Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Adi Badri Temple is an ancient complex of 16 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the Adi Badri village of Uttarakhand, India. The temples are believed to have been built in the 7th century AD and are considered one of the oldest Vishnu temples in India. Adi Badri is part of the famous Panch Badri of Uttarakhand. I personally visited this temple 2 times if you are looking for a travel guide to Adibadri temple then you can contact us, we are very familiar with this location and there is also an ancient fort of Garhwal kings nearby known as Chandpur Garhi. Chandpur Garhi was the ancient capital of the Garhwal kings.
History and Significance of Adi Badri Temple
Adi Badri Temple has a rich history and is believed to have been established during the reign of the Gupta dynasty. The temple complex was built on the banks of the Saraswati River, which has since changed its course. The complex was discovered in the early 19th century by British archaeologist Sir William Sleeman.
The temples are built in the North Indian style of architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures of Lord Vishnu, his avatars, and other Hindu deities. The temple complex is said to be a part of the famous Char Dham Yatra and holds immense religious and spiritual significance for the Hindus.
Adi Badri Temple Complete Travel Guide
This is a group of 16 temples en route to Ranikhet and close to the confluence of Karnaprayag. It’s about 19 km from Karnaprayag. The main temple is dedicated to Narayanan and has a raised platform in a pyramidal form. It is believed that these temples dating to the Gupta Age were sanctioned by Adi Shankaracharya. Approachable from Karnaprayag by a motorable road on the way to Ranikhet, are the remains of 16 small temples. Seven among them are ancient ones, belonging to the late Gupta period.
The Legend of Adi Badri Temple
According to legend, the Adi Badri Temple complex was established by Adi Shankaracharya, a great philosopher, and theologian of the 8th century AD. He is said to have discovered the 16 idols of Lord Vishnu that were worshipped by the locals and built a temple around them. The idols are believed to be the original ones, and the temple complex was later renovated and expanded by the kings of the Chand dynasty.
The Architecture of Adi Badri Temple
The temple complex is spread over a vast area and comprises 16 temples, each dedicated to a different avatar of Lord Vishnu. The main temple, known as the Narayan temple, is the largest and most impressive of them all. The temple is built on a raised platform and has a mandapa (hall) and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha).
The mandapa is supported by beautifully carved pillars, and the walls are adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities. The sanctum sanctorum houses a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture, known as Sheshshayi Vishnu.
Visiting Adi Badri Temple
Adi Badri Temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Indian architecture, history, and spirituality. The temple complex is open to visitors throughout the year, and there is no entry fee. The best time to visit the temple is during the months of March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the region is at its natural best.
There are several budget-friendly hotels and lodges available near the temple complex for those who wish to stay overnight. Some of the popular options include Hotel Royal Palace and Hotel Yashoda River Resort.
History of Adi Badri
Adi Badri is the remains of 16 small temples. Seven among them are ancient ones, belonging to the late Gupta period. Adi Badri is on its way to Ranikhet from Karnaprayag by a motorable road. It is said that Adi Guru Shankaracharya built these temples. The main temple belongs to Lord Vishnu and it is distinguished by a raised platform in the pyramidal form where the idol is enshrined. Sculpted out of black stone, the idol of Lord Vishnu is a meter high.
Adi Badri is located 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) from Chandpur Fort or Garhi located on the hilltop, which was built by the Gorkha kings to fight the British. Adi Badri is an hour’s drive from Karnaprayag and closes to Chulakot on the way to Ranikhet. On shifting of Badrinath (also known as Raj Badri) to Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri will be called the Yog Badri.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adi Badri
Adi Badri temple is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state in the Garhwal region.
Adi Badri temple is a complex of 16 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the Adi Badri village in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The temples were built in the 7th century AD and are believed to be one of the oldest Vishnu temples in India.
Adi Badri temple is considered a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindus. The temples are believed to be a part of the famous Char Dham Yatra and are said to have immense religious and spiritual significance.
The best time to visit Adi Badri temple is between the months of March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the region is at its natural best.
Adi Badri temple is located about 17 km from the town of Karnaprayag and can be easily reached by road. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is about 189 km from the temple.
Yes, there are several budget-friendly hotels and lodges available near Adi Badri temple. Some of the popular options include Hotel Royal Palace and Hotel Yashoda River Resort.
Yes, the temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Janmashtami, Holi, and Diwali. These festivals attract many devotees from all over the country.
No, there is no entry fee for visiting Adi Badri temple. However, there may be some nominal charges for parking and other facilities.