Vridha Badri-The old Badrinath

Bridha Badri or the 'old Badri' is a temple about 7 kms short of Joshimath, on the main Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road at Animath.It is believed that Badrinath was worshipped here before its enshrinement by Shankaracharya at the main Badrinath seat.

The idol of Badrinath carved by the divine Vishwakarma was enshrined and worshipped here. It is said that when mankind entered the age of Kali, Vishnu chose to remove himself from the temple.

Interestingly, the image was found by Adi Shankaracharya at Naradkund, and restored, though part of it remains damaged. This, the first badri, is located at a height of 1,380 mts. at Animath. While Badrinath closes during winter, the idol and priests hibernating at Joshimath, Vridha Badri remains open throughout the year.