Char Dham Yatra 2023: Pandukeshwara Temple That Raja Pandu Built For Lord Vishnu

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Located at an elevation of 1829 metres above sea level, the temple of Pandukeshwar is on the way from Joshimath to Badrinath temple. Amidst the stately mountain ranges and the ebbing streams, this temple stands, with its own regal aura and a historical background to match.

As the name itself suggests, Pandukeshwar temple was named so because king Pandu, the father of the five pandavas, penanced here for some time. Pandukeshwar area is known to be the birthplace of Pandavas.

Yogadhyan Badri Temple

Yogadhyan Badri was built to relieve pandu of his sins. The Temple, from the exterior, looks as divine as it is from inside, and holds a divine presence and aura that attracts plenty of pilgrims here on an everyday basis. Yogadhyan Badri is one of the sapta badris and when it is closed for the winter, it houses the utsav murtis. During the winter season, lots of pilgrims visit this temple to submit their prayers and puja to Kubera and Uddhava.

An idol of Vishnu in a meditative pose is installed inside the temple. This temple should be visited when the idols are shifted from Badri nath to Yogadhyan Badri temple. There is usually a huge fanfare and string of ceremonies that follow this event. The day is called Deva war amongst locals. When the idols are carried back to Badrinath, the same level of celebrations follow.

Around this temple, you can spot two more temples, Yogadhyan Badri, in the sapta Badri series and Vasudeva temple both of which are known for their divine aura and pull.

Legend Of The Pandukeshwar

The temple has a historical background to it. Pandu had visited this place with his two Queens Kunti and Madri. The purpose was to cleanse his sin of killing a sage who, before dying, curses Pandu that he will die once he tries to establish physical contact with his queens. So Pandu built the Yogadhyan Badri temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and penanced there for relief from his sin.

When Pandu died, Pandavas visited this temple and performed final rites for him. Arjuna also meditated on Indra for sometime here. Indra was also pleased by his austerities. Finally, the Pandavas built Vasudev Temple for Vishnu here and installed Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi and Madri here.

Tapta Kund That Ebbs Hot Springs

Tapta kund is located in the vicinity of Pandukeshwar which always gets flooded by frequent and heavy rainfall. It lies between Badrinath and Alakananda River in the Chamoli district. The temperature of the water in Tapta Kund is always 45 degrees Celsius. It is located towards the right side of the Badrinath temple. One is supposed to take a holy dip in this Tapta Kund before entering the Badrinath Temple.

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