The last dham

Badrinath is the last dham one visits in the Chardham yatra. As you approach Badrinath, there is immense joy in your heart. There is a sense of celebration and abundance. The roads to Badrinath are treacherous with major risks of landslides. But there is no fear. One experiences joy and excitement. The Alaknanda river that originates at Badrinath takes along with her all the other rivers till she becomes Ganga at Devaprayag. At Badrinath you learn to go along with the flow of life in a deeper sense.

The Badrinath Temple

We reached Badrinath late in the evening. It was a little cold but not as cold as Kedarnath. Hot water bath at Taptkund was awesome after a long day in the car. We attended the Sayana Arti whereby you put the gods to sleep. A beautiful evening indeed.
Badrinath is always crowded with devotees.

Tapt Kund

Tapt Kund is a hot water sulphur spring. You take a bath at the Tapt kund before entering the temple. Steam arises from the Tapt Kund as we approach the temple.

Alaknanda

The river Alaknanda originates at Badrinath. Alaknanda officially becomes the Ganges at Devaprayag when she merges with Bhageerathi. Mandakini merges with Alaknanda at Rudraprayag and loses her idenity. Alaknanda continues till Devaprayag and becomes Ganga.

Shopping at Badrinath

Badrinath is full of shops and I particularly liked the handicrafts.