Vridha Badri - One of Panch Badri - CHAR DHAM DESTINATIONS

Vridha badri or Virdh badri one of the temple from Panch badri temples, just like all of the panch badri temples this Vridha badri temple is also devoted to the supreme god of Hindu religion and the preserver of the universe lord Vishnu. This sacred temple of lord Vishnu is located at animath in Chamoli district. The vridha badri temple holds a very high significance in Hindu mythology and among devotees of lord Vishnu. It is situated ahead of Helang and kalpeshwar mahadev temple and the temple of vridha badri is elevated at 1380 meters above sea level. In the temple of vridha badri, the statue of lord Vishnu is built up as an old man in which shri hari is worshiped here and the name vridha badri is also derived from that.

Mythology of Vridha Badri

According to Hindu mythology and ancient legends the great sage Narad performed penance here for a very long time to please the preserver the universe lord Vishnu. Delighted by the penance of sage Narad lord Vishnu appeared in front Narad disguised as an old man to answered his prayers and give his blessings. Thus from then an idol of lord Vishnu in the form of an old man was crafted by the god of architecture Vishwakarma and that’s how this temple got the name of vridha badri.

The idol of lord Vishnu in the form of an old man stayed here at animath for a very long time until it was flooded. People believe that great saint Adi Shakaracharya discovered the deity of vridha badri in 8th century he re-installed it in the temple of vridha badri at animath. It is also believed that the original deity of vridha badri which was created by God Vishwakarma is now enshrined and being worshiped at the main temple of Badrinath.

First one need to reach Joshimath from where one can visit vridha badri, the nearest railway station to Joshimath is Rishikesh railway station which is situated around 250 km away and the nearest airport is the jolly grant airport of Dehradun which is situated around 265 km away from Joshimath wherefrom one can easily hire any taxi/cab to reach Joshimath and then they can easily visit vridha badri temple of lord Vishnu.

This lord Vishnu temple remains opened throughout the year for devotees. Although the best time to visit and take blessings from vridha badri are the months of May to October. You may choose the time to visit the vridha badri temple according to your suitability. Avoid to visit vridha badri temple during monsoon because this temple’s area is prone to landslides and floods. You may witness heavy snowfall during winter season.

There are many more places around vidha badri temple to explore such as Auli, Timmersain mahadev, chenap valley, Chenab Lake, narsingh temple, Nanda devi national park etc.