Learn More about Lesser Known and Interesting Facts of Badrinath Dham

Badrinath Dham still maintains to hold its old-world charm and successfully represents the bygone era of great saints, sages, and the peak of Hinduism. This vibrant temple which is nestled away among the mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan within the scenic district of Chamoli holds a number of secrets. Not only the temple but the surrounding valley, towns, and villages are riddled with some of the most interesting and unique facts. Here are a few facts which will give you a newer perspective and a different outlook on the temple during your Badrinath Dham Yatra:

Story About the Idol

The idol of the presiding deity of Badrinathji has an interesting story behind it. Originally the statue of the lord is created out of an ancient and very old Shaligram stone which means that it is actually a fossilized stone. The statue is in the shape of the quadrangular which is said to represent the unique 4 sides of a mediating Badrinathji. This stone was initially worshipped by the Buddhists as Lord Buddha. When these Buddhists were fleeing from Badrinath Dham to Tibet they had thrown the idol inside the Alaknanda River which flows by the temple. Adi Shankara fetched it from the river and re-established it in the temple and started worshipping it as Badrinathji.

Raval in Saree

For the people residing on the northern side of the Himalayas, a pilgrimage to Badrinath dham is considered to be the main pilgrimage yatra. On the day, when the temple Kapat is opened for Darshan to the general public, you will be surprised to know that the Raval of the temple dresses up in a Saree along with various decorative ornaments belonging to goddess Parvati enters the Garbha Griha and performs his puja just before the Kapat is completely opened up for 6 months. This procedure of wearing female clothing is because the hill people believe in treating their Raval like gods and they also worship the Raval in the form of the goddess Parvati. People who don’t worship the Raval on the hills are not considered to be pure of heart.  

About the Raval of Badrinath

The priests and Raval of the temple of Badrinath are only chosen from one of the Brahmins of Kerala and only they have the right to perform all the puja rituals and perform various aspects of the puja Darshan inside the temple of Badrinath. This tradition was set in place by Adi Shankaracharya whose aim was to mingle the people from far down south with the people of the North. This tradition still remains an uninterrupted tradition to this day where the Badrinath temple committee chooses their Raval from Namboodiripad Brahmins of Kerala with their minimum qualification being a graduation degree from the Ved Vedang school along with being a Brahmachari.

Miraculous Tapt Kund

This naturally occurring thermal hot water spring is located towards the end of the Badrinath Dham temple. On looking at the kund from the outside the water in this spring would seem to be bubbling hot but once the pilgrim sets foot inside it the water is not actually hot. Pilgrims make it a point to take a holy dip inside this water before heading for the temple Darshan. The water contains Sulphur and just a dip here will rid you of all your body and skin-related ailments.

Mention in Literary Accounts

There has been no mention of Badrinath Dham or Badri Vishal found in ancient Hindu scriptures or literary sources. However, its history can be traced to the ages of the Vedas which gives it a date of 1,500 BC. In different Hindu scriptures, the entire region has been mentioned as Badrikashram and this place has also attracted a range of sages and saints from various different parts of India since it was known for its powerful and intense spiritual energy which encapsulates the entire region. The place has also found its mention in the Bhagavata Purana as well as the great Hindu epic of Mahabharat.

During your visit to Badrinath Dham, you will be experiencing a one-of-a-kind spiritual vibe that cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. Every devout Hindu or avid Vaishnavite should definitely go through these lesser-known and interesting facts about Badri Vishal.