
Purushothaman
Temple/ Neelamega
Perumal.
DivyaDesam

169KM from
Rishikesh
140KM from
Rishikesh

72 KM from Rishikesh

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Vishnu Prayag:

Dhaula Ganga flows from the Dhaulagiri Mountains to join with the
Alaknanda. This confluence occurs at Vishnu Prayag. Once Dhaula Ganga merges with the
Alaknanda, the Dhaula's identity is lost, and both rivers flow together as the Alaknanda.

Nanda Prayag : The River Nandakini, which originates at the peaks of Nanda Devi,
joins the Alaknanda River at Nanda Prayag. Again, at this point the Nandakini loses its
name and becomes part of the Alaknanda).
Karna Prayag : Pindar Ganga originates from the Pindar ranges, flowing down to
merge with the Alaknanda at Karna Prayag. And again, the Pindar Ganga loses its
name and becomes part of the great Alaknanda River
Rudra Prayag: Likewise, the Mandakini merges with Alaknanda at Rudra Prayag,
taking the Alaknanda's name.
Deva Prayag: The Bhagirathi River joins the Alaknanda at Deva Prayag, and at this
point both rivers lose their names, and become the Ganges, flowing downstream past
Dev Prayag.
So we can see that the sacred rivers flowing from the Char-dhama tirthas of Gangotri,
Kedarnath and Badrinath, along with the Dhaula Giri, Nandakini and Pindar join
together at various prayags, merging to become the waters of the sacred River Ganga.
The Yamuna flows independently, coming down from the Char-dhama of Yamunotri,
and this Queen of rivers is even larger than the Ganga as she descends to her
confluence with the Ganga and Saraswati at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad. From there,
Her waters flow into the ocean.
Once the divine rivers reach the sea, they all lose their identity. According to
the Mundaka Upanishad, just as rivers cast off their nama-rupa when merging with the
ocean, one with knowledge of the Absolute is delivered from material name and form
when reaching the Supreme.

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1. Vishnu Prayag (The first of Pancha Prayag)

Dhaula Ganga Meets Alankananda and becomes Alakananda.
There is a small octagonal temple located near the confluence. The current shrine is
dated to 1889, and credited to Ahalyabai, the Maharani of Indore, although the
original temple here is said to be 2,000 years old. Lord Visnu resides here in
His vigraha form, being a very beautiful marble deity of the Lord in a sitting
posture. The temple has a large compound where pilgrims gather. Making
pilgrimage to Vishnuprayag is considered equal to visiting the Triveni Sangam at
Allahabad.

Small temple for Lord Vishnu at Vishnuprayag

The great sage Narada came to worship Lord Vishnu at this prayag, and there is a
small Rishi Narada temple here at the sangam. Sage Narada performed austerities
here for many years, and is said to have ascended from this holy Vishnuprayag.
The Pandava brothers are also said to have passed through Vishnuprayag while
enroute to the deep Himalayas.

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2. Nandha Prayag (The SECOND of Pancha Prayag)

Nandhakini meets River Alakananda to become Alakanandha
The confluence gets its name from the Yadava king Nanda, the foster-father of Sri
Krishna, and there is a temple of Gopal Krishna here. Nanda Maharaja is said to
have performed a great sacrifice at this spot.
Sage Kanva has performed tapasya here. This prayag is well known as the spot
where the wedding of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala took place. The story of
Shakuntala, told in the Sanskrit play by Kalidasa, describes King Dushyanta
meeting Shakuntala, daughter of the sage Vishvamitra, while on a hunting trip.
The site of Nandaprayag is also mentioned in the Mahabharata:
"In the midst of big trees, the sacred river Malini was flowing. The water of
this river was sweet and sacred. This ashram was spread out on both the
banks of river. In this sacred river different types of birds used to come and
stay. Due to the tapovanam on both the sides, the ashram was even more
beautiful. Here poisonous creatures and wild animals used to stay together in
peace. On seeing this, Raja Dushyanta was filled with joy and happiness."

