Sri Badrinatha Perumal Temple (Badrinath)

Sri Badrinatha Perumal Temple at Badrinath in the Garhwal Himalayas is the most renowned Vada Nadu Divya Desam and one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Hinduism. Situated at an altitude of over 3,100 metres beside the Alaknanda River, the temple enshrines Sri Badrinatha Perumal — Vishnu in a meditative posture seated beneath a badri (jujube) tree. According to tradition, Adi Shankaracharya rediscovered the deity's image in the Alaknanda and installed it in the present shrine. For Sri Vaishnavas, this kshetram holds supreme importance as the northernmost Divya Desam, praised extensively by Nammalvar in Thiruvaimozhi and Thirumangai Azhwar in Periya Thirumozhi. The harsh mountain climate permits the temple to open only from April/May to October/November, making each pilgrimage season precious. The Lord's presence in these remote Himalayan heights symbolises the truth that the Divine pervades even the most inaccessible places, awaiting the devoted seeker.