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). This temple is located in Pandukeshwar in Uttarakhand on the edge of the
Govind Ghat of Alaknanda river at an altitude of 1920m above sea level. This temple comes during the visit of Badrinath Temple, 18 kms
from Joshimath and 9 kms from Hanuman Chatti.
It is said that the Yog-Dhyan Badri temple is as old as the temple of Badrinath.The famous Suryakund situated over Milam icy mass, is a
heated water spring, where it is believed that the Kunti - mother of the Pandavas brought forth her ill-conceived child Karna, fathered
by the Sun-God Surya. Kunti was hitched to Pandu at Pandukeshwar.Copper plate engravings found here provides valuable information on the
history of the temple and the control by early Kings of Katyuri dynasty. The district was known as Panchal Desh, now formally assigned
as Uttarakhand.
According to mythology, King Pandu, the father of the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata installed the bronze symbol of Lord Vishnu at
this place. It is said that King Pandu contemplate to Lord Vishnu to wash down him from sin of executing two mating deer, who were
saints in their past lives.King Pandu had attained salvation at this place. This is the place where Pandavas were born. After the
Mahabharata war, Pandavas come here for repentance after defeating and killing their cousin Kauravas. They handed their kingdom,
the Hastinapur to their grandson Parikshit, and went to the Himalayas to perform penanceand to atone their sins.
On the closure of the Badrinath temple, Yog-Dhyan Badri is considered to be a winter residence for Lord Badrinath's festive-statue.
The idol of Uddhava, Kuber and Lord Vishnu is worshiped in this temple. Therefore, it has been said that without offering prayers at
this place the Panch Badri pilgrimage will not be complete. The Bhatt (priest) of south India acts as the chief priest of this temple.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Chamoli
Famous for/as: Pilgrim
Languages: Hindi, Garhwali
Best Season: May – June and Sep – Oct
Near By Locations
Ganesha Cave
Ganesha Cave is a naturally formed cave located in Badrinath. As per Hindu beliefs, it is said that Lord Ganesha
penned down Mahabharata in this cave as dictated by Rishi Vyas. This cave is located near the famous Vyas Cave and holds religious
significance in the lives of the people. Being surrounded by lush green trees the cave offers a pleasant view of the gorgeous vista
of the Himalayan ridges.
Tapt Kund
In-spite of the freezing temperature and snowfall, Taptkund extracts hot water and is regarded as the residing place of Agni Deva. The water of Taptkund comes from the 'Garud Shila' and flows into a concrete stone tank. The nearby cities are Karnaprayag, Nainisain, Kandara, Khatyari and Srinagar. Taptkund, as the name suggests is a hot water spring, which lies between Badrinath shrine and Alaknanda River. This thermal spring is situated in the Badrinath temple in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The Taptkund is a natural hot water spring, having 45 degrees temperature.
Satopanth Trek
Satopanth Tal is a crystal-clear green water, the triangular lake at an elevation of 4600m above sea level and is adorned in the midst of the snow-shrouded peaks. Satopanth Tal is a high-altitude lake located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and near to Badrinath Shrine. Apart from religious significance Satopanth also become one of the Popular treks in Uttarakhand. This glacier trek offers majestic views of Himalayas.
Near By Locations
Auli Ropeway
Auli Ropeway is the major attraction in Auli offering magnificent and majestic Himalayan views. A highest and longest ropeway in Asia after Gulmarg, Auli cable car covers a distance of 4 kms. Auli cable car also called locally as Gondola and connects Auli with Joshimath. Located at 3010 mtrs above sea level, Auli is best skiing and paragliding destination in India recieving large number of tourist.
Bhavishya Kedar
Bhavishya Kedar - Future Home of Kedarnath is a small temple in Joshimath dedicated to Lord shiva and Goddess Parvati. Located near the Jyotirmath, Bhavishya Kedar as the name depicts, is believed to be the home of Kedarnath in future. Temple has a small Shivlinga and an image of Parvati. Bhavishya Kedar will be the future home of Kedarnathji. When prophecy about the Badrinath and Bhavishya Badri will become true then Badrinath seat will be at Bhavishya Badri and Kedarnath will be at Bhavishya Kedar.
Kalpavriksha
Kalpavriksha - Divine Tree Kalpavriksha is an old Mulberry tree having a lot of historical, holy and religious significance in India. Located at Joshimath town in Uttarakhand, Kalpavriksha is believed to be 1200 years old and called by name of Kalpatru in mythology. Mysteriously, Kalpavriksha remains evergreen throughout the year and never shed a single leaf by itself. Legends and Hindu scripts also shows a historical storyline about an enchanting and holy tree 'Kalpavriksha'. As per the Hindu scriptures, Adi Jagatguru Shankaracharya sat under this tree and worshiped Lord Shiva in then Jyotimath (now Joshimath). The Shivlinga installed by Shankaracharya has now covered and Jyoteshwar Mahadeo Temple of Lord Shiva is built under the Kalpavriksha.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
February to November
How To Reach
BY BUS/Car
It is well connected with the motorable roadsfrom Haridwar & Rishikesh. One can easily get public/private transport for Pandukeshwar which is around 290kms from Rishikesh.
NEAREST RAILWAY STATION:
Rishikesh is nearest railway station of from Pandukeshwar. The distance between Rishikesh and Pandukeshwar is 290 kms.
NEAREST AIRPORT
Jolly Grant Airport is 310kms from Pandukeshwar. Yog-Dhyan Badri Temple is 02kms from Pandukeshwar. It is well connected by motorable roadsandtaxis are easily available from outside the Airport.