The Bhadraj Temple holds a distinguished status among the temples in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. It was built a long time ago, after the Mahabharata war in a period called the Dwapara Yuga. This temple is dedicated to Lord Balram, who is also known by names like Halayudha, Haladhara, Balabhadra, Sankarshana, and Baladeva. Lord Balram is considered the older brother of Lord Krishna.
Worships and Beliefs about temple
The Bhadraj Temple is connected to the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Balram. People believe that worshippers receive similar blessings here as they do at the Badrinath Temple. The Bhadraj Temple was reconstructed over time, graciously using white marble instead of its original wooden structure. This change not only adds to the temple’s beauty but also represents purity.
People have been offering ghee, butter, and milk to Lord Balram for a long time. This special offering is considered valuable and is the preferred choice of Lord Balram. The idol of Lord Balram is cleansed with milk as part of a ritual.
History & Mythological significance of Bhadraj temple
The Bhadraj Temple was built by the local villagers of Matogi village in Binhar. The temple’s story is quite interesting. After the Mahabharata war, Lord Balram decided to leave his kingdom and go on a journey for expiation. During his travels, he reached a place where he noticed the genuine affection that the people had for their cattle.
Impressed by this, Lord Balram chose to meditate there and formed a deep connection with the villagers. When the time came for him to leave after spending many years with the community, the villagers, showing their deep respect and love, requested him not to go. In response, Lord Balram promised to come back in the form of a statue to take care of the people and their cattle.
Many years later, a villager named Nandu Mehra was on a journey when he heard a voice guiding him to dig at a specific spot. Feeling startled, Nandu Mehra started to dig and, to his surprise, uncovered the statue of Lord Balram.
The voice then instructed Nandu to carry the statue to the hilltop and place it where he felt it was the heaviest during the journey. Initially light, the statue became progressively heavier as Nandu climbed the hill. Finally, he put it at the spot where it felt the heaviest. This location is now known as the Bhadraj Temple.
Insights into the Bhadraj Idol
This story reinforces why Uttarakhand is actually called Devbhoomi .In the past, a British officer came to a village and asked for milk. The villagers refused because it was a time of worship, and they were cleansing the main stone idol of Lord Balram with milk.
The officer got angry and broke the statue, causing Bhadraj’s idol hand to fragment. After that, the British family went through difficult times, and the officer and his two children passed away. It was only when the officer’s wife recognized her husband’s mistake that she visited the site to apologize.
Timings and entry fee
About 11 kilometers from Cloud End, there’s a lovely place to visit. You can enjoy its beauty from 5 am to 12 pm and again from 4 pm to 9 pm. The best part is, there’s no entry fee – everyone can visit for free.
- Location – 11 Km from Cloud end
- Timings: From 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.
- Entry fee: Free entry for all
Bhadraj temple as a tourist attraction
The Bhadraj Temple is on the highest hill in Mussoorie, providing a stunning view of Chakrata, Dehradun, and Jaunsar. Along the way to the temple, visitors can enjoy beautiful flowers, shining clouds, a peaceful pond, and many other lovely sights.
The area around Bhadraj Temple has stunning views, providing a peaceful and serene experience. This makes it a popular choice for both devotees and tourists. Many people prefer taking the trekking route to fully enjoy the beauty they encounter along the way.
Every year, from the 15th to the 17th of August, the Bhadraj Temple committee hosts a big fair (Mela). Many devotees and tourists come to the fair, creating a strong bond with cultural traditions. The fair is a break from the usual busy life, allowing people to enjoy cultural celebrations and take a break from their daily routines.
Best time to visit Bhadraj temple
The optimal time for a visit is from May to August, as it showcases the genuine splendor of nature and establishes a deeper connection with its vibrant colors. Visiting in winter can pose challenges due to the cold weather and snowfall, while the monsoon season presents difficulties with heavy rain, increasing the risk of landslides and making access more challenging.
Considerations before Visiting Bhadraj Temple:
- Preferably avoid using four-wheeled vehicles as the terrain is more suited for trekking, and using cars may pose difficulties.
- Refrain from entering the temple premises if you have consumed non-vegetarian food. Non-vegetarian consumption is strictly prohibited in the area.
- Even during the summer season, be prepared for changing weather conditions by carrying woolen clothes and an umbrella due to unpredictable monsoons.
- When trekking, bring your own food and water, as there are limited shopping facilities available in the vicinity.
- Please refrain from littering, as it can adversely impact the local nature and environment. Ensure you carry your garbage with you for proper disposal.
How to reach Bhadraj Temple
Temple Address – Bhadraj temple, Mussoorie Road, Barlow Ganj, Mussorie Range, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248122, India
Latitude – 30.436494955366207 N, Longitude – 78.07743542467382 E
Visitors have two primary options to reach Bhadraj Temple, trekking or vehicular transport.
Trekking Route:
- Start the trek from the Cloud End.
- Trek a total of 11 km, including a 3 km stretch to Dudhli village, known as the milkman’s trail.
- From Dudhli, continue the trek for an additional 8 km to reach Bhadraj Temple.
Vehicle Route:
- Alternatively, visitors can choose to use a vehicle to reach Bhadraj Temple.
Both options offer unique experiences, and you can choose the one that suits your preferences and abilities.
Visitors have the option to stay at Dudhli village by setting up their camp, allowing them to immerse themselves in the mysterious ambiance of the village and experience the unique environment of the area.
For individuals traveling from outside Uttarakhand, the following transportation options are available.
By Train:
- Board a train from either Haridwar station or Dehradun station.
- Upon reaching Haridwar station, utilize public transport to reach Dehradun.
By Air:
- Arrive at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
- From Dehradun airport, accessible public transport and cab services are available to reach Dehradun city.
- In Dehradun city, travelers can find additional public transport options to reach Mussoorie.
From Dehradun, various transportation options such as taxis, buses, and cabs are available for the journey to Mussoorie.
FAQ about Bhadraj Temple
The Bhadraj Temple holds a distinguished status in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Balram, it was built after the Mahabharata war during the Dwapara Yuga.
The temple is connected to the Badrinath Temple, and it’s believed that worshippers receive similar blessings. Devotees offer ghee, butter, and milk to Lord Balram, and the temple was reconstructed using white marble, symbolizing purity.
The Bhadraj Idol story reflects the consequences faced by a British officer who destroyed the statue. The officer’s family suffered, and it was only when the officer’s wife acknowledged the mistake and apologized that the hardships ceased.
The temple is open from 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm. There is no entry fee; it’s free for all visitors.
Situated on the highest hill in Mussoorie, the temple offers a stunning view of Chakrata, Dehradun, and Jaunsar. The journey is adorned with beautiful flowers, shining clouds, and a serene pond.
The Bhadraj Temple committee hosts a grand fair from the 15th to the 17th of August each year, attracting a significant congregation of devotees and tourists.
The optimal time is from May to August to experience nature’s beauty. Winter and monsoon seasons may pose challenges due to cold weather, snowfall, and heavy rain.
Visitors can reach the temple via trekking or vehicular transport. The trek starts from the Cloud End, covering 11 km. Alternatively, one can use a vehicle to reach the temple. Staying at Dudhli village is an option for those seeking a unique experience.
