Narsingh Temple, Joshimath

Narsingh Temple in Joshimath is one of the most important temples on the Badrinath route. It is dedicated to Lord Narsingh, the half-man, half-lion form of Vishnu. When snow closes the Badrinath temple in winter, the idol of Lord Badri is brought here and worshipped for about six months. The temple is also known for a famous legend about the idol's left arm.

Narsingh Temple at a glance

The legend of the wrist

The idol of Lord Narsingh is said to be about 25 cm tall, carved from a stone known as Shaligram, and linked to the 8th century and Adi Shankaracharya. Its left wrist is slowly getting thinner. According to the old prophecy, when the wrist finally falls, the mountains known as Nar and Narayan will collapse and block the path to Badrinath. The deity will then move to a new home called Bhavishya Badri, which devotees consider a future shrine in the hills near Tapovan. This is why Joshimath's temple is treated with such reverence.

Winter seat of Badrinath

When Badrinath closes around November, the festival idol of Lord Badri is carried in a procession to Joshimath and Pandukeshwar for the winter months. Prayers and aarti continue at Narsingh Temple, and a winter pilgrimage is possible for those who cannot travel in the summer. The shrine is also close to the Shankaracharya Math, one of the four mathas founded by Adi Shankaracharya.

What to see

• The Narsingh idol and the main shrine.
• Shankaracharya Math, the seat of the Jyotirmath peeth.
• Kalpavriksha, an ancient mulberry tree in Joshimath said to be thousands of years old, as locals describe it.
• Views of the Himalayan valley around Joshimath.

How to reach

Joshimath is on the Rishikesh to Badrinath highway, about 250 km from Rishikesh and 43 km before Badrinath. It is also the base for Auli. Taxis and buses run from Rishikesh, Haridwar and Chamoli. A short walk from the main market leads to the temple.

Best time to visit

April to November is the most comfortable period. Winter, from about December to March, is very cold, but it is also when Lord Badri is worshipped here. Monsoon months, from July to September, bring landslide and road risks.

Tips

1. Dress modestly and remove footwear.
2. Photography is not allowed in the temple and math.
3. Carry warm layers and a power bank.
4. Check the road and local situation in Joshimath before you travel, because the town has had land subsidence concerns.
5. Book stays in advance during the yatra season.
6. Respect the priests and follow queue rules.

Nearby places

Tapt Kund at Badrinath, Mana Village and Auli. Read our Badrinath yatra guide.

Plan your trip with Gokeys India

We arrange Badrinath tours with stops at Joshimath. See the Badrinath Dham yatra tour package, or browse Badrinath hotels.

Related on Gokeys India

• Tour packages: Badrinath Dham Yatra tour package · Kedarnath and Badrinath (Do Dham) tour · Char Dham Yatra package from Haridwar
• Read next: Badrinath Yatra guide · Kedarnath to Badrinath distance and route
• Nearby places: Tapt Kund, Badrinath

Frequently asked questions

Why is Narsingh Temple important? It is the winter seat of Lord Badri and has the famous thinning wrist legend.

How far is it from Badrinath? About 43 km.

Are photos allowed? No, photography is not allowed inside the temple and math.

What are the temple timings? About 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Listings vary.