This is one of the revered pilgrimage sites of India tucked away in the mighty Himalayas. Open only for a few months during the year, Amarnath enshrines a natural Shivalingam of ice, and is reached after an arduous trek through the mountains of Kashmir.

Amarnath is an ancient pilgrimage center. The Amarnath cave is located at a distance of 86 miles north east of Srinagar, at a height of 13000 feet above sea level. Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a Shivalinga shaped ice block, made by drops of water oozing naturally in the cave.

To the left of the Shivalingam is another ice block representing Ganesha, and to the right of the Shivalingam are blocks representing Parvati and Bharirava. The cave faces south. Inside the Amarnath cave is another small cave on the left of the image, from which a chalk like substance is given out to pilgrims as Vibhuti. Amarnath is surrounded by snow clad mountains.

Legend has it that Shiva made the Gods immortal by providing them with the celestial nectar, and resided here upon their request. This boon of immortality lent the name Amarnath.

Kashmir was a great Saivite center in the 1st millennium CE. Kashmiri Saivism is referred to as Trika Mata and it dates back to the eighth century CE. The three components of Kashmiri Saiva literature are Agama Sastra, Spanda Shastra and the Pratyabhijna Shastra. Kalhana, a contemporary of King Jayasimha of Kashmir of the 12th century describes Kashmir as Parvati incarnate. Legend has it that there was once a lake by name Sati-Saras named after Shiva’s consort Sati. The demons residing here were destroyed by Sage Kashyapa, the grandson of Bhrama. It is believed that Kashyapa then converted this lake into Kashmira Mandala.

Tradition has it that in every lunar month, the icy Shivalingam begins to form, on the first day of the bright half of the month, and reachest its fullest size on the full moon day, and then begins to wane and disappear on the new moon day. This process repeats itself each month. Since it is believed that Shiva manifested himself first on the full moon day in the month of Sravana (Leo), the only summer month that permits travel in this mountainous area, it is considered to be special to go on a pilgrimage to Amarnath during this month.

The trek to Amarnath begins at Srinagar on the panchami day of the bright half of the month. The next halt enroute is Pampur,  9 miles south east of Srinagar. Subsequent halts are at Avantipur, Brijbihara and Martand. Martand is known for its ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God – now in ruins.  Enroute to Martand are Anant Nag and Gautam Nag. Martand is known as the architectural lion of Kashmir. It is a temple with a colonnade of 84 columns full of artistic work. This temple dates back to Lalitaditya of Kashmir of the 8th century. The next halt is at Aishmukam, and the next is Pahalgam, which is reached on the day of Dasami, the tenth day of the bright half of the month. At Pahalgam is the confluence of the rivers Seshnag and Liddar.

The next stop enroute is Chandanwadi, from where the confluence of the rivers Asthan Marg and Seshnag. Further up is the Pishu Ghati, believed to be the site where the demons were crushed by the Gods. Further up is the Seshnag lake at a height of about 12000 feet above sea level. The Seshnag river flows out of this lake. The next halt is at Wavjan before the steep climb to the Mahagunus Pass at a height of 14000 feet, after which there is a down slope leading to Panchatarni. From here, the Amarnath cave is reached on the full moon day, and the pilgrimage is complete.

Description: The towering 22028  ft high peak Mt. Kailash in the Himalayas, 25 miles north of the Mansarovar lake is hailed as the abode of Shiva. It is an arduous trek to Kailash through the snow clad Himalayas and is attempted only by a few. The Tibetians refer to Kailash as Kangrimpoche (Jewel of Snow). Kailash is also referred to as Hemakootam. This is one of the 4 Tevarastalams in the Himalayas the other three being Gauri Kund,Kedarnath and Indraneela Parvatam. Major rivers have their source around the Manasarovar lake and Kailash.

Route to Kailash: Pilgrims go to Kailash via the Lipu Lekh pass. They first go to Tonakpur, then through Pithorgarh, Askot and Dharchula and Garbiang the last town in Indian territory. The Lipu Lekh pass is 16750 feet above sea level, and is at the Tibet frontier. Pilgrims then reach Taklakot, a Budhist center. Manasoravar is 34 miles away from here. 12 miles from Taklakot in Bhutan, is Kocharnath. An alternate route to Mansarovar is via Kathgodam, Karpot, Milon, Tirthapuri and Kailash. Yet another route is from Haridwar via the Niti pass.

