About Charan Paduka Badrinath

Charan Paduka, also known as Vishnu Charan Paduka, a sacred rock, is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at a distance of around 3 km from the Badrinath temple, at an altitude of 3,380 meters (11,089 feet) above sea level. This sacred rock holds great spiritual significance in Hinduism; it is believed to bear the footprints of lord Vishnu, where he placed his first foot while descending to earth from his celestial abode, Vaikunth, making it a sacred site for pilgrims who visit Badrinath Dham.

The rock is amidst the Narayan hills of Uttarakhand. It is accessible via a trek on a rock formation path from the main Badrinath temple. If you ever visit Badrinath, you must visit Charan Paduka, as it says that the Badrinath yatra is incomplete without darshan of this holy rock. So here is the complete detail guide, from trek details to travel tips for a safe and memorable experience.

Location:	Narayan Parvat, about 3 km from the Badrinath temple
Height/Altitude:	11,089 feet (3,380 meters)
Trek distance:	3 km from the Badrinath temple
Trek duration:	1 to 1.5 hours one way
Best time to visit:	May to October
Highlights:	Views of the surrounding scenery

Story Of Charan Paduka Badrinath

Charan Paduka holds great spiritual significance in Hinduism; the footprints of lord Vishnu signify his descent on earth. It is believed that a view (darshan) of this sacred rock absolves the sins of pilgrims and blesses them for well-being.

Here is a short overview of Charan Paduka's significance.

badrinath charan paduka with withe mountain view

Footprints of lord vishnu: According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Charan Paduka is the spot where lord Vishnu placed his first step while descending to earth from Vaikunth Dham, symbolising his divine presence and making it a sacred site for Vaishnavites (devotees of lord vishnu).
Narrative mythology: According to the legend of the Bhagavat Purana, the lord krishna told his minister, Uddhava, to visit Badrinath to cleanse the sins of his wrongdoings. Uddhava carried lord vishnu charan paduka with him, and it is said to have been his footprint on the charan paduka.
Symbol of devotion and serenity: The rock is embedded in the Himalayan landscape, offering a serene environment for meditation and self-reflection. For many years, this spot has become a meditation spot for the saints who were visiting the Himalayas.
Geographical significance: the geographical location, located at the top of Narayan Parvat, and the flow of the rishi Ganga River add another point to its significance.

Badrinath To Charan Paduka Distance

The distance from Badrinath to Charanpaduka is 3 km one-way on a stony path, which takes almost 1-2 hours to complete. It starts from the left side of the temple and is filled with stunning natural beauty, including panoramic views of Neelkanth and Nar Parvat. Along the way, you also witness the Rishi Ganga River flowing.

Trek details include:

Trek Distance: The distance from Badrinath to Charanpaduka is 3 km one-way.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Starting point: from the left side of the Badrinath temple
Route: passes through the lush valleys and majestic peaks
Difficulty level: strenuous and difficult due to the uphill path
What to expect: After the uphill trek, you will witness a sacred rock of lord vishnu Charan. You may also see several boulder caves with sadhus.

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How To Reach Badrinath Charan Paduka

Charan Paduka is accessible by a trek from the Badrinath temple. Here is a short overview of how to reach Charan Paduka.

Nearest Railhead: Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railway stations to Charan Paduka. From there, take a taxi or bus to Badrianath and then head to Charan Paduka.
Nearest Airport: The Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport to Badrinath and Charan Paduka. From there, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Badrianath and embark on a trek to reach Charan Paduka.
Nearest Roadhead: Badrinath town is the nearest roadhead to Charan Paduka.
Badrinath to Charan Paduka: After reaching Badrinath, your final leg is a 3 km trek from the main temple to Charan Paduka.

Best Time To Visit Charan Paduka Badrinath

The best time to visit Charan Paduak coincides with the Badrinath temple. When the Badrinath temple is open, from May to October, it is considered the ideal time to visit Charan Paduka, as pilgrims plan their visit to Badrinath, along with Charan Paduka. Here is a short overview of ideal months and avoidable months for Charan Paduka.

Ideal months: May to June and Sep-Oct are ideal months to visit Charan Paduka, when the Badrinath temple is open, and this period offers pleasant weather and comfortable temperature, making it a perfect time for pilgrimage and sightseeing.
Avoidable months: Avoid monsoon, from July to August, as it experiences moderately heavy rain, which causes landslides, making trails slippery and travel risky at this time.

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Places To Visit Near Charam Paduka

Badrinath temple: abode of lord vishnu, one of the Panch Badri temples, and part of the Do Dham yatra and Char Dham yatra. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 10,279 feet above sea level, surrounded by the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges. It is easily accessible by road journey.

Mana Village: Mana Village, the first Indian village, is located at a distance of around 3 km from Badrinath. The village is known for its unique culture, significance, and features, including sacred caves, like Ganesh Gufa, Vyas Gufa, and the sacred Bheema pul. The village is accessible by a shuttle walk or scenic road trip from the Badrinath temple.

Vasudhara Falls: Vasudhara, a celestial waterfall, is located 6 km away from Mana village and 9 km from Badrinath temple. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and significance; it is believed that the water of Vasudhara falls only on the virtuous people, and it turns away from the sinners. It is accessible by a moderately difficult trek from Mana Village.

Tapt Kund: Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring, is renowned for its medicinal properties and significance. Located near the Badrinath temple, where pilgrims take a holy bath and offer prayers.

Rishiganga waterfall: a captivating waterfall near Charan Paduka, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, like the Nar-Narayan mountain peaks.

Travel Tips:

Pack warm layers & other essentials: pack warm clothes and other trekking essentials, such as trekking shoes, rain gear, walking sticks, water bottles, a first-aid kit, etc., as the site is located in a remote area of the Uttarakhand Himalayas, which experiences a wider range of weather conditions.
Avoid trekking after sunset: Don’t trek in the late evening, as it's not safe.
Respect the serenity of the site: don’t make any noise, as the site also serves as a meditation spot for sadhus and saints, so be respectful in your behaviour.
Hire a local guide if needed: If you are a first-timer or beginner, hire a local guide who can guide you about the trails.

FAQs Of Charan Paduka

Where is Charan Paduka?

Charan Paduka is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand near the Badrinath temple, at an altitude of 3,380 meters above sea level.

How far is Charan Paduka from Badrinath?

The distance to Charan Paduka is approximately 3 km from the Badrinath temple. It is accessible by trek.

Why is Charan Paduka famous?

Charan Paduka is a famous site near Badrinath, as it bears the footprints of lord vishnu. It is believed that lord vishnu placed his step at this sacred place while descending to earth, making it a significant site for the pilgrims who were visiting Badrinath.

How long does it take to reach Charan Paduka from Badrinath?

The trek to Charan Paduka from Badrinath takes 1 to 2 hours from Badrinath. It can vary through the fitness level and pace.

Is the Charan Paduka trek difficult?

The trek to Charan Paduka is considered moderately challenging, as it is located at a very high altitude and it involves strenuous climbs.

Conclusion

Charan Paduka is a sacred spot on the route to the Badrinath temple, at the top of the Narayan Parvat Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This site is renowned for its serene environment, picturesque beauty, and significance.

It is believed that the place bears the footprints of lord vishnu on the earth, and it is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks, making it a perfect place for spiritual seekers and peace seekers, as the serene environment of the site is also a perfect spot for meditation and self-reflection. It is suggested that pilgrims who plan to visit Badrinath must visit Charan Paduka, as it is believed that the darshan of this sacred rock can free pilgrims from their sins.