Narsingh Temple Joshimath – History, Legends, Travel Routes, Attractions & Best Travel Tips
Have you ever heard the idol of a deity whose arm is becoming thinner day by day and about to fall? Yes, we are talking about the miraculous Lord Narsingh Temple, a centre of belief and devotion. The temple where spirituality meets history is in the revered town of Joshimath. Travel Acharya welcomes you to the spiritual indulgence with Lord Narsingh who symbolises power with divinity and good over evil. Read this blog to learn about the auspicious Shri Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, its importance and how to reach it.
Overview of Narsingh Temple Joshimath
The Narsingh Temple in Joshimath is a Temple of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Lord Narsingh who is half lion, half human and has three eyes depicting Trilok( the three worlds). This Temple is in the Chamoli district of Joshimath or Jyotirmath town at an elevation of 1875 m. It is a part of the Sapt Badri Yatra, also called Narsingh Badri Mandir. It is part of 108 Divya Desams, established by Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya and the idol was built by King Lalitaditya Yukta Pida of Kashmir in the 8th Century. The idol of 10 inches is on the lotus sculpture with 8 arms and Goddess Chandika on the left. In winter, the idol from Badrinath Nath is shifted to Narsingh temple where priests continue worshipping the Lord Badri or Vishnu.
Table of Contents
- Overview Of Narsingh Temple Joshimath
- Legend Of The Narsingh Temple In Joshimath
- Nearby Attractions Of The Narsingh Temple Joshimath
- Accommodations
- How To Reach The Narsingh Temple Joshimath?
- Best Time To Visit Narsingh Temple Joshimath
- Watch This Video To See How Narsingh Temple Of Joshimath Looks Like
- Some Travel Tips By Your Reliable – Travel Acharya
- FAQs
- What Is The Importance Of Narsingh Temple In Joshimath?
- What Are The Timings Of The Narsingh Temple?
- Are There Any Fees For Entering The Narsingh Temple?
- Is Photography Allowed In The Narsingh Temple?
- Which Festivals Are Celebrated In Narsingh Temple?
- What Is The Decorum Of Visiting Narsingh Temple In Joshimath?
- See More Places Like Narsingh Temple In Joshimath
Legend of the Narsingh Temple In Joshimath
Legend 1: The Incarnation of Lord Narsingh
Lord Narsingh or Narasimha is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu among the Dashavatars. This incarnation was taken by Lord Vishnu to protect the life of his devotee Prahlad. Prahlad was born to Asura King Hrinyakashipu who considered Lord Vishnu his enemy. The mother Kayadhu of Prahlad was a great devotee of Vishnu. He wanted his son to agree that Hiranyakashipu was the supreme Lord. Seeing his son worshipping Vishnu, he planned to kill Prahlad. On the failure of many attempts such as starvation, trampling under elephant’s feet, throwing over precipice and poisoning, he called his sister Holika. The Holika had a boon that fire could not hurt her. She sat on the pile of wood and took Prahlad on her lap. The pile was set on fire and thought that Prahlad would die and Holika would escape from this. But the true devotion of Prahlad to Lord Vishnu and his continuous chanting of his name saved Prahlad and Holika was burnt to ashes. In a final attempt to kill Prahlad, Hrinyakashipu called upon the court and questioned Prahlad “ Where is your God?”. Prahlad who was calm and resilient answered “My Lord is everywhere”. He mocked “Where is Vishnu in this pillar?” and furiously kicked the pillar. The pillar cracked with a roar. The figure came out from the pillar half-lion and half-human that was Lord Narasimha. Hiranyakashipu was granted a boon that he won’t be killed day or night, by men, women, or animals. Lord Narsingh took Hiranyakashipu to the door frame and at twilight, Narsingh killed the asur.
Legend 2: Joshimath and Lord Narsingh Connection
The Joshimath was the Katyura kingdom founded by King Vasudev Katyura in the 7th to 11th centuries. When the king was away, Lord Narsingh was happy with the kingdom’s prosperity and visited the king’s castle, where he was respectfully treated by the king’s wife. Lord Narsingh was resting in the King’s room. But when Vasudev returned, he got furious thinking some stranger was lying in his bed and cut his arm with the sword. The King realizes the stranger is some divine entity when milk comes out instead of blood from the right wrist. Lord Narsingh gave darshan to the King and made a prophecy: a devastating landslide would occur, which would block the Badrinath’s route at the end of Kalyug. The right wrist of Narsingh’s idol has been gradually shrinking until today, presently in Joshimath, indicating the prophecy will turn true. The devotees believe the town will end when the idol’s wrist falls off.
