Adi badri
Relevance and History
The Adi Badri the first temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples is an ancient shrine dedicated to Vishnu and is one among a chain of 16 small shrines located in the hill ranges 17 kms, beyond Karnaprayag (confluence of Pindar River and Alaknanda River in Chamoli district. Seven temples of this chain were built during the late Gupta period (5th century to 8th century). According to tradition, Adi Shankara is attributed as builder of all the temples. Adi Shankara is believed to have sanctioned these temples in order to spread Hinduism to every remote part of the country.
In ancient times, when approach to the main shrine of Badrinath was closed due to weather conditions, pilgrims worshipped Vishnu at this temple. Adi Badri, also known as Helisera according to revenue records, is a tiny temple complex enclosed within a space of 14 metres (46 ft) X 30 metres (98 ft). The height of the temples vary from 2 to 6 metres (6.6 to 20 ft). The chief temple is dedicated to god Vishnu, which is built over a raised platform, with a small enclosure in a pyramidal form. The sanctum holds black stone 1 metre (3.3 ft) image of Vishnu.
The image depicts Vishnu holding a mace, lotus and chakra (discus). Brahmins from South India serve as chief priests in the temple. Adi Badri is located 3 kilometres from Chandpur fort or Garhi located on the hilltop, which was built by the Gurkha kings to fight the British.
Adi Badri is an hour's drive from Karnaprayag and close 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.
Best Time to Visit
How to Reach
By Road
One can find buses or taxi directly to Karanprayag from Delhi (413 kms) or Rishikesh (174 kms). Karanprayag lies on national highway NH58. From Karanprayag one can take taxi to Adi Badri.
By Train
Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railhead 174 Km from Karanprayag. Buses,taxis or jeeps are available to Karanprayag from Rishikesh railway station. From Karanprayag one can take taxi to Adi Badri.
By Air
Jolly Grant airport Dehradun is the nearest airport 194 Km from Karanprayag through Rishikesh. Tourists find buses, taxi or jeep to Karanprayag from Jolly Grant airport.
Sanjay Gaur
A proud resident of Chamoli Garhwal, who wants our state to be famous throughout the world. Everyone should know the diversity in flora, fauna, tourism, mythology and it should become a tourist paradise and people instead of migrating away from it come back to it.