The Mansarovar lake is known as Cho Mapan. There are two lakes here; one the rakshasa tal, where Ravana performed penances towards Shiva, and the other the Mansarovar, considered to be one of the 51 Sakth Peethams.

Mount Kailash is located 20 miles from Mansarovar; it appears like a giant Shivalingam placed in a 16 petaled lotus. Pilgrims first reach Darchin, and then start their 32 mile pradakshina or circumambulation around the sacred mountain. From Darchin, they proceed to Landifu, then Derfu, and then in a north east direction to Gowrikund 19000 feet above sea level. Gowri Kund in Tibet is known as Thuki Singbu.  Then they go to Jandalfu and come back to Darchin. There are several Buddhist temples in this area.

The Nayanmars: Tirunavukkarasar on his way to Kailasam is said to have been  transported by divine intervention to Tiruvaiyaru – Dakshina Kailasam. Karaikkal Ammaiyar is said to have trekked to Kailasam and returned to Tiruvalangadu. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is said to have travelled to Kailasam on a white elephant, while his contemporary Cheraman Perumal Nayanar of Tiruvanjaikkalam composed Tirukkayilaya Gnana Ula at Mt. Kailash. Sambandar sang praises of Kailasam from Sree Kalahasti   Kailash is the fifth of the Tevara Stalams hailed by the Tamil hymns of the Nayanmars, located outside of Tamilnadu/Kerala/Karnataka i.e. in Vada Naadu (the northern lands).

Mt. Kailash is regarded by Hindus as an embodiment of Shiva and Parvati. The Buddhists refer to the sacred mountain as Kangri Karchchak; they regard the presiding deity of Mt. Kailash as Deity with three eyes, holding the damaru and the trishul; his consort is referred to as Dorje Fangmo. The Jains regard Mt. Kailash as the Ashtapada mountain where the first Tirtankara Adinath (Rishabhadeva) attained nirvana.

Description Devaprayag in the Himalayas at a height of 1700 feet above sea (70 km from Rishikesh) level, where Alakananda and Bhagirathi merge to form the Ganges, is considered to be a pilgrimage center of great significance.. It is  held in reverence all over India, and is a resting point for pilgrims bound to (and from) Badrinath and is located at a distance of 70 km from Rishikesh enroute to Badrinath.

There is an ancient temple established by Adi Sankaracharya here, enshrining Rama (Raghunathji); there are also shrines to Hanuman, Badrinathji, Kaala Bhairavar, and Shiva here. Bhrama, Dasaratha and Rama are said to have prayed here.

Periyalwar of the 1st millennium CE, composed in Tamil, a decad of 10 verses praising the glory of Tirukkandam as a shrine on the banks of the Ganges. These verses state that Vishnu enshrined in Mathura, Salagramam, Dwarka, Ayodhya & Sri Vaikuntham is the same as the one (Purushottaman) enshrined in Tirukkandam or Kadinagar. Devaprayag is considered to be Tirukkandam or Kadinagar.

Description: This is one of the best known Shivastalams in India and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of the country, located in the lofty Himalayas. It is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingams – the Northern most one, while the Southernmost one is Rameshwaram. The spiritual leader Adi Sankaracharya is closely associated with Kedarnath. Kedarnath is a shrine steeped in antiquity, rich in legend and religious significance.

Four Himalayan shrines dedicated to Shiva have been glorified by the Tamil Tevaram Hymns composed by the Nayanmars of the 1st millennium CE. These shrines are Indraneela Parvatam in Nepal, Gaurikund, Kedarnath and Mount Kailash in Tibet. Although none of the Nayanmars visited Kedarnath, Sambandar sang its praises from Kalahasti . The Tamil hymns of the Nayanmars refer to Kedarnath as Tirukkedaram. Kedarnath is the fourth of the Tevara Stalams hailed by the Tamil hymns of the Nayanmars, located outside of Tamilnadu/Kerala/Karnataka i.e. in Vada Naadu (the northern lands).

The Temple: Located in the Himalayas at a height of 12000 feet in awe inspiring surroundings, this small shrine is accessible by foot, only 6 months a year. The temple at Kedarnath enshrining the Jyotirlingam of Shiva opens only when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries and it is closed when the sun enters Scorpio. The priests then go to Ukhimath, where the worship of Kedareshwara is continued during the winter season.

