Located in the western part of Mussoorie, Bhadraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Balram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. This ancient temple is not only a spiritual destination but also a popular spot for trekking enthusiasts. The 11-kilometer trek to the temple, known as the "Doodhwale Ka Rasta" (The Milkman’s Path), starts from Clouds End and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Situated at the top of a hill, the temple provides panoramic views of the Doon Valley, Jaunsar Bawar, and the Chakrata Range. Devotees believe that prayers offered here have a similar effect as those at the revered Badrinath Temple. Many devotees visit the temple to offer milk, ghee, and butter to the idol of Lord Balram, which is traditionally purified with milk. The temple attracts thousands of visitors every year during the grand fair held between 15th to 17th August, where people gather to pray and celebrate local culture and traditions.
Bhadraj Temple
Bhadraj Temple is a prominent religious site located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Lord Balram, also known as Halayudh, Baldev, Haladhar, and Shankarshan, who is the elder brother of Lord Krishna. The temple has historical significance, as it was established after the Mahabharata War in the Dwapar Yuga.
Bhadraj Temple is often considered a counterpart to the Badrinath Temple, as it is believed that devotees receive the same blessings here that they would at Badrinath. Over time, the temple was renovated with white marble, which enhances its beauty and symbolizes purity.
History and Mythology of Bhadraj Temple
The story behind the establishment of Bhadraj Temple is rooted in mythology. After the Mahabharata War, Lord Balram left his kingdom and set out for meditation. During his journey, he arrived at a place where the local villagers' deep affection for their cattle caught his attention. Here, he decided to meditate and spend time with the people, who soon grew fond of him. Before leaving, Lord Balram promised the villagers that he would return in the form of a statue to continue caring for them and their animals.
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Years later, a villager named Nandu Mehra was digging the ground when he heard a voice instructing him to dig further. To his surprise, he uncovered an idol of Lord Balram. The voice told him to take the idol to the hilltop and place it where it became heavy. Nandu carried the idol to the hilltop, and as the voice directed, he placed it at the location where it felt heavy. This spot eventually became the location of the present-day Bhadraj Temple.
Lord Bhadraj as the Protector of Livestock
According to another legend, Lord Bhadraj is believed to be the deity of shepherds in the regions of Pichwadun, Mussoorie, and Jaunsar. The myth goes that during the Dwapar Yuga, when Lord Balram, disguised as a sage, passed through this area, a terrible disease was affecting the livestock. The villagers requested him to cure their animals, and in return, they offered him their gratitude and worship. Lord Balram blessed the villagers, and it is said that in the Kalyug, he would reside here as Lord Bhadraj in the temple.
The Broken Hand of the Bhadraj Idol
A significant historical incident involving the temple occurred during British rule. A British officer once visited the village and asked for milk. However, the villagers refused to give him milk becausAe it was the time of worship, during which the statue of Lord Balram was cleaned with milk. In a fit of anger, the officer damaged the statue's hand. Later, the officer and his two children suffered great misfortunes, and it is believed that the officer's wife later came to the temple to seek forgiveness for her husband's actions.
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The Appeal of Bhadraj Temple
The Bhadraj Temple offers one of the most scenic views in Mussoorie. Located at the top of a hill, it provides visitors with a stunning view of Dehradun, Chakrata, and Jaunsar. The trek to the temple is through beautiful landscapes, with lush flowers, shining clouds, and picturesque ponds along the way. This natural beauty adds to the temple's allure, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and serenity while enjoying nature.
Apart from the spiritual significance, the temple is famous for the grand fair that takes place between 15th to 17th August each year. This fair attracts a large number of devotees who gather to participate in prayers and celebrate the local culture and traditions. The fair provides a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and allows visitors to experience the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
How to Reach Bhadraj Temple
To reach Bhadraj Temple, visitors can choose between trekking or taking a vehicle. The 11-kilometer trek starts from Clouds End, passing through Doodhli Village, which is approximately 3 kilometers away, and continues towards the temple. The last 8 kilometers are an uphill trek to the temple, and camping is also possible in Doodhli Village.
For those coming from outside Uttarakhand, the following transport options are available:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, visitors can take public transport or hire a taxi to reach Mussoorie.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are Haridwar and Dehradun. From either station, visitors can take a taxi, bus, or cab to Mussoorie.
Bhadraj Temple in Mussoorie is a unique blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're a devotee seeking divine blessings, a nature lover looking for tranquility, or an adventure enthusiast ready for a trek, Bhadraj Temple offers something for everyone. Its breathtaking views, historical significance, and serene atmosphere make it an unforgettable destination for all who visit.
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Q&A related to Bhadraj Temple:
1. Where is Bhadraj Temple located?
Bhadraj Temple is located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, on the western hills, offering stunning views of the Doon Valley, Jaunsar Bawar, and the Chakarata range.
2. What is the significance of Bhadraj Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Balram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. It holds religious importance for locals and pilgrims, who believe that prayers here are as powerful as those offered at the Badrinath Temple.
3. How can I reach Bhadraj Temple?
You can reach Bhadraj Temple by trekking or by vehicle. The 11 km trek starts from Clouds End and passes through the scenic "Doodhwala ka Rasta" leading up to the temple. If you're not into trekking, you can reach nearby by car and then take a short hike to the temple.
4. What is the history of Bhadraj Temple?
Bhadraj Temple has its roots in the Mahabharata era. After the great war, Lord Balram is believed to have meditated at this site. The temple was built later by local villagers, and its idol was found after divine intervention by a villager named Nandu Mehra.
5. What are the rituals at Bhadraj Temple?
Devotees offer milk, ghee, and butter to the idol of Lord Balram as part of their prayers. The temple’s rituals are known for their spiritual significance, and it is believed that offerings purify the devotee’s soul.
6. Is there an annual fair at Bhadraj Temple?
Yes, Bhadraj Temple hosts an annual fair every year between August 15-17. Thousands of pilgrims come to take part in the celebrations and enjoy local traditions.
7. What are the views from Bhadraj Temple?
The temple is located at a high altitude, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Doon Valley, Jaunsar Bawar, and the Chakarata range, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
8. Can I camp on the way to Bhadraj Temple?
Yes, you can camp at Doodhli Village, which is part of the trek route to the temple. The area offers a peaceful environment for camping amidst nature.
9. Why is the idol at Bhadraj Temple broken?
The idol's hand is broken due to an incident with a British officer who destroyed the idol out of anger. As a result, the officer faced severe consequences, and the incident has since become a symbol of justice and retribution.
10. Why is Bhadraj Temple important for pilgrims?
Pilgrims consider Bhadraj Temple a sacred place, as prayers here are believed to be answered, similar to those offered at other revered temples like Badrinath. The temple also holds deep significance for locals as the guardian of cattle.
11. What is the best time to visit Bhadraj Temple?
The best time to visit Bhadraj Temple is from March to June and September to December, as the weather remains pleasant for trekking. Avoid the monsoon season due to slippery trails.
12. What are the nearby attractions to Bhadraj Temple?
Nearby attractions include the Mussoorie Lake, Camel's Back Road, Kempty Falls, and Gun Hill, all of which offer scenic views and are perfect for tourists visiting the area.
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This entire article was originally written by Deepak Bisht for wegarhwali.com. With his permission, it has been translated into English. If you find any errors, please feel free to let us know. :)