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3. Karna Prayag (The THIRD of Pancha Prayag)

Pindar River Meets Alakananda and becomes Alakananda

The Mahabharata states that Karna did penance here and earned kavacha (armour)
and kundala (ear rings) from his father, the Sun god. Karna's burial rites were performed here,
and the stone seat where he did penance is still worshipped at the prayag. The Puranas state
that when Karna came to this place, there was no river confluence, so the spot was not entirely
fitting for his performance of tapasya. Thus Karna caused the Pinder River to descend and meet
the Alaknanda here.
In a temple built in recent times to commemorate Karna, the deity of goddess Uma Devi
(daughter of the Himalayas) resides. The adjacent stone temple was rebuilt by Adi
Shankaracharya, featuring anatmandir and garvagriha (sanctum). In the sanctum are deities of
Lord Shiva and Parvati, along with Ganesha. There is also a murti of Karna.
A steep row of steps descends from the temple to a path leading to the confluence point. There,
small shrines of Shiva and Binayak (Ganesh) Shila are believed to protect pilgrims,
presumably from the turbulent confluence waters. Every 12 years, Uma Devi is taken out on
procession to local villages around Karnaprayag.
There is also a reference to this site in Meghaduta, a drama in Sanskrit by the poet Kalidasa,
who says that the Satopanth and Bhagirath glaciers joined to form the Pindar River. In
his Abhijnana-shakuntala, Kalidas mentions that some of Shakuntala and King Dushyanta's
romantic pastimes took place here.
One of the local attractions near Karnaprayag is Nauti Village, home of the goddess Nanda.
This place is the starting point for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, one of the longest pilgrimage
tours covered by foot in India. The yatra goes out only once every twelve years, and was just
held in 2012.

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4. Rudra Prayag (The Fourth of Pancha Prayag)

River Mandakini meets Alakananda and becomes Alakananda

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Rudraprayag is surrounded by lofty mountains and dwindling forests of Deodar and

Pine, at an elevation of 2,936 feet (895 metres) above sea level. This prayag is not
as serene as Devaprayag, because the city is growing steadily and resources
diminished. The road splits at Rudraprayag. One branch goes towards Kedarnathdhama and the other towards Badrinath, by way of Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag and
Vishnuprayag - the first three prayags covered in this series.
While Badrinath is the source of holy waters for the first three prayags of the Panch
Prayag, Rudraprayag is associated with Kedernath-dhama, from which the
Mandakini River proceeds. After merging with the Mandakini, the Alaknanda River
flows on towards Devaprayag where it joins with Bhagirathi river to form the
Ganges. Kedarnath is 86 km. north of Rudraprayag.
The Rudraprayag confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers is named after
Lord Shiva, in his Rudra manifestation. Shiva is said to have performed Tandava
here, the vigorous dance of Nataraj. He also played his Rudra veena at this prayag,
enticing Lord Visnu to come, then transforming Him into water.
Elsewhere, the sage Narada had once become enamored of his own veena playing.
The other demigods implored Krsna to intervene, so Krsna told Narada that Shiva
and Parvati were impressed by his musical talent. Narada was so taken by the
praise that he immediately set out to meet Shiva in the Himalayas. Along the way,
at Rudra Prayag, he met several beautiful raginis, who were the embodiment of
various musical notes. But they were disfigured, and said that the reason for their
disfigurement was squarely attributed to Narada playing his veena. Hearing this,
Narada felt humbled and surrendered before Shiva, pledging to devote himself to
learning music as Shiva's disciple. The rock at Rudraprayag where Narada Muni sat
to worship is known as Narad Shila.
It is also said that Sati was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of King Himalaya, after
she self-immolated herself. In spite of Himalaya's protests, Parvati performed
rigorous penance to get the boon of becoming Shiva's wife in a future birth.
There are temples here at Rudraprayag dedicated to Rudranath (Shiva) and the
goddess Chamunda, a form of Devi who at Rudraprayag, is the consort of Shiva
(Parvati).
There are a number of important shrines in the vicinity of Rudraprayag. Located
three km. from the confluence on the banks of Alaknanda River is the Koteshwar
cave temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva meditated here before going to
Kedarnath. There are various other temples nearby associated with Shiva, including
Tungeshwar Mahadev temple near Chopta, and Kartik Swami temple, dedicated to
Shiva's son, Kartikeya.

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Rudranath Temple Rudraprayag is named after Lord Shiva and temple of lord
Rudranath is situated at the confluence of Alaknandaand Mandakini.

