Adi Badri, Chamoli – The Temple
Adi Badri temple is a group of 16 temples adjacent to
each other, belonging to the Gupta period. This is a tiny temple complex
enclosed within a space of 14 metres (46 ft) X 30 metres (98 ft). The
height of the temples varies from 2–6 metres (6.6–19.7 ft). All these temples are located in a space of
about 42 by 85 feet.
The main 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-meter (3.3 ft) image of Vishnu. The image
depicts Vishnu holding a mace, lotus and chakra (discus).
The sanctum is very narrow and cannot accommodate more
than 3/4 persons at a time. The other temples are dedicated to Kali, Shiva,
Janaki, Hanuman, Gauri Shankar, Satya Narayan, Ganesha, Garuda, Annapurna,
Chakrabhan, Lakshmi Narayan, Kubera and Kali. All the temples look similar in
style though vary slightly in size. Few temples have the niche images of
Dwarapalas and few other niche images at the entrance.
As otherwise, all the temples exteriors are plain. The
deities inside the temples do not seem to be old. A Kund (pond) is located within the premises is believed to be the
origin source of the Saraswathi river. Brahmins from
South India serve as chief priests in the temple. At present the entire temple
sites are looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.
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