Yogadhyan Badri is one of the holy ‘Sapta Badri’ at Pandukeshwar, Badrinath, at an elevation of 1,920 m. Abode of Lord Udhava and Lord Kuber, Yogadhyan Badri temple is dedicated to the meditative posture of Lord Vishnu. It is also the abode of Utsavamurti of Badrinath when the temple of Badrinath is closed in winters. Legends believe that King Pandu installed the bronze idol of Lord Vishnu in Yogadhyan Badri.
The Mythology of Yogadhyan Badri
It is believed that the Pandavas were born at Yogadhyan Badri.
Kind Pandu attained salvation here and installed a big and life-sized idol of Lord Vishnu, carved from Shaligram Stone.
After the war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas came to Yogadhyan Badri as they had killed their kith and kin in the war. From here, they went to Swargarohini for paying their penance and finally reaching to heaven.
In ancient times, the path to the temple went via the Badri van (Forest of berries). Hence, the suffix ‘Badri’ is added to the holy Sapta Badris.
Main Attractions –
Mana Village: Mana is the last Indian village from the Indian border and the Tibet/China border. It is in the Chamoli District. It is just 3 km from Badrinath town.
Tapta Kund: As the name suggests, it is a hot water spring, which lies between the Alaknanda river and Badrinath temple. The Tapta Kund is a natural hot water spring having a temperature of 45 degrees.
Charan Paduka: Charan Paduka is a sacred rock having the impressions of Lord Vishnu’s feet. As per the references from Bhagwad Puran, Uddhav, the minister of Lord Krishna took the Charan Paduka of Lord Vishnu to get rid of his wrong doings.
Sapt Badris: While you are visiting the Yogadhyan Badri, you can also visit Adi Badri, Badrinath, Bhavishya Badri, Vridha Badri, Ardh Badri, and Narsingh Badri.
Surya-Kund: Another hot water spring near Yodadhyan Badri, where Kunti gave birth to her son ‘Karna’ fathered by Surya-dev.
Travel Guide
Best time to visit: May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings: 5 am to 12 pm, and 2 pm to 9 pm.
Please respect the temple by refraining from alcohol and non-vegetarian on the day of the visit.
Carry ample woolen clothing due to the weather.
Photography may be prohibited inside the temple premises, please, abide by the rules.
How to Reach Yogadhyan Badri?
By Road: Buses for Rishikesh can be boarded from ISBT, Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. You can reach Joshimath via the state-run buses, and then reach Pandukeshwar by hiring a taxi or sharing a jeep from Joshimath.
By Train: Nearest railway station to Pandukeshwar is Rishikesh (274km) and Dehradun (302 km). From Dehradun/Rishikesh you can hire a cab to Joshimath. From Joshimath, multiple modes of transport are available to take you to the shrine of Lord Vishnu.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the only airport near Pandukeshwar.
Festivals in Yogadhyan Badri
The major festival in Yogdhyan Badri is ‘Devwar’. On this day the idol of Kuber and Udhava leave for Badrinath. Their return from Badrinath in winter is also celebrated with joy.
Yogadhyan is a beautiful place to visit. Away from the hustle-bustle of the city, the place does justice to its name, yoga, and meditation.
