Originally, Sapta Badri constitutes a group of seven sacred Hindu temples, dedicated to god Vishnu, located in Garhwal Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The Badrinath temple, called the Badri Vishal (altitude 3,133 m (10,279 ft)) is the primary temple among the seven shrines, followed by six others, namely, Adi Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Yogadhayan Badri, Vriddha Badri, Ardha Badri and Dhyan Badri. The Panch Badri temple circuit consisted of only first five temples, omitting Ardha Badri and one of either usually Dhyan Badri or sometimes Vriddha Badri. Rarely, an eighth temple, Narasingh Badri, is included in the Sapta Badri or Panch Badri list. The abode of Lord Vishnu and are situated in the area starting from Satopanth about 24 kilometres above Badrinath extending to Nandprayag in the south. This entire area is known as the Badri-Kshetra and is an important pilgrimage destination for both Lord Vishnu devotees as well as other people of Hindu faith.
The abode of Vishnu in the Alaknanda river valley, starting from Satapanth about 24 kilometres above Badrinath extending up to Nandprayag in the south, is particularly known as the Badri Kshetra in which all the Badri temples are located. Since the early times, approach to the main temple of Badrinath was only along a bridle path passing through badri van or (forest of berries). Thus, the word "Badri", meaning "berries", is suffixed to the names of all the Sapta Badri (seven) temples.
Badrinath:
Badrinath is a picturesque town situated on the bank of the river Alaknanda in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Located at an elevation of 3133 meters, this is a place where divinity meets with the tranquillity of nature. Situated between Nar and Narayan peaks, the pious land of Vishnu is most celebrated stop in the pilgrimage tour of Garhwal Himalayas. It is a charismatic abode of Lord Vishnu and is one of the holiest of the holy shrines of Chota Char Dham and Char Dham pilgrimage in India. Badrinath is a land of myriad legends, each one adding to the glory of this place.
Yogadhyan Badri:
Yog-Dhyan Badri temple as the name suggests - the one sitting in a “Yog meditation pose or thoughtful stance”, is one of the famous and ancient temples of the Panch Badri circuit.In this temple the idol of Lord Vishnu is set in a meditation pose, hence this place is called 'Yog-Dhyan Badri' (Yog-meditation Badri).
Bhavishya Badri:
Bhavishya Badri Temple is a famous ancient temple of Lord Vishnu and is part of the Panch Badri circuit. It is situated 17kms from Joshimath in the village Subhain of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. It is perched at anelevation of 2744m between the dense forests and can only be reached by trekking.There is a beautiful water spring in Bhavishya Badri and the place has many Cedar trees.
Vridha Badri:
Vriddha Badri or Briddha Badri - an austere shrine, is located in the Animath village 7 km from Joshimath on the Rishikesh–Joshimath-Badrinath road. The Vriddha Badri legend says that 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 old man.
Adi Badri:
Adi Badri – as the name suggests “Adi means ancient” and “Badri means Lord Vishnu” is a famous ancient temple and amongst the first of the Panch Badri’s. It is located on the confluence of the Pindar River and Alaknanda river, 17kms beyond the Karnaprayag in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is a group of sixteen temples that were built by the Gupta rulers between the 5th and 8th century AD.