Nearby attractions of the Narsingh Temple Joshimath
- Auli(11.9 km): Auli Ski resort is known as the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand, and thousands of tourists visit every year to enjoy snow adventure activities.
- Vishnuprayag(8.6 km): The first holy confluence of the Panch Prayag is where Vishnu Ganga, Alaknanda, and Dhauli Ganga meet.
- Nanda Devi National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary(20.6 km): The National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the peak of Nanda Devi, where you can explore various fauna, birds, trees, and other natural wonders. With permission from the forest department, you can trek here and camp in permitted areas.
- Gorson Bugyal(12.4 km): The Gorson Bugyal trek is the best camping site for trekkers in the Garhwal Himalayas. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views and the beauty of nature.
- Timmersain Mahadev(75.2 km): Situated in the Chamoli district line on the Joshimath-Niti Highway, this sacred cave resembles the Amarnath caves where the Shivling is naturally made from snow.
- Chanap Valley(17.2 km): The Chanap Valley is located in Thaing near Joshimath. It is a paradise in the foothills of Sona Shikhar summit, which you can reach by trekking. While on your way to the valley, you can also explore the Thaing village lifestyle.
- Niti Village(87.5 km): Niti Village is a beautiful hamlet in Uttarakhand with breathtaking views near the Indo-Tibetan border.
- Satopanth Glacier(100km): The Satopanth Glacier trek is a mesmerising trip to a daunting knife-like mountain surrounded by natural wonders. This is the mainstream where Alaknanda or Vishnu Ganga originates.
- Shri Hemkund Sahib(22 km): The holy trek of Shri Hemkund Sahib from Govindghat is a serene site where devotees come every year to get blessings of Tenth Guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
- Valley of Flowers(16.4 km): The trek to the Valley of Flowers is a rewarding tour. You can explore a variety of flora and enjoy seeing avifauna species.
Note:- In brackets of places distance from the Narsingh Temple, Joshimath is given.
Accommodations
Accommodations | Features | Price |
Blue Poppy Resort | Luxury stay, great service, all facilities, complimentary breakfast | Rs. 6000 |
Vashudev Homestay | Clean and comfortable rooms with services | Rs. 1800-2000 |
Morning Glory Camping and Trekking | Garden with picnic area, luxury tents, vegetarian meals, enjoy mountain blissful views with camping, parking available | Rs. 1500-2000 |
Hotel Tattva Resort | Beautiful ambience, comfortable stay, great service | Rs.6500 |
Dream Mountain Homestay ( Air bnb) | The ambience is good, with homely rooms, and all the facilities are available | Rs. 2500 |
GMVN – Narsingh Tourist Complex Joshimath | Clean rooms, room options available, best service with all amenities | Rs. 500-1500 |
How to Reach the Narsingh Temple Joshimath?
Roads are well-connected to the route of Joshimath. You can begin your journey from any location, including Rishikesh, Dehradun, or Haridwar. Delhi to Joshimath
- Royal Safari Buses India Travel bus is available for one time if you want to reach the destination directly.
- Direct cab services or rental cars are available from Delhi to Joshimath.
- Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate buses are available for Dehradun and Rishikesh which are the nearest locations to Joshimath.
- Take a direct cab or rental car to Joshimath.
- In between you can stop at the locations like Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Srinagar.
- The Narsingh Temple is in Joshimath at a distance of 2.6 m from the city centre.
By Airways The nearest airport to the Narsingh Temple Joshimath is in Dehradun that is Jauligrant or Jolly Grant Airport, at reaching here you need to travel through roadways to Joshimath. By Railways The closest railhead to Narsingh Temple Joshimath is Rishikesh Railway Station, and a few kilometres away is Haridwar Railway Station. After this, you need to travel via Road to Joshimath.
