Yogdhyan Badri: A journey to the Moksha
The Yogdhyan Badri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Vishnu. It is situated in the village of Pandukeshwar near Govind Ghat in Chamoli district. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu did penance for the sin of killing Hiranyakashipu.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is visited by devotees from all over India. Uttarakhand at an altitude of 1920 m. It is the fifth temple complex among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples and part of the famous ‘Sapta Badri‘ pilgrimage circuit.
Sapta Badri
The ‘Sapta Badri‘ circuit includes seven temples of Lord Vishnu which are spread across Uttarakhand. The Yogdhyan Badri Temple is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand. In ancient times, the path to the temple went through the Badri van (Forest of berries). Hence, the suffix ‘Badri‘ is added to the seven holy shrines of Lord Vishnu.
Yogadhyan Badri Temple
This is a bronze image of Lord Vishnu, which was installed by Pandu. Devotees believe that this image depicts Vishnu in a state of meditation (Dhyan), hence the name of the shrine comes from the posture of the image. It is called ‘Yogdhyan Badri’.
Moreover, when the main temple of Badrinath closes down during winter because of extreme weather conditions, Yogadhyan Badri is considered to be the winter abode of the Utsava-murti (festive image) of Badrinath.
Hence, it is mandatory for a pilgrim to offer prayers at this place in order to complete his/her pilgrimage. Also, the chief priests of the temples are ‘Bhatts‘ from southern India.
Mythology
- This place is very important from a religious point of view because King Pandu died here and attained salvation. The Pandavas were also born here, so this place holds a lot of significance. King Pandu installed an image of Vishnu in meditating posture here, and thus the image got its name – Yogdhyan Badri. This idol is big and life-size, carved out of Shaligram stone.
- The ancient Hindu epic, Mahabharat, describes a great battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. After defeating the Kauravas, the Pandava brothers came to this place for penance, as they had killed their own kin in the war. From this place, they went further to Swargarohini to pay their penance and finally reach heaven.
History
- Panchal Desh has been identified as the place described in an early Katyuri Rajas copper plate inscription.
- Nearby historical locations include Suryakund, a hot water spring where Kunti gave birth to her son Karna, fathered by the sun Surya”. Kunti married King Pandu at Pandukeshwar.
- King Arjun meditated at this location, which caught the attention of *** Indra. In an effort to distract Arjun from his meditation, Indra sent Pari (an angel) to speak with him. Though Arjun was not easily distracted, Indra eventually blessed him. It is believed that the idol of Vishnu present at the temple was given to Arjun by Indra as a gift.
If you’re looking to visit Yogdhyan Badri:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (210 km away).
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh and Haridwar.
- By Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. You can also take a taxi or state transport bus to Joshimath, which is 18 km away from Yogadhyan Badri.
Where to stay at Yogadhyan Badri:
- Hotel Sudarshan Palace: Hotel Sudarshan Palace offers 24-hour front desk service, a garden area, and parking on site. Bed, bottled drinking water, access to the common balcony, and an attached bathroom are available to guests.
- Hotel Kuber Annex: The hotel offers a front desk and room service.
- Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers parking and telephone services.
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