Badrinath Dham Tirth Kshetra

At Badrinath Dham, five distinct manifestations of Shri Badrinarayana are worshipped; these five forms of Lord Vishnu are collectively known as the 'Panch Badri' (The Five Badris). In addition to the main Badrinath temple, shrines dedicated to the other four Badris are also established here. Shri Vishal Badri is considered the principal among the Panch Badri, and hymns praising this deity are accorded special significance in the *Puranas*. The shrines of Shri Yogdhyan Badri, Shri Bhavishya Badri, Shri Vriddha Badri, and Shri Adi Badri are also present at this site. It is believed that Lord Badrinath resides here in all these various forms. This sacred abode of Shri Hari Vishnu—the Preserver of the Universe—known as the Badrinarayan Temple, is regarded as a grand confluence of faith and devotion. The temple complex houses fifteen idols, the most prominent among them being the statue of Lord Vishnu. This idol of the Lord stands one meter tall and is carved from black stone; here, Lord Vishnu is depicted in a serene, meditative posture (*Dhyan-magna*). To the right of Lord Vishnu, the idols of Kubera, Lakshmi, and Narayana are present.