Chamunda Devi Temple This is also situated at confluence of the holy rivers (
Alaknanda & Mandakini). Chamunda as wife of Lord Rudra is worshiped here.
Koteshwar Koti means crore (10 Million) and Ishwar means god. This is again a
temple of Lord Shiva made in natural caves.
Shree Tungeshwar Mahadev Ji, Phalasi Near Chopta. This temple has been here
for centuries. Folklore has it that the Pandavas came here for penance. On the way
from Chopta there were many small temples up to the Tunganath Temple, the
remains of some are still there. On the temple wall there are many terracota style
seals and Shiva-Parvati figurines. A very ancient temple held in very high esteem
by many villages, right in the midst of amazing n spell-bounding natural beauty.
The Kartik Swami temple is dedicated to lord Kartikeya - son of Lord Shiva.
It can be reached by a 3 km trek from Kanak Chauri village, which is located on the
Rudraprayag-Pokhri route, 38 km from Rudraprayag.
We can have magnificent views of the snow-clad Himalayan range from the Kartik
Swami temple.
Basukedar - Basukedar (reputedly where Shiva lived before coming to Kedarnath).
It's a Shiva temple constructed by Pandava. Architecture and idols seems to be at
least 1000 yrs old. A good place for meditation and dhyan yoga. This is around
35 km from Agustmuni. around 1.30 hr by drive. This is actually an old track to
visit Kedarnath. It is said that Lord Shiva stayed a night in Basukedar while he was
travelling to Mount Kailash ( Kedarnath) this is the reason this place is called
Basukedar.

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5. DEV Prayag (The FIFTH of Pancha Prayag)

Bagirathi meets Alakananda to become GANGA MA

Devprayag is the most southernmost, therefore the last of the five sacred river
confluences of the Ganges, originating in the Garhwal Himalayas. Situated at an
elevation of 830 metres (2,723 feet) above sea level, Devprayag is 70 km from
Rishikesh. And while many tourists visit Rishikesh and Haridwar, relatively few take
darshan of Devprayag.
Devprayag is the confluence of two holy rivers, the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda.
The Bhagirathi, coming down from Gangotri-dhama, is considered the foremost
stream of the Ganges. Like all five of the Panch Prayag, the holiness of this place is
considered equal to Triveni Sangam at Allahabad where the Ganges, Yamuna and
Saraswati Rivers merge.
At this confluence, the Bhagirathi flows in rapids with strong currents, meeting a
much calmer Alaknanda River, which is slower and more sediment-laden. For this
reason, there is a strong visual contrast where the two rivers join together. The
Bhagirathi runs down a steep declivity with rapid force, roaring and foaming over

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large rock fragments in its bed, while the placid Alakananda flows smoothly and
gently until the point of its turbulent confluence.
Ganga Ma at Devprayag

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DEVAPRAYAGAI DIVYA DESAM

THIRUKKANDAMENUM KADINAGAR

PLACE
PRESENT Name
BASE Town
DISTANCE
MOOLAVAR
THIRUKKOLAM
THIRUMUGAMANDALAM
THAYAR
MANGALASASANAM
PRATYAKSHAM
THEERTHAM
VIMANAM
NAMAVALI

DEVAPRAYAGAI
RISHIKESH
72 KM
NEELAMEGA PERUMAL (PURUSHOTHMAN)
NINDRA
EAST
PUNDAREEGAVALLI
11 PAASURAMS
MAHARISHI BARATHWAJ
MANGALA THEERTHAM,GANGA RIVER
MANGALA VIMANAM
Sri Pundareegavalli nayiga sameda Sri Neelamega parabramane
namaha

Temple Location :
The First Divyadesam as one travels from Haridwar to Badrinath is Devaprayag.
This Kshetram is also called as "Thirukkandam" and also as "Kadi Nagar". It lies
about 45 miles away from Rishikesh to Badrinath and about 1700 feet above the
sea level.
Specials:
The Speciality of this sthalam is only at this sthalam the great rivers Alaknanda and
Bagirathi mingle each other.
Sthalapuranam
This Thirukkandam divyadesam is also called with the names as "Kadinagar",
"Devaprayag". This sthalam is situated around 1700 feets upwards from the sea
level. The Alaknandha and Bagirathi river mingle together in this sthalam and
comes down and is called as "Aadi Ganga".
Prayag means the place where two rivers mingle together and since two deva
(holy) rivers mingle together, it is said that this sthalam got the named as "Deva
Prayag". The place where the two rivers is said to be the place where the Neela
megha perumal originates and the two rivers are referred to as two pirattis.

