A group of 7 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, is called Sapta Badri. The Sapt Badri Temples spread across the Alaknanda River valley hold devotional value in Hinduism.
Badri Vishal or Badrinath Temple is India’s most famous pilgrimage site, which is part of both Chota and Bada Char Dham Yatra, attracting a lot of devotees every year. It is located in the Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. The black stone idol of Lord Vishnu sits in meditation here.
A group of 16 temples is called Adi Badri, located near Karnaprayag, in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. As per beliefs, Adi Shankaracharya installed these idols during a Hindu revival mission, which is accessible year-round & is starting point of the Sapta Badri circuit.
Bhavishya Badri, located near Joshimath, is referred to as the ‘Future Badri’. According to legends, a landslide will block the route to Badrinath at the end of Kalyuga, then Lord Vishnu will be worshipped here. A rectangular-shaped Lord Vishnu idol is kept here, and it grows year after year.
Situated at Pandukeshwar between Badrinath and Joshimath, it is believed that King Pandu, the father of the Pandavas, meditated here. The temple features Lord Vishnu’s idol in a meditative pose and remains open throughout the year.
Located at Animath Village near Joshimath, Vriddha Badri is where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of an old sage. Legend says Vishnu ji appeared here before Narad Muni as an old man. It is a peaceful spiritual stop on the Sapta Badri trek.
Situated in the Garhwal, Uttarakhand, extending from Satapanth to Nandprayag in the Alaknanda river valley, this temple is less visited. Ardha Badri/Half Badri is popularly known because the idol here is smaller in size. Beliefs say, Adi Shankaracharya established Sapta Badri temples, including Ardha Badri, for Hinduism revival.
Dhyan Badri was established by Urvarishi, a descendant of the Pandavas. The temple is situated in the Urgam Valley near Helang village, Uttarakhand. The black stone idol of Vishnu Ji is in a meditative posture, symbolising spiritual focus.