Narsingh Temple - Winter Char Dham Shrine

Narsingh Devta Mandir, the winter abode of Badrinath Dham, is located in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. The temple is an important stop for pilgrims visiting Badrinath Dham. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu's fourth incarnation (Narsimha Avatar), the Narsingh Badri Temple is also a part of the Sapt Badri circuit. It remains open throughout the year, but it receives large crowds, particularly during the Char Dham Yatra. As the winter seat of Badrinath Dham, the Narsingh temple is now promoted as part of the Winter Char Dham Yatra, which attracts pilgrims from far and wide.

Narsingh Temple in Joshimath

The winter abode of Badri Vishal, Narsingh Temple, is situated approximately 247 km from Rishikesh. Along with Narsigh Devta, visitors can also seek the blessings of Goddess Chandika, Ashtabhuja Ganesh, Shri Gauri Shankar, Navadurga, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman.
 

The view of the surrounding landscapes captivates pilgrims, especially the famous Sleeping Lady Mountain. Badrinath Temple lies 42 km away from here, which is easily accessible by taxis and buses available from the Joshimath taxi stand. The town also offers several accommodation options, as many pilgrims stay overnight before continuing their journey to Badri Vishal.

Winter Seat Badrinath Dham

Narsingh Mandir in Joshimath serves as the winter seat of Badrinath Dham. Every year, when the door of Badrinath closes for winter, the idol of Lord Badri is brought here with all traditional rituals. Alongside Narsingh Mandir, Pandukeshwar is also considered a winter seat of Badrinath.
 

Local villagers gather near the temple to welcome their deity and celebrate this auspicious moment. The idol placed in the sanctum of the temple is believed to be made of Shaligram stone, which is associated with many beliefs. Some believe it was enshrined by the Kashmir King Lalitaditya Muktapida in the 8th century, while others say it is self-manifested.

Winter Char Dham Yatra

Generally, the Char Dham Yatra remains open for only six months a year. Due to severe weather and heavy snowfall, the shrine remains closed for the remaining six months. During this period, the idols of the respective Char Dham temples are shifted to their respective winter abodes.
 

To encourage pilgrimage in the winter season, the Uttarakhand government is promoting these winter seats as the "Winter Char Dham Yatra". It is believed that seeking blessings at the winter seats holds the same spiritual significance as visiting the main shrine during the Char Dham Yatra. The winter seats of other Dhams are Mukhba, Kharsali, and Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.

Future connection of Narsingh Temple

The Narsingh temple is associated with a known folklore about the future. According to scriptures, when the left hand of the temple's main idol falls off will mark the end of Kaliyuga. When this happens, the gatekeepers' mountains of Badrinath, Jay and Vijay will collapse, and the route to Badrinath will be closed forever. This event will be the end of the Kaliyuga Era and the beginning of Satyuga.
 

During Satyuga, Lord Badri is believed to be worshipped at the Bhavishya Badri temple, which is currently located about 21 km away from Narsingh Temple. Though the folklore may not seem mythical, the fact is that the idol's left hand is gradually shrinking, which aligns to some extent with this ancient prophecy.

Accommodation

Pilgrims looking for an overnight stay can easily find homestays, hotels, and guesthouses near the temple. For more stay options, you can also explore the Joshimath market, as it offers a variety of accommodations. Here is the list of a few hotels near Narsingh Devta Mandir and in Joshimath.

• Odyssey Stays Joshimath.
• Hotel Uday Palace, Joshimath.
• Yatra Homestay.
• GMVN Tourist Rest House.
• Hotel Mount View Annexy.
• Hotel Divine Residency.
• Hotel Panchvati Inn.
• Hotel Grand Kailash.
• Hotel Brahma Kamal.
• Hotel Snow Crest.
• Badriville Resort.

Food Guide

A few restaurants and dhabas are available outside the temple, where you can enjoy snacks, tea and even breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Some restaurants serve Chinese food, while others serve basic meals like rice and daal. Besides, you can also buy some authentic Garhwali pulses and spices from nearby shops, especially Joshimath's popular kidney beans. For more food options, you can also travel to the Joshimath market, close to the parking area.

Important Tips for Visitors

• Reach the bus station early, as the UTC bus departs early in the morning.
• Various shared taxi and GMOU-operated private buses are available outside the bus stand.
• Carry sufficient cash and woollen clothes during the journey.
• The road leading to the temple is narrow and one-way; it is advisable to park your vehicle in the designated area.
• Parking is located approximately 2 km away from the temple near the Joshimath taxi stand.
• From the parking, you can either hire a rickshaw or take the pedestrian walkway.
• The pedestrian walkway is not suitable for elderly visitors or people with knee problems.
• Walking down the pedestrian path is easy, but the return climb can be challenging.
• Prasad shops are available outside the temple's main entrance.
• Public toilet facilities are available near the market.
• Keep your shoes in the designated area, as beyond certain points, shoes are not allowed.
• During winter, keep wearing socks, as the floor can be extremely cold.
• Photography and videography inside the main sanctum are strictly prohibited.

Major Nearby Attractions

Narsingh Badri Temple, located in Joshimath, is surrounded by several major attractions that you can explore during your visit: -

• Auli
• Timmersain Mahadev
• Chenap Valley
• Bhavishya Badri
• Vishnuprayag
• Pandukeshwar
• Tapovan