Charana Paduka is a sacred place of reverence and devotion, located in the divine city of Badrinath, Uttarakhand. This revered pilgrimage site is where pilgrims seek spiritual connection and blessings.
This sacred place features rock structure bearing the footprints of Lord Vishnu. It is a extremely esteemed sect for the devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Nestled along the tranquil landscape of Narayana Parvata, is the divine place where Lord Vishnu placed his first step after descending to Earth.
The very word “Charana Paduka” is a combination of two Sanskrit words — “Charana” refers to “feet” and “Paduka” refers to “footwear,” representing the sacred footprints of the Lord Vishnu.
A steep trek to Charana Paduka, requires approximately 1.5 hours spiritually challenging journey. From the Badrinath Temple, this holy dham is located at a distance of 3 Kms. The uphill walk is a visual treat to the piligrims.
Perched at an altitude of 3,380 meters above the sea level, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, including the awe-inspiring Neelkantha Peak and the Nara Parvata.
It is an ultimate haven which is a blend of spirituality and wild exotic flora/flauna.
Significance
This holy dham holds a great spiritual significance who is embarking a spiritual journey to Badrinath. The devotees who gets the darshan of Charana Paduka of Lord Vishnu, will be alleviated from all kinds of ailments and will be blessed from overall well-being, both mentally and physically.
Sthala Purana of Charana Paduka
According to history, Lord Vishnu when descended to earth kept His first foot here.
Lord Vishnu in the form of Narayana visited this sacred site and placed a mark of his foot on the same stone. This act made the place very auspicious.
Darshan Timings of Charana Paduka
The darshan timings of the Charana Paduka are as follows:
Morning: 5 AM to 12 PM
Evening: 4 PM to 9 PM
Best time to Visit Charana Paduka
April to June and September to November are the best time to visit Charana Paduka. Enjoy the path along with the scenic views of several caves and boulders.
Tips to keep in Mind
- Commence your trek in the early morning to avoid the scorching midday sun.
- Carry water bottles and mini-snacks for refreshment.
- Always remember to take rest at intervals.
Nearby Places to Visit :
Sri Badrinath Temple: This sacred Hindu temple is one of the 108 divya deshams. Also known as Badri Narayana Temple, is dedicated to Lord Badrinath.
Bheema Pul: It is a massive stone bridge built by mighty Bheema during their exile period, over Saraswati river.
Vasudhara Falls: It is a stunning waterfall located near Neelkantha, Chaukhamba, and Balakun mountains. It is the place where Sahadeva, one of the Pandava brothers, passed away.
Brahma Kapal: It is the sacred place in Badrinath where Lord Shiva severed Lord Brahma’s fifth head.
Tapt Kund: It is the sacred hot water spring having a temperature of 45°C located near the Badrinath Temple.
Vyas Gufa: It is the ancient cave located near Mana village, where sage Vyasa composed Mahabharata.
Ganesh Gufa: It is the sacred naturally formed cave where Lord Ganesha wrote Mahabharata.
How to Reach Charana Paduka
If you wish to explore the divinity of Charana Paduka and its surrounding places, then join the Tirtha Yatra’s Pancha Badri yatra. Tirtha Yatra provides the best possible service that makes you most comfortable throughout your pilgrimage.
If you wish to travel on your own, here are a few options.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport. Taxis are available to reach the destination.
By Railway: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railway station. From here, you can hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw. Even bus facilities are available.
By Road: Badrinath is well-connected by road to major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar.
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