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It is said that in this sthalam Brahma devar, King Dasaratha and Sri Ramar have
done tapas and an Idol of Raghunathji is said to be installed by Sri Aadhi Sankarar.
Periyalwar is the only alwar who has done Mangalasasanam on this perumal in 11
paasurams.
Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this kshetram is Neelamega Perumal. He is also called with the
name "Purushothaman". He is giving his seva in Nindra thirukkolam facing his
Thriumugam towards east direction. Prathyaksham for Bharadwaja Maharishi.
Thaayar:
The Thaayar found in this sthalam is Pundareekavalli.
Mangalasasanam:
Periyalwar is the only Alwar who has done Mangalasasanam on this sthala perumal
in 11 Paasurams.
Pushkarani:

Mangala theertham.
Ganga Nadhi.

Vimaanam:
Mangala Vimaanam.

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Pending Meaning
http://dravidaveda.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=622&ml=1

390

(1)
391

(2)
392

(3)

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393

(4)
394

(5)
395

(6)
396

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(7)
397

(8)
398

(9)
399

(10)
400

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(11)

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3. JOSTHIMAT

Sthalapuranam Thiruppirudhi which is otherwise called as Joshimutt explains that

it has a close relation between the Lord Emperumaan and His devotees. The
devotees shows their Preethi (affection) towards the Emperumaan and they get the
same from the Emperumaan. That's the reason this spot got the name as
"Thiruppirudhi".
Devotees who travel towards Badrikashramam with lots of efforts and traveling in
snow, they feel tired and supressed. But, after reaching this Joshimutt they are
happy and feel relaxed because only few miles away from here is Badrikashramam.
The Salagrama Narasimha at the Sankara Mutt is being worshipped by the devotees
as considering him as the Lord Sriman Narayana.

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Lord Narasimha temple (Tiruppiridhi)

This 1200 years old Narasingh Badari temple is dedicated to Lord
Narasimha. When Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Lord Narasimha here, he
was bestowed with jnanam (knowledge) to write a commentary on the
vedanta sutras. Lord BadriNarayan appeared in his dreams and advised him
to retrieve a Saligrama shila of Him from Tapta kunda and build a temple for
him. The moolavar is Paramapurusha Narasimhar and thaayar is
Parimalavalli (MahaLakshmi). Teertham dedicated to this place is Ganges
(Manaseega pushkarani -- Manasaras). and vahanam is Goverdhana
Vimaana. Pratyaksha darshan was given to Goddess Parvati. Tirumangai
Azhwar has done Mangalaasaasanam to perumal here. It is believed that
perumal and the kovil as described in prabhandam should be in midst of
Himalyas on the banks of Manasa Sarovaram beyond Badrinath or Gopala
perumal at Nandaprayag.
The garbhagriham houses a Swayambhu black saligrama murti of Lord
Narasimhar at the center in yogasana posture facing east, Lord Badri
Narayana to his right, Uddhavar, Kubera and Chandidevi further to His right.
And onto the Lord's left are Garuda, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The name
``Thiruppirudhi" stresses that it has a close relation between the Lord and
His devotees. The devotees show their affection towards the Lord and they
get the same from the Lord. That's the reason this spot got the name
"Thiruppirudhi".
Legend is that when Lord BadriNarayanan was found by Adi Shankara, there
was a voice from a Nabhi chakra which prophesied that as the Lord
Narasimhar's left wrist falls down, the Nara Narayana parvat will merge into
one, and current Badrinath will become inaccessible to pilgrims and shift to
Bhavishya Badri. Proof of this is the real thinning of left wrist at
Joshimath temple and also the Swayabhu MahaVishnu forming at
Bhavishya Badri which will be clearly explained in a future post.
In the early morning puja this wrist is shown to the people and then
covered up throughout the day.
The chief image of Narasimha is made out of the Shaligram stone, in the
eighth century during the reign of king Lalitaditya Yukta Pida of Kashmir.

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Some believe the image is self-manifested (swayambhu). The image is 10

inches (25 cm) high and depicts the god sitting in the lotus position.

Lord Vasudeva temple in Joshmath This is one among the most sacred
Vishnu shrines which is located just next to Narasimha temple. The lord is in
Nindra thirukkolam with chaturbhujam. Idol of Lord Mahavishnu as Vasudev
in the inner sanctrum sanctorum is carved out of a piece of black stone
measuring 6 feet in height. Along with Vasudev is Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Leela
devi, Oorvasi devi, Subhadra and Balram in the outer prakara. There are
also idols of Vinayaka in dancing posture, Brahma, Indra, Chandra,
Navadurga and Gauri Shankar. It is also noted for housing an idol of a
dancing Ganesha, one of only two such idols venerated in any temple in the
country.

