Chamoli Adi Badri - Uttarakhand

Address

Chamoli Adi Badri – Uttarakhand

Adibadri, Chamoli District,

Uttarakhand 246440

Moolavar

Lord Vishnu

Introduction

Adi Badri complex located in Chamoli District in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Adi Badri is situated in the hill ranges beyond’ Karnaprayag (confluence of Pindar River and Alaknanda River). It is a group of sixteen temples, belonging to the Gupta period. The Chief Temple is the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. At present the entire temple sites are looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. Adi Badri is an architectural marvel on the Himalayas.Adi Badri is a significant temple complex in the Himalayan region with a rich history and unique characteristics.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance:

Adi Badri stands out as an architectural marvel in the Himalayas, known for its ancient structures. It is not a single temple but rather a cluster of 16 small temples. Notably, 14 out of the 16 temples still exist in their original form.
These temples have a remarkable antiquity. Seven of the temples in this cluster were constructed during the late Gupta period, dating back to the 5th century CE to the 8th century CE.

Attribution to Adi Shankaracharya:

According to tradition, Adi Shankaracharya, the renowned philosopher and theologian, is attributed as the builder of all the temples at Adi Badri. He is believed to have sanctioned the construction of these temples to spread Hinduism to the remote regions of the country.
During ancient times, when weather conditions made it impossible to reach the main shrine of Badrinath, pilgrims worshipped Lord Vishnu at Adi Badri.

Residence of Lord Vishnu:

As per legend, Lord Vishnu is believed to have resided at Adi Badri during the first three Yugas, namely Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, and Dwapara Yuga, shifting to Badrinath only in the Kali Yuga. This is why it’s called “Adi Badri,” where “adi” means ancient and “Badri” refers to the jujube tree under which Lord Vishnu performed penance.

Sanctification by Adi Shankaracharya:

Like other Himalayan temples, Adi Badri is believed to have been sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya, who played a crucial role in reviving and promoting Hinduism in various parts of India.

Sacred Kund (Pond):

Within the temple premises, there is a kund (pond) believed to be the source of the Saraswathi river.

Special Features

Temple Complex:

The Adi Badri temple complex is one of the five Badri temples in Uttarakhand, India.
The term “Adi” refers to its ancient origins, and “Badri” is connected to the jujube tree where Lord Vishnu is believed to have meditated.
This temple complex consists of 16 temples adjacent to each other, which belong to the Gupta period.
The main temple in the complex is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is built over a raised platform with a pyramidal-shaped enclosure.
Other temples in the complex are dedicated to various deities, including Kali, Shiva, Janaki, Hanuman, Gauri Shankar, Satya Narayan, Ganesha, Garuda, Annapurna, Chakrabhan, Lakshmi Narayan, Kubera, and Kali.
The temples share a similar architectural style, though they may vary slightly in size. Some of the temples have niche images of Dwarapalas (gatekeepers) and other niche images at their entrances. The exteriors of these temples are generally plain.
The deities inside the temples do not appear to be very old.