Badrinath is one the “Chaar Dhaams ” according to the Hindu mythology and a pilgrimage spot of the country .It is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on the side by side two mountain ranges known as Nara & Narayana with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a shadowed backdrop, situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda . The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver and falls in the religious itinerary of every devout Hindu. The present temple was built about two centuries ago by Garhwal Kings. It is a conical structure, 15 m. tall and has small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. There are 15 idols in the temple complex, each sculpted in black stone. The principal idol represents Vishnu in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nara-Narayan. Legend dates it prior to the Vedic age though it is believed to have been re-established by Adi Shankaracharya, an important Hindu saint in 8th century A.D. Some of the other images include Laxmi (Vishnu’s consort), Garud (Vishnu’s mount), Shiva & Parvati and Ganesha.The temple divided into three parts – the ‘garbha griba’ or sanctum sanctorum, the ‘darshan mandap’ where the rituals are conducted and the ‘sabha mandap ‘where devotees assemble.
Badrinath Temples
Tapt Kund
Devotees take a holy dip in the natural thermal springs on the banks of the river Alaknanda, before entering the Badrinath Temple. The water of the kund is believed to have medicinal properties.
Satopanth
A three cornered lake with a circumference of about 1 km., situated at an elevation of 4,402 mts. above sea level. It is named ater the Hindu triad- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who are believed to occupy one corner each of the lake.
The trek is hazardous with dramatic landscapes. An experienced guide is advisable. Govindghat (25 kms.) The confluence of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. It has an imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Gobind Singh.
Renuka Lake
Renuka Ji is an holy place of religious and tourist interest in Sirmour District. It is nearly 40 km. away from Nahan and is well linked with motor able metal led road. This place has a famous lake. Boating in Renuka lake is main attraction for the tourists visiting Renuka. This sacred oval shaped lake has a circumference of 2.4 km.. Close-by lies the Parshu Ram Lake which vaguely resemble a human figure. It is believed that Parshu Rama’s mother consecrated into water out of which this lake was formed. Towards the end of the lake are towering palm trees which offer ideal picnic spots during day time.
This famous lake is visited by thousand of pligrims every year on Kartika ekadashi. The 1.6 Km patch between ther Giri and humming camp where villagers hailing from far off places stay for a couple of days. Nightlong festivities including Kirtans are held by various groups. The place remain fulll capacity during the days of the fair and offer a spectacular variety of activities. As one approaches the fair ground he is greeted by a notice board put up by the Wild Life Wing of the Forest Department warning, “Hold Your Gun–Game Sanctuary Starts”. To this fair the brass iodl of Parasu Rama is brought from village Jamu, his parmanent abode, in a silver palki accompanied by musical instruments with great pomp and show. The deity remains in the temple for three days i.e. sudi, dashmi to dwadashi (from 10th to 12th of the bright half). The hill people pry to pujari with questions during the night when he goes into a trance and turns an oracle. He answers each and every question. These answers foretell things and, quite often, enjoin upon the questioner some offering or sacrifice to the deity ofr some other act as a condtion precedent to the fulfilment of the favourable prophecy such as deliverance from some misery or recovery of health from some disease. On dwadashi, generally, the people offer alms after the holy dip in the Renuka lake.
Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary
The nearest town from the sanctuary is Dadahu about 2 kms. from Renuka. The Sanctuary is well connected by the network of roads. The total area of the sanctuary is 402.80 hectare. The entire Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary is comprised of only Renuka Reserve Forest.
The fauna of the area including the birds are Lepopard, Samber, Spotted Deer, Barking deer Jackal, Hare, Jungle cat, Plam Civet, Porcupine, Blue jay, Black Partridge, Drongos, Hill Crow, Scarlet Minivet, Bulbul, Common Cooots, Greenm Pigeons.
