 Badrinath in the Northern Indian state of Uttaranchal is one of the four holy places of pilgrimage on the Char Dham yatra.
This temple town is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda river. The presence of wild berries growing on the hill slopes gave rise to the name "Badri Van" which means forest of berries. Badrinath is also known as 'Tapobhoomi' (land of meditation and penance) and 'Bhubaikunth' (heaven on earth). Two mountain ranges, Nar and Narayan, provide a backdrop for Badrinath, as does the Neelkanth peak.
The Badrinathji temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is the most important temple in Badrinath. The temple was built by the religious seer Adi Shankaracharya, who founded a math in Badrinath in the 8th century.
Badrinath is also known for its hot springs. The "Tapta Kund" a thermal spring, is opposite the temple. Narad Kund and Surya kund are other well-known hot springs.
Badrinath town is snow bound in winter and the temple closes in November and reopens in May.
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