Kedarnath is located on a ridge which juts out at right angles from below the 23000 feet high snowy peak of Mahapanth. Kedarnath is located on the Rudra Himalaya range.

The Rudra Himalaya range is also known as the Pancha Parvata; its five peaks are Rudra Himalaya, Vishnupuri, Bhramapuri, Udgari-Kanth and Swargarohini. It is believed that four of the Pandavas died on the last of these peaks.

Legend has it that Parvati worshipped Kedareshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. Kedara Munivar is also said to have established this shrine visited by the Pancha Pandavas.

Legend also has it that Nara and Narayana – two incarnations of Vishnu practised severe penances at Badrikashram, in front of a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth. When Shiva appeared in front of them, they requested him to take up a permanent abode as a Jyotirlingam at Kedarnath.

Legend also has it that the Pandava princes were advised to visit Kedarnath after the great Kurukshetra battle. Shiva upon seeing the Pandavas, assumed the form of a male buaffalo and entered the earth. It is believed that the rear of its body remained here, as Kedareshwar. The front part is believed to be in Nepal. This legend says that when Shiva entered the ground, he became five fold – his hind remained at Kedar, his arms Tunganatha, his face Rudranatha, his belly Madhyameswara and his Jata Kalpeswara. These five shrines together as known as the Pancha Kedara.

The Pandavas are believed to have visited this area several times. Arjuna is believed to have come here to pray to Shiva to obtain the coveted Pasupataastra. The other Pandavas are believed to have come here in search of him, where Draupadi came across the heavenly lotus Kalyana Saugandikam, and requested Bhima to bring here some more of the same. It was during his venturing out to seek these flowers that Bhima met Hanumaan.

Tradition has it that pilgrims first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri and bring with them the holy waters from the sources of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga and offer abhishekams to Kedareshwara. The traditional pilgrim route is Haridwar-Rishikesh- Devaprayag – Tehri – Dharasu – Yamunotri  – Uttar Kashi – Gangotri – Triyugnarayan – Gowrikund and Kedarnath. Alternatively, the route to Kedar from Rishikesh is via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.

Near Kedarnath is the source of the river Mandakini. Mandakini joins Alakananda at Rudraprayag.

One of the 108 Temples & Celestial Abodes of Vishnu revered by the Tamil hymns of the Alwars of the 1st millennium CE

Significance: Considered as one of the most sacred centres of pilgrimage, Badrinath is situated in the Tehri-Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand) at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. This shrine has been visited in the past by religious leaders such as Sankaracharya. Badrinath has been sung in chaste tamil verse by one of the Alwar saints of Tamilnadu (Tirumangaialwar) , in the 8^th century CE (and has also been mentioned by Perialwar, as one of the sacred centers of Vishnu) ; is considered to be one of the 108 sacred centers of the Sri Vaishnavite religion. 

Antiquity: Srimad Bhagvadam has explained the significance of the temple and the glory of Shri Badri Narayan. However the history and origins of the temple have not been well recorded with due authenticity. The Kings of Garhwal built the present structure of the temple about two centuries ago. The sitting (padmasan) posture of the presiding deity – a common form of Buddhists’ icons – has led Buddhists to believe that this is nothing but a stone image of the Buddha.

With history still suffering with paucity of details, another version is that the original temple was desecrated by Buddhists only to be reclaimed later by Hindus. The image was believed to have been thrown into Narad Kund, near river Alaknanda, and was later retrieved by Adi Sankara. The image was then restored to its original position and protocols of worship were established.

The sanctum here houses Lord Badri Narayan, Kuber ( God of wealth), Narad Rishi, Uthavar, Nar & Narayan. Lord Badri Narayan (also called as Badri Vishal) is armed with Conch (Shankh) and Chakra in two arms in a lifted posture and two more arms rested on the lap in Yogamudra. The principal image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in meditative pose. The temple also houses Garud (Vahana – vehicle of Lord Narayan) and Goddess Mahalaxmi (referred as Arvidavalli Thayar by Tamilians). Also here are the idols of Adi Sankara, Swami Desikan and Shri Ramanujar.

