Yogdhyan Badri- One of Panch Badri - About Yogdhyan Badri

Yogdhyan badri temple is located in Pandukeshwar 23 kilometers before Badrinath dham in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand’s state. It is the part of panch badri (Five temples of lord Vishnu) and has an importance among Hindu devotees. This Yogdhyan badri temple is devoted the supreme god Hindu religion lord Vishnu. This holy shrine is one of the most ancient temples of lord Vishnu, people believe that this temple is as old as the Badrinath temple. Yogdhyan temple is situated at the edge of Govind ghat near Alaknanda River at an elevation of 1920 meters above sea level. The idol of lord Vishnu is in meditative pose which is being worshiped by devotees, the idol of Udhav and Kuber is also worshiped here at Yogdhyan badri temple. This temple is considered to be a winter seat of Badrinath.

According to ancient legends and Hindu beliefs it was the place where the kind Pandu the father of five pandavas (Heroes of epic Mahabharata) had attained salvation and he installed the bronze deity of lord Vishnu himself. Pandavas were also born here at Pandukeshwar near Yogdhyan badri temple. The deity of lord Vishnu is set in meditation pose here and that’s why this temple is known as Yogdhyan (Yoga= Meditation) Badri.

It is also believed that when pandavas won the epic war of Mahabharata and killed all of their cousins kauravas they felt so much devastated then they handed over the kingdom of Hastinapur to their grandson parikshit and came here at Yogdhyan badri also they visited all of the holy places around Uttarakhand for salvation.

This sacred shrine of lord Vishnu is situated at a very tranquil place of pandukeshwar. It helps to relax and rejuvenate the mind and soul. The temple is bestowed in the lap of great Himalayas and offers the splendid and panoramic view of high altitude mountain peaks, lush and green valleys of pandukeshwar. There are so many places here to explore such as Pandukeshwar town, Surya kund, Vasundhara falls, vyas cave, Ganesh cave, mata murti temple etc.

History of Yogdhyan Badri

• King Pandu accomplished deliverance and also died here. As King Pandu resided here for salvation, during that time Pandavas were also born here, so this beautiful place is very significant in spiritual point of view. The king Pandu underlay here an idol of Vishnu in meditating position thus the deity got its name – Yogdhyan Badri. This deity statue is huge and life-size work out of Shaligram stone.
• After defeating the Kauravas in the Mahabharat battle, the Pandavas came to this location to make atonement for the family members they had murdered during the conflict. The Pandavas left this location and continued on to Swargarohini to complete their penance and ultimately ascend to heaven.
• A copper plate engraving from the time of the early Katyuri Rajas identifies this location as Panchal Desh
• Suryakund, a hot spring where Kunti had given birth to her son Karna, who was fathered by Sun God "Surya," is another significant historical site close by. At Pandukeshwar, Kunti had wed King Pandu.
• King Arjun is claimed to have pondered here as well, drawing the attention of God Indra. Arjun was intended to be distracted from his meditation by the angel, sent by God Indra, but he managed to stay focused. As a result, Indra God rewarded Arjun. According to legend, Indra God gave Arjun the Vishnu statue that is displayed in the temple as a gift.

Throughout the year, committed devotees travel to Yogdhyan Badri. Yogdhyan Badri welcomes thousands of pilgrims throughout the year since it houses the same contemplative Vishnu statue as that at Badrinath and is accessible throughout the year.

Yogdhyan Badri is popular with adventure seekers and religious travelers year-round. The location provides a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful view throughout the entire year.

One has to reach Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun first then one can hire any taxi or take bus from bus stand and reach Pandukeshwar. The nearest railhead to pandukeshwar town is the railway station of Rishikesh which is situated 270 km away wherefrom one can easily hire taxi and cab to reach Pandukeshwar. The nearest airport to Pandukeshwar is the jolly grant airport of Dehradun which is situated around 285 km away wherefrom one can take any cab/taxi to reach the holy town of Pandukeshwar.