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Vasudevar Temple
- Pandukeshwar,Uttarakhand
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Overview
The temple is located in Pandukeshwar, a sacred place en route to abode of Lord Vishnu 'Badrinath'. Pandukeshwar is at a distance of 18 km from Joshimath. As per legend, it is the place where King Pandu, father of Pandavas of Mahabharat, worshipped Lord Shiva.
There are two temples namely Yogadhyan Badri Temple, one of seven Badri temples and Lord Vasudev Temple, believed to be built by Pandavas. The Yogadhyan Badri Temple is the abode of procession deity in winters when Badrinath is closed.
About The Deity
The Vasudevar Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is the formless Supreme God of Vaishnavism and one of the five primary forms of God in the Smarta tradition, known as the Preserver or the Protector.
Legend and Stories
Legends state King Pandu was living here with his wives Kunti and Madri after giving up his throne to his elder brother King Dhritrashtra. One day, he went hunting in the jungle and killed a sage by mistake. The sage cursed Pandu that he will be unable to make love and if he did so, he will die. To atone for his sin, Pandu mediated a bronze image of Vishnu in the Yogadhyan Badri shrine. Soon, Pandu died due to the curse.
Pandukeshwar - Padavas in Exile
During exile, Pandavas visited Pandukeshwar and performed funeral of their father Pandu. Here, Arjun also meditated and got blessings from Lord Indra. They also built a Lord Vasudev temple having idol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi.
Best Time to Visit
The Pandukeshwar temple is open and can be visited all round the year. Ideal time to visit Pandukeshwar is from months of April to June and September to November.
Accessibility
Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun(290 kms) is the only airport to reach near Joshimath.
Railways
Nearest rail head for Pandukeshwar is at Dehradun (302 kms) or Rishikesh railway station (274 kms).
Road
Pandukeshwar can be reach by sharing jeep or hiring taxi from Joshimath, as it is located at mid-way between Joshimath and Badrinath. It is situated at a distance of 18 kms from Joshimath and 23 km from Badrinath.
Temple Address
Vasudevar Temple,
Pandukeshwar, Chamoli district,
Uttarakhand, India.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha
Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.
Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi
Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.
Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam
Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).
Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te
Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.
Timings
Morning 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.