The temple, moderate in size, can be divided into three parts – sanctum, the darshan mandap and sabha mandap The temple has suffered from avalanches, several times in the past and renovated. The Kings of Garhwal renovated the present structure almost two centuries ago.

The beginning of Guru-Shisya parampara is supposed to have its roots here. This is symbolised by two range of mountains – Nar range of mountains (representing the individual soul – Jeevatma) and Narayan range of mountains (on which side is the temple situated – representing the supreme reality – Paramatma). These forms were used to convey the Ashtakshara mantras, Vedhas and their importance. River Alaknanda, considered to be one of the most sacred, divides the two ranges of mountains.Snow covered Neelkant Parvath in Golden colour

Legends associated with this temple: MahaVishnu is believed to have done his penance in this place. Seeing the Lord doing his penance in the open, Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed to have assumed the form of Badri (elandai) tree to provide him shelter to face the onslaught of the weather conditions, hence the name of Badri Narayan.

Legend has it that Lord Vishnu identified Nar & Naryan forms to be of his own to Narad Rishi. Narad Rishi did his penance here and is believed to be worshipping these forms of supreme God with the Ashtakshara mantra even now.

Weather conditions are such that, worship could be offered in this temple only for 6 months (May to early part of November – From tamil month Chittirai to Aippasi). During the winter period, the shrine remains closed (to be opened only on Chritra Pournami – Full moon day of tamil month Chitrai) and during this intervening period it is believed that Divine beings conduct poojas to Lord Vishnu. In accordance with established Hindu rituals of conducting poojas without any break, the Utsavars (bronze images) are taken with all reverence to Pandukeshvar – abode for Lord Badri Vishal during winter. On the day of reopening of the main shrine at Badri, these images are taken back.

Rituals offerings to pitrus (souls of the dead) are performed at Brahma Kapaalam (located at a distance of 200ft from the main shrine) on the banks of Alaknanda, by offering prasad (rice food) of Lord Badri Narayan.

Worship Protocol:

Though this shrine is located in the northern most part of India, the Chief Priest Ravalji–of Keralite (Namboodri) origins – performs the rituals. Procedures of daily poojas and rituals are supposed to have been prescribed by Adi Sankara. Unlike in most of the Hindu temples all the poojas (including decoration of idols) are performed before the eyes of all devotees.

Temple rituals begin at 7 a.m.

Nimalyan Darshan : Chandan (sandalwood paste) left on the image of Badrinarayan from the previous night, is removed to enable devotees to have full view of the image.

Abhishek Darshan : Process begins with Kalsa Pooja. Abishekam (ablution) is then carried out in the presence of pilgrims.

Alankar Darshan : After abhishekam, the decoration process begins in the full view of devotees. Firstly, the entire idol, excluding the face, is covered with sandal paste and followed by the decoration with flowers & jewels.

Aarti Darshan : On completion of alankars, aarthi ( lighting of camphor) is held. This marks the completion of forenoon pooja rituals and will end around 11.30 am – 12.00 p.m., after which the temple is closed.

Reopening of the temple takes place at 4.00 p.m. for commencement of evening rituals which lasts till 8.00 p.m. During this period, Ashotothram and Sahasranamam recitations take place. Around 7.30 p.m. Mangal aarthi – called as Geetgovind takes place. On completion of aarti, the Chief Priest removes the flowers & jewels in the full glimpse of devotees. The image of Badrinarayan is now left only with sandal paste, to be removed only the next morning and distributed as prasad.

Hotwater Springs: The pilgrimage centre boasts of two natural hotwater springs – Tapt Kund and Surya Kund. The sulphurous waters have a temperature of 55* C. A bath in these springs is believed to purify the body and soul and is done before visiting the temple.

Panch Badris:

1. Vishal Badri : Refers to the main Shri Badri Narayan Temple and is considered to be the most sacred.
2. Yogathyan Badri: Located at a distance of 24 kms from Badri Nath and at 20 kms from Joshimath. This is also the place where Maharaj Pandu (father of the Pandava princes) prayed to Pandukeshwar.
3. Bhavishya Badri : This is located at 17 kms from Joshimath and is a small village.
4. Preetha Badri : Located at 17 kms from Joshimath at place called Animath. Adi Sankara is believed to have worshipped Lord Badri Nath for some time.
5. Adi Badri : This is located at a distance of 16 kms from KarnaPrayag. Several temples constructed during Gupta Dynasty are here of which Mana Narayanan temple is considered to be the most popular one.

