Adi Badri

The Adi Badri (302727N 772028E) the first temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples is an ancient shrine dedicated to Vishnu and is one among a chain of 16 small shrines located in the hill ranges 17 kilometres (11 mi), beyond Karnaprayag (confluence of Pindar River and Alaknanda River in Chamoli district. Seven temples of this chain were built during the late Gupta period (5th century to 8th century).[7] According to tradition, Adi Shankara is attributed as builder of all the temples.[7] Adi Shankara is believed to have sanctioned these temples in order to spread Hinduism to every remote part of the country.[4]In ancient times, when approach to the main shrine of Badrinath was closed due to weather conditions, pilgrims worshipped Vishnu at this temple.[citation needed] Adi Badri, also known as Helisera according to revenue records, is a tiny temple complex enclosed within a space of 14 metres (46 ft) X 30 metres (98 ft). The height of the temples vary from 26 metres (6.620 ft). The chief temple is dedicated to god Vishnu, which is built over a raised platform, with a small enclosure in a pyramidal form. The sanctum holds black stone 1 metre (3.3 ft) image of Vishnu.[7][8][9] The image depicts Vishnu holding a mace, lotus and chakra (discus).[10][11] Brahmins from South India serve as chief priests in the temple.[6] Adi Badri is located 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from Chandpur fort or Garhi located on the hilltop, which was built by the Gurkha kings to fight the British. Adi Badri is an hour's drive from Karnaprayag and close to Chulakot on the way to Ranikhet.[8][9] On shifting of Badrinath (also known as Raj Badri) to Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri will be called the Yog Badri.

Adbadri ,also known in revenue records as Helisera, is set in beautiful surroundings and the road from Lohba to Adbadri passes through scenic terrain. Just above Adbadri is the small Lake of Benital. At Adbadri are the remains of Sixteen temples similar to those found at dwarahat ( in district Almora) and the one dedicated to Badrinarayan is still used for worship as are the others but to a lesser degree. The local people have a superstitious belief that in a few year the road from Joshimath to Badrinath will be closed by the

meeting of the hill near the temple that stand opposite each other and that then this temple will become a place for pilgrimage. There are remains of sixteen small temples, of which seven are more ancient with flat roofs belonging to the late Guptas period. Local tradition assigned the building of the temples to the the Shankracharya, the celebrated reformer and philosopher of the eighth century. All the temples are crowded together into a small space( 12.5 mts X 25 mts.) and vary in height from 2 to 6 mts. The Main temple of Narayan is distinguished by a raised platform in the front, roofed in and leading to the small enclosure of the pyramidal form, where the idol is enshrined. The idol of Vishnu is a metre high, sculpted out of black stone. Vishnu is of course, another name of Bdrinath and so this temple is also known as adibadri. It is one of the five Badris ( Panch Badris) the others being Vishal Badri, Yog-Dhyan Badri, Vriddha Badri and Bhavishya Badri. All five shrines are situated in close proximity.