Narsingh Temple is one of the famous temples in beautiful Joshimath in the Lower Bazaar area of Joshimath. It is famous as a part of Sapt Badri. The other name for the Narsingh temple is the Narsingh Badri temple. The diety of this temple is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu that is Narsimha Avatar in the form of half lion and half man. It is believed that the establishment of this beautiful temple was done by Adi Shankaracharya. The idol of Lord Narsimha is made of the stone of Shaligram. It is the same temple where Badrivishal rests during winters. The idol of the sacred Badrinath temple is taken to Narsingh temple by the priest of Badrinath during winters. Badrinath idol is then placed along with Narsingh idol. there is a prophecy that a devastating landslide will occur in the area at the end of KalYug and will block the route to Badrinath.
There is a strong belief that when the right arm of the Narsingh idol in the Narsingh temple falls. As per the legends and prophets after the Kalyug in Satyug Badrinath will transfer his seat to Bhavishya Badri, a temple located at around 20kms from Joshimath. One can visit this temple for darshan between 6 AM to 7:30 pm. Attend some beautiful festivals that are celebrated at Narsingh temple in Joshimath like- Narsingh Jayanti- it is celebrated as on this day when Lord Vishnu appeared in his half-human and half-lion from popular as Lord Narsingh. This festival falls on the Shukla Chaturdashi in the month of Vaisakh, Holi- a Hindu festival that relates with the story of Lord Narsingh saving his devotee Prahlad from Holika. When Holika sat in the fire with Prahlad on his father’s order. She was burnt off while Prahlad came out alive. This Holi festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with colours. It is celebrated to signify Lord Vishnu’s win over Hiranyakashyap.
Narsingh temple has a history of almost 1200 years and was home to a sage named Badri Nath. The idol that sits inside was built during the reign of LalitadityaYukka in the 8th century. Lord Vishnu appeared in Narsimha avatar to kill the arrogant demon Hiranyakashyap. The tale related to it isthat Lord Narsing saved one of his devotee Prahlad from the tyranny of his father. Lord Narsingh then took the life of the demon HIranyakashyap.
How to reach
By Air
The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun that is located at a distance of around 272kms away from Joshimath. After reaching the airport one can hire a taxi or avail bus service to reach Joshimath.
By Train
The nearest railway station is the Dehradun and Rishikesh railway station located at a distance of around 294kms and 256kms respectively. After reaching the railway station one can hire a cab or avail bus service to reach Joshimath.
By Road
One can reach Joshimath by availing bus service to reach Joshimath. The Narsingh temple is within walking distance from the Joshimath bus stop. The tour to Narsingh Badri begins from Haridwar passing through the Rishikesh-Devprayag-Rudraprayag-Karnaprayag-Joshimath-Narsingh temple. Apart from visiting the Narsingh temple, one can visit some nearby places in your Uttarakhand Tour that are truly worth visiting-
Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is the confluence of the river Alaknanda fand Mandakini in the state of Uttarkhand. It is the fourth in the PanchPrayag. This place is home to several Shiva temple. This confluence is around 115kms away from Narsingh temple.
Vasudeva Temple
Vasudeva temple houses the deity of the temple is Vasudeva whose idol is carved out of black stone and is 6 feet high. This temple is some 30 yards from the Narsimha temple. It was considered very sacred by the Tamil Vaishnavite saints known as Alvars. The presiding deity is Vasudeva who is identified with Vishnu.
Ther are a lot of accommodation available near Narsingh temples like- Super 8 temple, Country Inn & Suites, and Temple Travelodge.
Visit this temple in the summer season between April and May. Avoid visiting in the monsoon months- July and ‘august as the entire area remains susceptible to unexpected weather changes. One can even pay a visit in the winter months that is between October and November when the idol of Lord Badri is brought here to this temple.
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