Village Mana Vyas Gufa

Rock formation inside the Vyas Guh appears to resemble the orderly stacking of palm leave manuscripts – oldest writing material and is worshipped as “Vyas Pusthak”. Vyas Maharishi is also considered, by some, as reincarnation of Vishnu.

Another Cave called as Ganesh Guh (cave) is also located in this village.

The village also boasts of Keshav Prayag– Sangamam (confluence) of Rivers Saraswathi and Alaknanda.

Vasudhara Falls & Bhimpul Falls are nearby. Like Badri, the village becomes inaccessible during winter (almost 6 months) and the entire village vacates and moves to a safer place down the hills. 

Associate Temples:Joshimath:

Joshimath, the first mutt established by Shri Adi Sankara, is located at a distance of 14 kms from Helang enroute to Badri. Adi Sankara is believed to have got enlightenment here and authored Sri Sankara Bhashyam. This located at a height of 6150 ft above sea level. Here, there are separate temples for Lord Narasimha and Lord Vasudev (different forms of Lord Vishnu). This is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sung by Sacred Vaishnavaite Saints).

In the temple for Lord Narasimha , separate statues of Badri narayan, Uthavar, Kuber, Chandikadevi, Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Garud can be seen together in the sanctum sanctorum. Outside the temple separate statues of Brahma, Krishana, Lakshmi & Anjaneya can be seen. Vyas Maharishi is believed to have worshipped Goddess Lakshmi here. The presiding deity Lord Narasimha is believed to have been established by Adi Sankara. It is widely believed that one hand of the presiding deity is getting weakened and the day it disjoints, the way to Badri will get eternally blocked and Lord Badri Narayan will thereafter give darshan only from either Bhavishya Badri or Adi Badri (part of Panch Badris).

The temple of Lord Vasudev houses Lord Vasudev in the sanctum sanctorum as well as Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Leela devi, Oorvasi devi & Balram in the outer praharam. Further separate structures are available for Vinayaka, Brahma, Indira, Chandran(Moon), Navadurgas & Gauri Shankar.

Pandukeshwar: This place is believed to have been established by King Pandu, father of Pandavas. It is situated at 4kms from Govind Ghat, 219 kms from Kedarnath and 24 kms from Badrinath. There are two temples – one for Lord Yogabadri Narayan and the other for Lord Vasudev. During winter, Lord Vasudev temple will function as the abode for Lord Badri Narayan and all the daily rituals connected with worship are performed here. Both the temples are quite old. 

Access and Accommodation:

The journey to Badri, mostly from Rishikesh, is through Rudra Prayag. The road from Rudra Prayag is a single way route, passing through mountainous ranges, with the entire route fraught with dangerous curves and stone falling zones. Throughout the entire route, one the one side will be River Alaknanda and on the other mountains. Innumerable milky water falls adds to the scenic beauty to the entire route. During rainy days, the route witnesses many landslides and will prove to be a hindrance for further journey. On account of the vicinity to the international borders and risks of landslide in the entire route, the task of maintenance of the road has been entrusted to Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a Unit attached to Indian Army. The distance from Rudraprayag to Badri is 160 kms. The travel time will be dependent on weather conditions and landslides enroute.

Badrinath is also connected by road to Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Nainital and Almora districts in UP Hills. Some of the major road distances are: Rishikesh – 297 kms, Joshimath – 42 kms, Haridwar – 321 kms, Karnaprayag –123 kms, Rudraprayag – 155 kms, Deoprayag – 225 kms, Dehradun – 343 kms.

Nearest airport – Jolly Grant AirStrip ,is located at Dehradun, which is 315 kms away. The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, which is at a distance of 292 kms.

Ideal time for visiting the shrine will be between May to November. Trips during rainy days are not desirable and are to be avoided. One should, without fail, carry Sweaters, woollen clothing, Umbrella and required medicines during the trip. Minimum luggages should be preferred. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited in this place. Reasonable accommodation, at cottages managed by Temple committee. is available at Badri. Postal and Banking facilities are available. A State Allopathic Dispensary is also available.