Destination (to Narsingh Temple, Joshimath or Jyotirmath) | Distance | Duration |
Delhi | 488 km vis NH388 & NH7 | Approx 12 hours |
Dehradun | 294 km via NH7 | More than 8 hours |
Haridwar | 271.8 km via NH7 | 7 hours 55 minutes |
Rishikesh | 248.9 km via NH7 | More than hours 7 hours |
Srinagar, Uttarakhand | 144.8 km via NH7 | 4 hours 30 minutes |
Rudraprayag | 112.7 km via NH7 | More than 3 hours 30 minutes |
Chamoli | 101.7 km | More than 3 hours |
Best Time to visit Narsingh Temple Joshimath
- Summer(March to June):
The summer is pleasant and warm making it the ideal season for travelling to Narsingh temple in Joshimath. The temperature ranges from 27℃ to 15℃ which is suitable for outdoor excursions around the town and trekking to different locations.
- Monsoon(July to September):
The area becomes inaccessible during heavy rainfall in the monsoon season. Joshimath, being a hilly region, is prone to landslides and road hazards. You can visit the temple, but cautious driving is required.
- Autumn(October to November):
With the end of post-monsoon showers, autumn arrives when the sky is brighter and the cool winds blow. This is also an appropriate time to visit Narsingh Temple of Joshimath.
- Winter(December to February):
Winters are shrill and cold, with snowfall. During this time, the area of Joshimath becomes snowy, but you can visit. However, the temple is closed in winter for six months.
Watch this video to see how Narsingh Temple of Joshimath looks like
Some Travel Tips by your Reliable – Travel Acharya
Before planning a trip to the Narsingh Temple of Joshimath or Jyotirmath, you must remember these key points jotted down below by your reliable travel agent – Travel Acharya:
- Joshimath is the Sacred seat of Lord Badrinath during the winter season and serves as a base for travelling to the popular Auli Ski Resort.
- Visit the Narsingh temple from April to November when the weather is warm and the sky is bright. Avoid travelling during the monsoon because of heavy rainfall; the area becomes slippery and prone to landslides.
- If you are planning to travel to Badrinath or Auli, book your accommodations in Joshimath. Here the room prices are lower as compared to Badrinath and Auli. Also, enjoy the panorama views of the Himalayas and the Sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga in Vishnuprayag.
- Carry cash with you, as ATMs and online payment facilities are not frequently available. Also, make sure you fuel up your vehicle.
- If you plan to travel to higher altitudes like Auli, where the temperature drops unexpectedly, keep warm clothes and woollen accessories with you.
- Trek lovers must try excursions like climbing Pangarchulla Peak, Kumari Pass, Valley of Flowers, Nanda Devi, and Shri Hemkund Yatra, which will invite you to explore appealing views of glaciers, summits, lush meadows, alpine vegetation, lakes, etc.
- Devotees who want to experience spiritual bliss must visit the temples and monasteries established by Hindu philosopher Shri Adi Shankaracharya in Joshimath. After visiting Narsingh temple, you can visit other religious sites like Shankaracharya Math, Kalpavriksha and Tapovan.
- Witness the divine ritual of shifting Badrinath idols to Narsingh temple, before winter arrives.
Want to book your next trip to Narsingh Temple, Joshimath? Travel Acharya is here to make your travel experience a beautiful memory. Contact us for our customized packages on the Narsingh Temple Tour that include the choice of itineraries to visit, sightseeing points, accommodations, transportation, meals and a friendly tour guide. Our years of experience are enough to ensure travel arrangements are optimal with safety measures. Hurry! click here to grab the best deals on the Narsingh Temple Tour and discover the temple mystics before it disappears.
FAQs
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What is the importance of Narsingh Temple in the Joshimath?
The Narsingh Temple belongs to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Lord Narsingh is half-lion, half-human and has three eyes. It is believed that the Lord has visited this place and holds the importance of one of Sapta Badri.
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What are the timings of the Narsingh temple?
Temple Opening Time: 4.30 AM Closing Time: 7.30 PM
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Are there any fees for entering the Narsingh temple?
No, anyone can freely visit the temple.
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Is photography allowed in the Narsingh Temple?
No, taking photos is not allowed inside the temple sanctum.
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Which festivals are celebrated in Narsingh temple?
Holi, Basant Panchami, Shri Narsingh Jayanti, Makar Sankranti, Janmashtami, Dussehra, and Diwali are festivals that are enthusiastically celebrated.
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What is the decorum of visiting Narsingh temple in Joshimath?
Be humble and dress in decent clothes. Follow the norms of the temple and respect religious beliefs.