Adi Badri, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is not just a tehsil but a window into India’s rich cultural past. This area, part of the Garhwal region, boasts of its natural beauty and profound cultural significance. The tehsil, also known as Helisera in revenue records, serves as the administrative center for 69 villages. It lies at an elevation of 1,800 meters above sea level.
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The name ‘Adi Badri’ originates from the Adibadridham group of temples. These temples are about 25 kilometers from Karanprayag on the way to Dwarahat in Kumaon. Out of the original 16, 14 temples remain today. They date back to between the 8th and 12th centuries AD. These structures are architectural marvels dedicated to various deities including Lord Vishnu, Shri Lakshminarayan, and Gaurishankar.
The main temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The other shrines honor deities like Annapurna, Surya, Satyanarayan, Ganesha, Siva, Garuda, Durga, and Janki. This temple complex is part of the revered Panch-Badri, which includes five Badri temples in the region. The Uttarakhand government has established a Panch Badri circuit to facilitate visits to these sacred sites.
In 2014, the then Chief Minister Harish Rawat established Adi Badri as a tehsil. The area’s economy primarily revolves around agriculture and forestry. Adi Badri is also near the historical hill fort of Chandpurgarh. This fort was the first capital of the Panwar Kings of Garhwal until the mid-15th century.
For those interested in visiting, Adi Badri is accessible by various means. One can fly to Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun or take a train to Rishikesh. From there, road travel is available. The upcoming Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line will enhance accessibility, making it only 16 kilometers from the railhead.
Adi Badri is not just a destination but a journey into the spiritual and historical essence of Uttarakhand. Whether you are a devotee, a history enthusiast, or a lover of nature, Adi Badri offers a unique blend of all. Its serene environment and rich history invite everyone to explore and experience its timeless beauty and sanctity.
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