Narsingh Temple

Narsingh Temple is devoted to Lord Narsingh, the 4th incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu. It is believed that Saint Shri Badrinath used to live in this temple during winters. The statue of Lord Narsingh enshrined in this temple is getting smaller gradually.

This deity’s left wrist is very thin and is getting thinner with every passing day. According to beliefs, the day the wrist separates from the forearm, the road to Badrinath will be blocked permanently due to a landslide.

History :

Between 7th and 11th centuries C.E., katyuri king ,who were originally from Joshimath, ruled the area of varying extent from their capital at "Katyur" (modern day Bajnath) valley in Kumaon. The Katyuri dynasty was founded by Vashudev Katyuri. The ancient Basdeo temple at Joshimath is attributed to Vasu Dev. Vasu Dev was of Buddhist origin, but later followed Brahminical practices and the brahminical practices of Katyuri kings in general is sometimes attributed to a vigorous campaign of Adi Shankara (788-820 CE). Katyuri kings were displaced by the chand King in the 11th century AD.

Religious Significance:

Jyotirmath is the uttarāmnāya Matha  or northern monastery, one of the four cardinal institutions established by Adi Shankara, the others being those at Shringeri, Puri and Dwarka. Their heads are titled "Shankaracharya". According to the tradition initiated by Adi Shankara, this matha is in charge of the Atharvaveda. Jyotirmath is close to the pilgrimage town of Badrinath. This place can be a base station for travellers going to Guru Gobind Ghat or the Valley of flowers national park . The temple Narasimha, is enshrined Badrinarayan along with a pantheon of deities. The presiding deity Lord Narasimha is believed to have been established by Adi Sankara. It is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 Tamil poet-saints or Alvar.