Before badrinath was designated one of the four Char Dhams of Hindu worship by adi Shandarachary, the idol of Badrinath carved by the divine vishwakarma was enshrined and worshipped here.

It is said that when mankind entered the age of Kali, Vishnu chose to remove himself from the temple. Interestingly, the image was found by Adi Shankaracharya at Naradkund, and restored, though part of it remains damaged .

This, the first badri, is located at a height of 1,380 mts. at Animath.

While Badrinath closes during winter, the idol and the priests hibernate at Joshimath. Vridha Badri remains open throughout the year.

How to Get There :

Air :
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun

Rail :
The nearest railhead, Rishikehs, is 247 kms.

Road :
Animath. 8 kms. short of Joshimath, is accessible by motorable roads from Rishikesh on the Badirnath road.