Divya Desams in Uttarakhand
According to the Sri Vaishnava tradition, there are 108 sacred temples of Lord Vishnu known as the Divya Desams. Among these, three Divya Desams are located in Uttarakhand and are important pilgrimage destinations for devotees.
1. Devaprayag (Tirukkandam)
Devaprayag is located on the Rishikesh–Badrinath route, approximately 70 km from Rishikesh. It is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, from where the river Ganga begins its onward journey. The town is known for the ancient Raghunathji Temple, which is traditionally believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya. Devaprayag is an important pilgrimage and sightseeing destination in Uttarakhand.
2. Joshimath (Tiruppirudi)
Joshimath is situated on the Rishikesh–Badrinath route, around 245 km from Rishikesh and approximately 45 km before Badrinath. It is an important religious centre and is associated with Adi Shankaracharya, who established one of his four monasteries here. The town is home to the Narasimha Temple and Vasudeva Temple and serves as a major stop for pilgrims travelling to Badrinath.
3. Badrinath (Tiruvadariashramam)
Badrinath is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand and is located at an altitude of approximately 10,400 feet above sea level. The town is around 301 km from Rishikesh and is accessible by road during the pilgrimage season.
The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badrinarayan. According to Hindu traditions, the deity is made of black stone (Saligram). The temple generally remains open for about six months every year, usually from April or May to October or November, depending on the annual schedule announced by the temple authorities.
In the Sri Vaishnava tradition, Badrinath is regarded as one of the 108 Divya Desams and holds great religious significance for devotees visiting the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