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4. Pancha Badri Details

Badri
Name

Details

Where is it

YogDhyan Badrinath in YOGA

Badri
posture

Between Joshmath and

Badrinath

Badri
Vishal

Badrinath

Brihad
Badri

Adhi
Badri

Main Badrinath Temple

Vrudha Badri or OLD
Badri.
Statue of Badri as an
old man
Aborde for Badrinath in
Satyug, Treta and
Dwapar. Adhi means
Ancient

Bhavishya
Badri
Future Badrinath
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Only 7Km from

Joshimath in JoshimathBadrinath road
Adi Badri is an hour's
drive (17km) from
Karnaprayag.
Saldhar is connected to
Joshimath, 19Km away,
by motorable road.
Bhavishya Badri temple
is 6Km trek from
Saldhar.
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1. Adhi Badri (17 KM from Karna Prayag)

It is also believed that Lord Vishnu used to to live here in Satyug, Treta and
Dwapar. In Kalyug he shifted to Badrinath, thats why it is known as Adi Badri. Adi
mean Ancient.
Adi Badri, also known as Helisera according to revenue records, is a tiny temple
complex enclosed within a space of 14 metres (46 ft) X 30 metres (98 ft). The
height of the temple varies from 26 metres (6.619.7 ft). The chief temple is
dedicated to god Vishnu, which is built over a raised platform, with a small
enclosure in a pyramidal form. The sanctum holds black stone 1 metre (3.3 ft)
image of Vishnu. The image depicts Vishnu holding a mace, lotus and chakra
(discus). Brahmins from South India serve as chief priests in the temple.
Adi Badri is an hour's drive (17km) from Karnaprayag.

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2. Vrudha Badri (7 KM from Joshmath)

Vridha Badri - also spelled as Vriddha Badri or Bridha Badri - an austere shrine, is
located in the Animath village ( 1,380 m (4,530 ft), above sea level) 7 km
from Joshimath on the RishikeshJoshimath-Badrinath road.
The Vridha Badri legend says that Vishnu appeared in the form of a Vridha or old
man before sage Narada who performed penance here. Thus, the idol installed at
this temple is in the form of an old man.
According to legend, the image of Badrinath was carved by the divine
craftsman Vishwakarma and worshipped here. At the advent of Kali yuga, Vishnu
chose to remove himself from this place, later Adi Shankara found the partly
damaged image in Narad-kund pond and established it at the central Badrinath
shrine. According to legend, Badrinath was worshipped here by Adi Shankara,
before his enshrinement at the Badrinath temple. The temple is open throughout
the year. Brahmins from South India serve as chief priests in the temple.

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3. Bavishya Badri (24 km from Joshmath)

Bhavishya Badri, 2,744 meters above sea level, is one of the Panch
Badri pilgrimage worshipped by Hindu pilgrimages as the future Badri as it suggests
by its name. Bhavishya Badri situated in Subhain village of Niti Valley on the way to
Lata from Tapovan in Uttarkashi district of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand is believed to
be the next adobe of lord Vishnu when the way to current Badrinath will be
permanently closed.
A prophecy says, at the end of Kali Yuga, a landslide will occur collapsing Nara and
Narayan (the terms Nara and Narayan refer to Arjun, the third son of Kunti in Hindu
holy epic Mahabharata and lord Krishna respectively) hills and blocking the path to
Badrinath. This devastating landslide will occur when the right arm of the statue of
Narsingh (half man and half lion- 4th incarnation of lord Vishnu) currently situated
in Joshimath will detach from its body. It is said that the arm of Narsingh is
shrinking day by day.
Scientists say that the region of Joshimath which is the only route to Badrinath
temple is shrinking and is in the prominent zone of landslide which has higher
chances of path blockage due to landslide in due time. If it really happen, the
prophecy will be proved. The prophet has said this landslide will occur at the end of
Kali Yuga and in Satya Yuga, Badrinath will transfer his seat to Bhavishya Badri.
The Narsingh temple in Joshimath is the place where Badrinath idol is worshipped
during the winter season. It is also called Narsingh Badri and is included in Sapt
Badri. During winter season, priests at main Badrinath temple come down to
Joshimath bringing the idol of Badrinath along with them and worship the god in
Narsingh Badri temple. Narsingh Badri temple has a Badrinath idol along with the
Narsingh idol.
Subhain village houses a temple that the villagers believe to be secondary and the
primary temple is atop a steep hill among dense pine forest and tranquil beauty.
The view of valley below the range is clear and breathtaking. Trekkers forget all the
pain they experienced during the uphill journey watching the beautiful Auli ski slope
and Joshimath. Had anyone regretted the decision of trekking the painful journey to
Bhavishya Badri will breathe a sigh of relief when the enthralling beauty of
surrounding answer all the questions in her/his head. One of the toughest route in
Uttarakhand hills, route to Bhavishya Badri examine the trekkers with extreme
difficulty and finally rewards with unbeatable pleasure. Temple of Bhavishya Badri
situated along the Dhauli ganga river on the ancient route to Mansarovar and
Kailash Parvat enchants the tourists and trekkers with incredible pleasure.
Bhavishya Badri | How to Reach?
Saldhar is connected to Joshimath, 19Km away, by motorable road. Bhavishya
Badri temple is 6Km trek from Saldhar. Here we discuss on how to reach Joshimath
to go to Saldar through taxi or jeep and finally trek from Saldhar to Bhavishya Badri
temple:
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4. Yoga Dhyan Badri

