Shri Vridh Badri Temple, Panch Badri — Attraction in Uttarakhand

Vridh Badri is a revered pilgrimage site located in the scenic state of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an altitude of 1,380 meters in the Animath village and around 7 kms from Joshimath.

The temple is part of the Panch Badri pilgrimage circuit, which comprises five sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Vridh Badri is considered the "old" or "ancient" form of Badrinath, the main and most popular Badri temple. It is believed that when Badrinath becomes inaccessible during the winter season, Lord Badri (Vishnu) is worshipped at Vridh Badri.

It is believed that before Badrinath was designated as one of the Chardhams, Vridha Badri was the place where the idol created by Vishkarma was enshrined and worshipped. This is also the only temple amongst the Panch Badri that remains open all through the year for performing pilgrimage.

As per legend Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a Vriddha or old man before sage Narada who performed penance here. Thus, the idol installed at this temple is in the form of an oldman.

According to legend, the image of Badrinath was carved by the divine craftsman Vishwakarma and worshipped here. At the advent of Kali yuga, Vishnu chose to remove himself from this place, later Adi Shankara found the partly damaged image in Narad-kund pond and established it at the central Badrinath shrine

The main idol at Vridh Badri is made of stone and is seated in a meditative posture. It is believed to be more than a thousand years old and is worshipped with utmost devotion by pilgrims who visit this holy place. Vridh Badri not only attracts religious pilgrims but also nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

In addition to its religious significance, Vridh Badri offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the region. The local inhabitants of the Animath village, known as Animathis, have preserved their traditional customs and way of life, providing visitors with a chance to experience their warm hospitality and learn about their rich cultural traditions.

The best time to visit Vridh Badri is during the summer and autumn months, from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and favorable for pilgrimage and trekking activities. It is advisable to avoid the winter season due to heavy snowfall and the resulting inaccessibility of the temple.

The temple is open throughout the year. Brahmins from South India serve as chief priests in the temple

Famous Tourist Attractions near Vridh Badri Temple : 1) Auli Hill Station - a popular hill station known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. It offers opportunities for skiing, cable car rides, and stunning trekking trails.2) Joshimath - is a quaint town and a gateway to several pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. It is home to ancient temples, including the Narsingh Temple and the Shankaracharya Math. 3) Valley of Flowers National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vibrant alpine flowers. It offers a picturesque setting for nature lovers and hikers. 4) Badrinath Temple - one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. Devotees visit this revered temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and immerse themselves in its spiritual aura.5) Hemkund Sahib - a Sikh pilgrimage site situated at an altitude of 4,633 meters. It is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped peaks and features a gurudwara next to a pristine glacial lake.6) Yogdhyan Badri Temple - one of the sacred Panch Badri temples located in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, . Situated amidst the serene beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas, Yogdhyan Badri holds immense religious significance and attracts devotees from all over the world.7) Vishnu Prayag - a sacred confluence in Uttarakhand, where the Alaknanda River merges with the Dhauliganga River. It holds immense religious significance and is considered one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences). Located near Joshimath, Vishnu Prayag offers a serene and picturesque setting for devotees and nature...

Adi Shankaracharya was an Indian philosopher and theologian[2] who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta.He is credited with unifying and establishing the main currents of thought in Hinduism. His works in Sanskrit discuss the unity of the Ātman and Nirguna Brahman "brahman without attributes".[9] He wrote copious commentaries on the Vedic canon in support of his thesis.[10] His works elaborate on ideas found in the Upanishads. Shankara's publications criticised the ritually-oriented Mīmāṃsā school of Hinduism. He also explained the key difference between Hinduism and Buddhism, stating that Hinduism asserts "Ātman exists", while Buddhism asserts that there is "no...

The Vriddha Badri temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is one of the Pancha Badri temples. Other four are Vishal Badri, Bavishya Badri, Yogdhyan Badri, and Adi Badri. This temple is easily accessible from Joshimath as its located just 7 km away at Animath on highway. The Vriddha Badri temple is located at an altitude of 1380 meters. We visited this temple while coming back from Kalpeshwar Mahadev temple trip. The Statue of Lord Vishnu is established as an old man, hence the name of this temple is Vriddha Badri. Vriddha Badri temple remains open throughout the year and Brahmins from south India serve as Chief priests in...