Dhyan Badri Temple is a sacred and peaceful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the beautiful Urgam Valley in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is one of the five Badri temples that form the sacred Panch Badri pilgrimage circuit, and is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu appeared in a meditative form.
The word “Dhyan” means meditation, and “Badri” refers to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in this Himalayan region. King Pandu, the father of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, established the temple.
The Dhyan Badri Temple is built in a simple Nagara-style architecture, commonly seen in Himalayan temples. The structure is made of stone and wood, giving it a humble yet sacred appearance. The sanctum sanctorum houses a beautiful black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in a meditative pose, known as “Dhyanamudra”. The idol is about 1 meter tall and radiates peace and devotion. The surrounding area has a small courtyard and prayer space for devotees to worship in silence and calmness.
A long time ago, during the time of the Mahabharata, King Pandu, the father of the Pandavas, made a big mistake. While hunting, he accidentally killed a sage and felt deep sorrow for his action. Filled with guilt, he gave up his throne and went to the peaceful Urgam Valley in the Himalayas with his wife Kunti. This valley, surrounded by forests and mountains, became his place of prayer and meditation. There, King Pandu prayed to Lord Vishnu, asking for forgiveness and peace.
Lord Vishnu was pleased with his deep devotion and appeared in front of him in a meditative form, full of calm and divine energy. King Pandu then placed a statue of Vishnu in the same meditating pose at that very spot. This is how the temple came to be called Dhyan Badri, which means “Vishnu in meditation.” Later, the Pandavas also visited this temple and prayed here before starting their final journey to the Himalayas. This story of repentance, devotion, and divine blessing makes Dhyan Badri a very special and holy place among the Panch Badri temples.
Unlike the main Badrinath temple, Dhyan Badri is usually open throughout the year, since it is at a lower altitude. Daily worship (puja) is performed by local priests. Special rituals are held on important Vishnu-related festivals, such as Vaikunta Ekadashi, Janmashtami, and Rama Navami. The temple is also visited during the Badri-Kedar Utsav, a regional religious festival in summer.
