The Panch Badri circuit in Uttarakhand is a group of temples and holy places dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the Badri Kshetra region, which stretches from Satopanth, about 24 km above Badrinath, to Nandprayag in the south. This circuit includes five temples Vishal Badri (Badrinath), Yogdhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Vridha Badri, and Adi Badri. Each temple has its own unique significance within this circuit. Here is all the information you need to know about these five temples.
Yogdhyan Badri
Yogdhyan Badri is situated in Pandukeshwar village, approximately 24 km from Joshimath, near Hanuman Chatti and Govind Ghat. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, depicted in a serene meditating posture, and is revered for its association with meditation, as reflected in its name, "Yogdhyan." The temple is believed to be as ancient as the renowned Badrinath temple. According to legend, the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata relinquished their kingdom to Raja Parikshit and chose Yogdhyan Badri as their abode for retirement. Likewise, their father, King Pandu, is also believed to have spent his final days here in deep penance. Fascinatingly, ancient copper plates containing inscriptions have been discovered in this region, providing valuable historical insights into the temple's origins and the early reign of the Katyuri kings.
How To Reach Situated in Subain village, around 17 km from Joshimath, Bhavishya Badri can be reached by road. Joshimath is the starting point from there, you can commute by car or bus to the village.
Bhavishya Badri
As the name suggests, Bhavishya Badir has often been predicted to be the future Badrinath (the main shrine among the five Badri temples). The temple lies near Joshimath, the gateway to the holy shrines of the Himalayan state. At this place, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Narasimha. According to legend, the Nar and Narayan mountains will be obstructed when the world is plagued by evil, rendering Badrinath inaccessible. Due to the absence of road connectivity, reaching the temple can only be accomplished on foot. Moreover, it follows the same opening and closing schedule as the Badrinath temple, remaining closed during winter and reopening accordingly.
How To Reach Situated in Subain village, around 17 km from Joshimath, Bhavishya Badri can be reached by road. Joshimath is the starting point from there, you can commute by car or bus to the village.
Vridha Badri
Located approximately 7 km from Joshimath, Vridha Badri lies in the village of Animath. According to legend, it was at this sacred site that Lord Vishnu manifested as an elderly and engaged in penance before the divine sage Narada. Consequently, the shrine houses an idol depicting the deity as an older man. Notably, among the Panch Badri temples, Vridha Badri is the sole temple that remains accessible throughout the year without any seasonal closures.
How To Reach It is located in Animath village, approximately 7 km from Joshimath. You can reach Joshimath by road and hire a taxi to get to Animath.
Adi Badri
Adi Badri is believed to be where devotees of Lord Vishnu offer prayers when Badrinath becomes inaccessible during the winter season. Sage Adi Shankaracharya is credited with the establishment of Adi Badri. The temple complex comprises seven temples constructed by the Gupta rulers between the 5th and 8th centuries AD. Within the main temple, a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu is enshrined, depicting him holding a mace, a lotus, and a chakra.
How To Reach It is located in the Karnaprayag region, about 17 km from Karnaprayag town. Karnaprayag is well-connected by road, and from there, you can hire a taxi or bus to reach the shrine.
Vishal Badri
One of the four essential pilgrimages of Char Dham Yatra, Badrinath temple carries immense significance for devotees. Also known as Vishal Badri, the temple is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an elevation of 3,133 m. Positioned amidst the Nar and Narayan mountains, it is believed to be the divine abode of Lord Vishnu. The temple said to have been constructed in the 8th century under the guidance of Adi Shankaracharya, has undergone subsequent development and renovations by various kings and dynasties, including the Holkars and the Scindias.
How To Reach The nearest major town is Joshimath. You can hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to reach Badrinath.
When To Visit Except for Vridha Badri, the remaining Panch Badri shrines are inaccessible during winter. The former remains open throughout the year.
Cover Photo Credit Kamakhhyaprosad Laha/Shutterstock