Lord Shiva’s Lost Home: Untold Mysteries of Badrinath

There are several mythological tales about Lord Shiva and Vishnu which are popular among devotees. Have you heard the legend of the sacred place, Badrinath, which is known as Lord Shiva’s lost home? It has a very interesting and divine story behind it. Let’s understand the story of Badrinath and explore some more fascinating facts!

About Badrinath: The Sacred Place

Badrinath is a holy town located in the Chamoli District of Uttrakhand. The place has a lot of mysteries and surprising facts that can make one curious to know more. Badrinath is the sacred Abode of Lord Vishnu, who is the present deity of the temple.

It’s one of the Char Dhams of Uttrakhand where devotees crowd each year to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. It is a part of the Panch Badri- Yog Dhan Badri, Bhavidya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri. The Temple remains open for six months every year from the end of April to the beginning of November due to its extreme weather conditions.

Also Read: More About Badrinath Temple

Badrinath: Lord Shiva’s Lost Home

According to Skand Purana, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once lived in the region of Badrinath. There, they built a house where both of them used to meditate. Spiritual energy filled the entire area. Also, the area was peaceful for meditation practices. Lord Shiva chose this place because all of this added to make the place ideal for meditation practices.

1. Lord Vishnu’s Wish for the Sacred Place

Once Narada Muni went to Lord Vishnu and told him that he was a bad example for humanity as he was lying on Adisheesha (King of Snakes) every time and that must find a home for himself on the earth. Listening to this criticism from Narada Muni, Vishnu came to the Himalayas and searched for a place where he could meditate.

Lastly, he found Badrinath, which was the best place for his meditation. Fortunately, Lord Vishnu found a house in Badrinath but found that it was Lord Shiva’s house. Lord Narayana then thought of a plan as he was aware of the angry nature of Mahadeva. Below, let’s learn more about the story of the lost home of Mahadeva.

2. Vishnu’s Transformation into a Child

He got transformed into a small child and sat in front of the house of Lord Shiva and Parvati when they went out for a walk. When they returned, they saw the baby crying outside their house. Lord Shiva knew that it was not a good baby as there were no footprints of the baby’s parents in the snow. He said to Goddess Parvati that it is not a child.

However, the mother inside the Goddess did not let the child to be out in the cold like that. So, Maa Parvati took the child inside carrying him on her lap. The child felt comfortable on Goddess Parvati’s lap and was looking very happily into the eyes of Lord Shiva. Mahadeva got aware of the consequence of this, but said ‘Let’s see what happens’.

Also Read: Panch Kedar Temples- The 5 Temples Of Shiva

3. Lord Shiva’s Lost Home: Lord Vishnu’s Trickery

Goddess Parvati breastfed the child, left him at home and went with Lord Shiva to take a bath. After some time, they returned home and were shocked to see that all the doors of the house were locked. Maa Parvati asked Mahadeva,’ Who closed all the doors?’, To this Lord Shiva answered her, ‘ I told you not to pick up the child, now he closed the doors of the house’.

Mahadeva then told Goddess Parvati about two options, the first one was to burn up everything and the second option was to leave everything and go. To this, Maa Parvati said that it was good to go and find another place to live in as they couldn’t touch the small baby. Interestingly, Lord Shiva was aware of this and knew it was none other than Lord Vishnu’s plan to stay in this place.

4. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s Journey to Kedarnath

Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati left Badrinath and they travelled through the Himalayas to find a peaceful place where they could mediate. They found Kedarnath, after searching for a longer period. The Mountains, rivers and deep forests made the place ideal for meditation practice.

Also, ancient scriptures tell about a form of Lord Shiva called Ardhanarishwara ( half-male and half-female) in the region. Lord Shiva started a cosmic dance in the form and filled the place with divine energy. Seeing this beauty, both, Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati decided to settle in the sacred place.

5. Shiva’s Transformation as Jyotirlinga in Kedarnath

After moving to Kedarnath, Shiva took the form of Jyotirlinga (divine pillar of light) in the place. Kedarnath then became one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Also, Maa Parvati meditated at Gauri Kund in this place, where she performed penance. This place got its name after her, which symbolizes her divine presence.

Lord Shiva’s Lost Home: Lord Shiva and Vishnu’s Divine Meet

Once, Lord Shiva thought to visit Badrinath and for this, he disguised himself as an old sage. His main intention was to see how Lord Vishnu was maintaining the holy place. When Lord Shiva entered Lord Vishnu’s home, Lord Vishnu welcomed Lord Shiva with devotion. Seeing this dedication and devotion of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva blessed him and the sacred place.

Some Ancient scriptures also state that Lord Shiva accompanied Lord Vishnu to Badrinath. Once Mahadeva came to Badrinath to participate in Lord Vishnu’s meditation and penance. In Badrinath, Lord Shiva is said to be present in the form of a hot spring as a part of the religious rituals of the Temple.

The Significance of Badrinath and Kedarnath’s Connection

The story shows respect and honour between the supreme gods’ Shiva and Vishnu, and their spiritual relationship. Also, it highlights the different energies of these spiritual centres, Badrinath represents Jnana ( knowledge) governed by Lord Vishnu. On the other hand, Kedarnath represents Tapasya (penance and spiritual awakening) governed by Lord Shiva. Also, it’s a popular belief that one should first visit Kedarnath before Badrinath to seek Mahadeva’s blessings.

Also Read: About All 12 Jyotirlinga and Mantras

Other Interesting Facts Behind Badrinath’s Story

Let’s explore some more interesting mysteries and facts about the story of Badrinath:

1. Lord Shiva’s Lost Home: Narad Muni Test of Devotion

Narad Muni, the great sage once went to the home of Lord Vishnu. He asked Lord Vishnu about his right to live in Badrinath as it was the lost home of Mahadeva. To this, Vishnu smilingly replied to the sage that ownership of a holy place lies in true devotion, not possession. Narad Muni realised the depth of Lord Vishnu’s wisdom and understood the truth.

2. Badrinath: Goddess Lakshmi’s Home

When Shiva left with Goddess Parvati for Kedarnath, Goddess Laxmi took the form of the Badri tree to protect Lord Vishnu from the cold atmosphere. The other name of Badrinath is the Badri Vishal ( The Great Badri) because of this reason. Moreover, pleased by Goddess Lakshmi’s respect and devotion, Lord Vishnu named this place Badrika Ashrama.

3. The Eternal Flame in Badrinath Temple

Akhand Jyoti ( eternal lamp) inside the Badrinath temple is said to have been burning for centuries. Once, Narad Muni lit the lamp and it showed the divine presence of the Supreme God, the reserve, Lord Vishnu.

4. Lord Shiva’s Lost Home: Nar and Narayan Rocks

Nar and Narayan are the two mountain peaks near the temple. This represents twin sages and incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Mythology states that these peaks stand to protect Badrinath.

Frequently Answered Questions

1. Where is Badrinath?

Badrinath is a divine Hindu pilgrimage town, located in the Chamoli district of Uttrakhand, India. It is situated beside the banks of the Alakananda River.