Story of Badrinath Temple and Badari Tree

Badrinath Temple is associated with the Badari Tree (Ber, Jujube, Indian plum). At Badrinath, Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu is doing penance. It is said that once Sage Narada rebuked Vishnu for indulging in world pleasures. The Lord then decided to do penance at Badrinath. Thus at Badrinath Temple, Bhagvan Vishnu is worshiped in the meditation posture.

On seeing Vishnu doing penance in open harsh conditions in the Himalayas, Goddess Lakshmi took the form of a Badari Tree and gave protection from the adverse weather.

After this divine incident the place got the name Badrinath and Vishnu the name Badari Narayan.

It is also believed that Vishnu showed that both Narayana (God) and Nar (Human) are his forms to Sage Narada at Badrinath Temple. Two mountains surrounding the Badrinath Temple is known as Nar and Narayana.

The murti of Vishnu worshipped is carved out of Shaligramam stone. Badari Narayan is seen under the Badari tree, flanked by Kuber and Garuda, Sage Narada, Narayan and Nar.