Urgam Dhyan Badri Temple, Uttarakhand

Address

Urgam Dhyan Badri Temple – Uttarakhand

Urgam, Garhwal region,

Uttarakhand 246443

Moolavar

Lord Vishnu

Introduction

Dhyan Badri Temple, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,135 meters (7,005 feet) above sea level, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the picturesque Urgam valley, close to Kalpeshwar, on the banks of the Kalpa Ganga River in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India.

Dedication:

Dhyan Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it is part of the revered Saptha Badri Temples of Uttarakhand, making it the sixth temple in this sacred circuit.
The Saptha Badri Temples also include Badrinath, Adi Badri, Vriddha Badri, Ardha Badri, Bhavishya Badri, and Yogathyan Badri.

Location:

The temple is situated in the Urgam valley, and it is located approximately 29 kilometers from Joshimath. It is situated on the road from Joshimath to Karnaprayag.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance:

Dhyan Badri Temple is believed to be about 1,500 years old, showcasing the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region.
The temple is associated with a legend related to Urvashi, the son of King Puranjaya, who belonged to the lineage of the Pandavas. Urvashi meditated in the Urgam valley and established the temple of Lord Vishnu at this location.

Architectural Details:

The temple is situated in a beautiful and serene natural setting at an altitude of 2,135 meters.
The image of Lord Vishnu enshrined in the temple is depicted as a four-armed deity made of black stone. The deity is depicted in a meditative posture, reflecting the temple’s name “Dhyan Badri.”

Panch-Badri Connection:

Dhyan Badri Temple is sometimes included in the Panch-Badri list, which consists of five major temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the region.
The Panch-Badri temples include Badrinath, Yogadhyan Badri, Vriddha Badri, Bhavishya Badri, and Adi Badri.

Shiva Temple and Priestly Tradition:

In addition to the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, there is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that was established by Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher and theologian.
The temple at Dhyan Badri is traditionally served by Brahmin priests from South India, reflecting the diverse and harmonious cultural traditions of the region.