Yogdhyan Badri Joshimath 12 kms
Yogdhyan Badri Badrinath 13 kms
Yogdhyan Badri Pandukeshwar 2 kms
Yogadhyan Badri, also called Yoga Badri, is located at Pandukeshwar (30382N
793251E) at the elevation of 1,829 metres (6,001 ft), close to Govind Ghat and
is as ancient as the main Badrinath temple. Pandukeshwar is located en route from
Govind Ghat to Hanuman Chatti, 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) away from Hanuman Chatti.
Legend has it that King Pandu, father of the five Pandavas - heroes of the Hindu
epic Mahabharata, meditated here to god Vishnu to cleanse him of the sin of killing
of two mating deer, who were ascetics in their previous lives. The Pandavas were
also born here and Pandu died and attained salvation here.
Pandu is believed to have installed the bronze image of Vishnu in the Yogadhyan
Badri shrine. The image is in a meditative posture and thus the image is called
Yoga-dhyan (mediative) Badri. The idol is life size and has been carved from
Shaligramstone. According to legend, the Pandavas, after defeating and killing their
cousins Kauravas in the Mahabharata war, came here to repent. They handed their
kingdom of Hastinapur to their grandson Parikshit and went to perform penance in
the Himalayas.
Copper plate inscriptions found here indicate rule by early Katyuri Rajas and the
region was known as Panchal Desh, now officially designated as Uttarakhand. One
inscription extols the grant of land given by King Nimbarana. Another historic
location is the Suryakund, on top of Milam glacier, which is a hot water spring,
where Kunti - mother of Pandavas gave birth to her son Karna, fathered by the
sun-god Surya. Kunti was married to Pandu at Pandukeshwar.
Yogdhyan Badri is also considered the winter abode for the Utsava-murti (festivalimage) of Badrinath, when the temple of Badrinath is closed. Hence, it is religiously
ordained that a pilgrimage will not be complete without offering prayers at this
place. Bhatts (priests) from South India serve as chief priests in the temple.

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5. Badrinath

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The main shrine houses the 1 m (3.3 ft) Shaligram (black stone) image of
Badrinarayan, which is housed in a gold canopy under a Badri Tree. The image of
Badrinarayan holds a Shankha (conch) and a Chakra (wheel) in two of its arms in a
lifted posture and two arms are rested on its lap in a Yogamudra (Padmasana)
posture.[3][6] The sanctum also houses images of the god of wealthKubera,
sage Narada, Uddhava, Nar and Narayan. There are fifteen more images that are
also worshipped around the temple. These include that of Lakshmi (the consort of
Vishnu), Garuda (the vahana of Narayan), and Navadurga, the manifestation
of Durga in nine different forms. The temple also has shrines of Lakshmi
Narasimhar
and
for
saints Adi
Shankara (AD 788-820), Vedanta
Desika andRamanujacharya. All the idols of the temple are made of black stone.
The Tapt Kund, a group of hot sulphur springs just below the temple, are
considered to be medicinal; many pilgrims consider it a requirement to bathe in the
springs before visiting the temple. The springs have a year-round temperature of
55 C (131 F), while outside temperature is typically below 17 C (63 F) all year
round.[3] The two water ponds in the temple are called Narad Kund and Surya Kund.
Joshmath to Badrinath is 2 hours travel. The temple opens by 4:30 in the morning.

