Temples: history, architecture and distribution

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<b>Badrinath Temple</b>
Srimad Bhagvatam has explained the significance of the temple and the glory of Shri Badri Narayan. However, the history and origins of the temple have not been well recorded with due authenticity. The Kings of Garhwal built the present structure of the temple about two centuries ago.

<b>Certain beliefs consider this image to be that of the Buddha (given the seated posture and the placement of the arms). Local legends say that the original temple was desecrated by Buddhists and the image thrown into Narad Kund, near river Alaknanda, to be retrieved later by Adi Sankara. The image was then restored to its original position and protocols of worship were established. </b>
Legends associated with this temple:

Maha Vishnu is believed to have done his penance in this place. Seeing the Lord doing his penance in the open, Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed to have assumed the form of Badri (elandai) tree to provide him shelter to face the onslaught of the weather conditions, hence the name of Badri Narayan.

Legend has it that Lord Vishnu identified Nar & Naryan forms to be of his own to Narad Rishi. Narad Rishi did his penance here and is believed to be worshipping these forms of supreme God with the Ashtakshara mantra even now.

http://www.upportal.com/tourism/badri_history.asp