What is the story of Badrinath temple ?

The Badrinath temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, particularly those following the Vaishnavism tradition. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, specifically in his Badrinath avatar.

According to the Hindu mythology, the temple's history dates back to the time of the great Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have established the temple in the 9th century. He was instrumental in reviving and promoting Hinduism during a period of philosophical and religious upheaval in India.

The legend associated with the temple goes like this: Lord Vishnu was performing penance in the form of meditation in the Badri Van (Badri forest) to atone for some past deeds. To shield him from the harsh weather, Goddess Lakshmi, his consort, took the form of a Badri tree (Indian Jujube). Impressed by his devotion and the sacrifice of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu granted a boon to her and took the name Badrinath. The temple stands at the spot where this divine event is said to have taken place.

Throughout the centuries, the Badrinath temple has been renovated and expanded by various rulers and devotees. It is an essential part of the Char Dham Yatra, which is a pilgrimage circuit that includes three other significant Hindu temples: Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

The temple's architecture is a mix of traditional and modern styles, and it sits beautifully amidst the picturesque Himalayan mountains, attracting devotees and tourists from all over the world. Every year, it remains open for six months, from late April to early November, and remains closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall in the region.