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5. Vyasa Kuha / Sarasvathi River in Mana

Mana, the last Indian village on the Indo-Pakistan limits, is a mere four kilometres
away from Badri. Here is the Vyasa guha from where Vyasa dictated the great epic
Mahabharata while Ganesha, ensconced in the Ganesh guha, wrote it down with
one of his tusks.

Starting Point of Saraswati (

) River and Bhim Pul (

):

It is most amazing place to see at Mana. The Saraswati River starts from a very
narrow tunnel type of natural structure and the bridge over it is called as Bhim Pul.
It is believed that when Padawas were going to heaven from this way, Bhim put a
very huge rock on Saraswati (

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) River so that Draupadi (

)can cross it.

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Saraswati River joins Alaknanda River at Keshav Prayag, near Mana village,
Badrinath.
Keshave Prayag
It is the confluence of River Alaknanda and Saraswati, it can be seen from the
parking area at Mana. You can buy local made woolens and herbs from Mana. Some
of them are really very nice. You should visit here if you are going to Badrinath. Do
not assume it to be only pilgrim destination it is very beautiful for natural lovers
too.

A natural stone bridge, named "Bhim Pul", lays across flowing Saraswati river,
making a passage towards Vasudhara falls and Satopanth Lake. It is believed
by locals that Bhim Pul is a rock bridge founded by Bhima of Mahabharatha, to help
Droupadi to cross the rivulet.

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Vyasa Guha

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Sri Vyasa Guha

About three km from Mana Village is Vasudhara Falls and on the way you can
see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Sonw capped peaks, misty
mountains, valleys filled with flowers and gushing river streams. Vasudhara falls is
a natural fall situated near the Mana village in Uttaranchal. It is an enchanting
place with free flowing water coming down from a height of around 450 feet.

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Just after crossing Bheem pul

In the Land of Gods

The trek from Mana to Vasudhara falls is an easy one and it takes about 1,5 hrs to
reach Vasudhara. There are no shops/tea stallls on the way so its good to have
some biscuits and water with you.

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Himalayan cows
The path becomes steep after three kms. About 100 m before Vasudhara falls there
is a small cave ashram where two young sadhus live. You can visit them and they
will offer you a cup of tea. It is said that eight Vasus, sons of Ganga, did penances
at this place.

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Ashram
The trekking way is usually sunny and its a good idea to bring a hat with you to
protect yourself from the sun because you are at the high altitude. The tranquility
of the place is amazing. Vasudhara falls drops from a height of 145 meters, but due
to the height and the strong wind the water falls down like a shower of droplets.

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Vasudhara falls

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When you come closer, the view is spectacular. Apart from this natural beauty,
Vasudhara Falls also has an interesting legend associated with it. It is believed that
the water fall turns away from people who are not pure at heart and carry sinful
thoughts or feelings.

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From Vasudhara falls there is a good view of Satopanth glacier and Balakun peak,
also known as Alakapuri, the home of the wealth god Kubera. The path goes all the
way to the Satopanth lake.

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6. GMVN Details
GMVN Chennai +91 44 2533 3524
RANA +91 94441 09395
Sunil +91 99413 89682
GMVN Contacts
Important Telephone Nos.
For queries contact the following nos.
1.

Package Tours
Tel. No:- 0135-2431793, 83
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mobile No:- +91 95680 06624,17,19

2.

Additional Tours
Tel. No:- 0135-2431793, 83
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mobile No:- +91 95680 06624,17,19

3.

Advance Accommodation Reservation

Tel. No:- 0135-2431793, 83, 2432648, 2434036 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mobile No:- +91 95680 06622,23

4.

Online Reservation
Tel. No:- 0135-2431793, 83, 2432648, 2434036 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mobile No:- +91 95680 06622,23

5.

Transport
Tel. No:- 0135-2431793, 83, 2435174
Mobile No: -+91 95680 06620,21

6.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wireless
Tel. No:- 0135-2430357 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mobile No:- +91 95680 06616

Note: In case of difficulty in contacting the above contact numbers, please call +91 95680 06626,
+91 94120 75046 and 0135-2431783

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