As discussed above, Badrinath is one of the Char Dham (four most important abodes of Lord Shiva, and four holiest destinations of mortals). After acquiring the beautiful site from Bhagwan Shiva, Bhagwan Vishnu settled in Badrinath. However, the holy site continued to have Bhagwan Shiva’s legacies, including the invisible massive berry tree, under which He used to meditate and from whose fruits, He used to nourish Himself.
As the berry tree (‘Badri briksha’) is the symbol of Bhagwan Shiva’s existence there, occupied by Bhagwan Vishnu, the legacy which followed was in five forms of the Lord’s existence. Probably scholars in religions and mythology would dispute this contention that Bhagwan Vishnu was only a part of that legacy of Shiva. Shaivaites therefore might have spread in five different regions within the vicinity for five different stages of the divine existence. Bhagwan Vishnu might only have strengthened the legacy and never quite bothered about was being followed as natural consequences.
However, Badrinath is the first of the Pancha Bandri, and was from those mythological times onwards being considered as Vishnu Kshetra. The other four badris also were accepted as Vishnu Kshetra. It is also known as Vishal Badri.
THE OTHER FOUR REVERED BADRIS ARE
● Adi Badri
● Yogadyan Badri
● Bridha Badri
● Bhavishya Badri
ADI BADRI is quite at a distance from the other Vishnu Kshetras at a height of 3,200 ft. from the sea-level. The Temple can be approached from Karanprayag side of the Himalayas. It is a cluster of about 16 small ancient temples of Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagwan Shiva, some of the roofs are as old as of those during the periods of Gupta Dynasty. The sanctum sanctorum is constructed of bkack stone. The length of the idol is just one metre.
How to reach the height
By Air
● Nearest airstrip is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun
By Rail
● The nearest railheads are at Haridwar and Rishikesh.
By Road
● From Haridwar or Rishikesh reach Karanprayag by motorised vehicles.
● From Karanrayag take the road to Ranikhet by motorised vehicles.
● Reach at Adi Badri site by trekking.
YOGADHYAN BADRI is located at a site different from Adi Badri and is situated at 1920 mtrs. It is on the Pandukeshwar hill near Haridwar and Rishikesh by about 24 kms.
How to reach there
By Air
● Nearest airstrip is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun
By Rail
● The nearest railheads are at Haridwar and Rishikesh, almost equi-distant.
By Road
● From Rishikest on the Badrinath Highway by motorised vehicles.
BHAVISHYA BADRI is widely believed to be the future Badrinath, as most people would soon concentrate at this sit because the main Bandriopath would increasingly be out of due to many reasons, including precaution for stopping warming up of the peaks and other inaccessibilities. After that Bhagwan Vishnu would be worshipped at this temple. This prediction is also said to have been ordained by divinity acons earlier. Situated at a height of 2,744 mtrs. From the sealevel, this beautiful site is in the middle of dense forests, near Tapovan. It is in the east of Joshimath, just 17 kms away. The trekking for Bhavishya Badri is extremely strenuous and even dangerous, as it has to be cleverly planned.
How to reach there
By Air
● Nearest airstrip is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun
By Rail
● The nearest railheads are at Haridwar and Rishikesh.
By Road
● From Rishikest on the Joshimath, Lata, Malari nroute by motorised vehicles.
Trekking to be undertaken from Saldhar, beyond Tap ovan above the place where Dhulia Ganga River flows. k is a 6-kms trek amid another exquisitely scenic site, which charms millions who are drawn ar this heights. and undertaken amid forest tracks and occasional ho weather. According to reports, even geologists and engineers have agreed that the site of Joshimath is on an ancient landslide which is sinking slowly. Joshimath being the entry point of the main Badrinath Temple, and tyhus made inaccessible, devouts would have to satisfy their thirst for salvation as Bhavishya Badri.
The site is highly popular even now, as serene picturesque ambience prevail all around. An idol of the lion-headed Narasimha has been placed here. There, the Dhulia ganga river flows in perfect musical cascades to lift the coinfidence and placidity level of pilgrims.
VRIDHH BADRI, is at about 7-km below Joshimath. It is op nth main Haridwar to badrinath highway. There are motorable roads all around. The site is known to have the place of Bhagwan Vishnu’s abode before the original Badrinath was set up by Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankara first worshipped this Vishnu before setting off to the original height. Vridhh Badri is open throughout the year, and there is not much restrictions about visiting the site.
