A hidden treasure situated in the hills of Mussoorie is a paradise for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. Located at the hilltop of Bhadraj Hill, the temple is situated at a height of 7500ft or 2450 metres above sea level. Bhadraj Temple is a pilgrimage site that offers peaceful surroundings, breathtaking views, and spiritual solace. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, also known as Balram, the elder brother of lord Shri Krishna. Bhadraj Temple is believed to be a part of Badrinath Temple. It is believed that pilgrims visiting the Bhadraj temple seek the same blessing as the pilgrims visiting the Badrinath temple. Pilgrims visiting the temple are granted their wishes. It offers panoramic views of Doon valley, Chakrata ranges, and Shivalik ranges. The journey to the temple can be done by trekking up to the top of the hill, and the trek takes you through dense forests and verdant meadows.
Historical and Mythological Significance
The history and Mythological significance of the Bhadraj temple is deeply rooted and rich in spirituality. According to locals, this is the place where Lord Balram meditated for years. Hence, the temple became a place for devotion and spirituality for centuries. The temple is known for its stone carvings, modern yet traditional, in an ancient style. The idols of lord Balbhadra and lord balram are the main deities that are worshipped here. The temple was constructed in the Dwapara yug after the great Mahabharata war. When the war ended, all the gods, kings, and soldiers left for their places of worship, and lord balram also started his journey of penance and ended up in this beautiful location where he was mesmerised by the people of Binhar, in the way they treated cows with respect and their hospitality. After meditating here for quite a long time, he left for Badrinath after his penance. Before going away, he promised the people to take care of them in the form of a stone. After a few years, a person named Nandu Mehra heard a voice that was asking him to take him out while the person was digging up some ayurvedic medicines at the banks of the river Yamuna. The person got scared and asked his friends to join him, and then they found the statue of Lord Balram. Another voice instructed him to carry the statue to a high altitude and advised him to place the statue where it will feel the heaviest.
How to reach Bhadraj Temple?
Trekking to the Bhadraj temple can be done in a day or two. We recommend that you take two days and camp there to make the most of your visit. To reach the Bhadraj temple, you’ll have to come to Mussorie first, and from there, the trekking journey starts to the temple, as the place is not connected by road. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reach the Bhadraj temple:
- After reaching Mussorie, start your journey towards the Cloud ends. It’s about 7-8 kilometres from Mussorie and you can go there by hiring a taxi or a local bus.
- After reaching Cloud end, take the cemented trail leading upwards into dense forest.
- Keep following the trail and you’ll end up at the Cloud End hotel. Cloud End is a famous picnic spot, and you can even camp here.
- From the cloud end to Dhudli, the distance is 3 km. You’ll see multiple trails on your way leading to Dhudhli.
- After reaching Dhudhli, look for a shop named “dukan” and get your eatables from there.
- From Dudhli, take the trail leading to the second ridge of Bhadraj Forest.
- After trekking for a few hundred kilometres, the trek forks again, take the ascending trail. Then you will be able to see signs with details of the distance to the Bhadraj temple.
- The trek becomes difficult from here as a rocky trail comes for about one and a half kilometres.
- After this stretch, you enter the upper Bhadraj forest, and from here, only one hour of the trek remains, which is about two kilometres. You can spot some camping sites here and there, and a rain shelter appears.
- From there, a last winding trail can be observed leading to the temple.
Best Time to Visit Bhadraj Temple
The best time to visit Bhadraj temple is the pre-monsoon summer months, i.e, April to June, and post-monsoon from September to October, as the weather is pleasant and the trail is scenic, providing a vibrant atmosphere. Avoid going during monsoon due to landslides and slippery surfaces. Another good time to visit the temple is during the month when there is a famous fair that attracts a lot of devotees and tourists alike.
Tips for Visiting the Bhadraj Temple
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes while trekking. The trail can be steep and slippery, so it is necessary to wear good gripping shoes.
- Start as early as possible to avoid the daytime heat and crowds.
- Keep yourself hydrated and stuffed with food as the trek can be challenging.
- Carry essentials like eatables, trekking gear, and necessary first aid kits.
Places to visit near Bhadraj Temple
- Kempty Falls: 17 kilometres away from Bhadraj temple lies a stunning natural wonder known as Kempty Falls, which is a suitable place to find peace and tranquillity in the hills. It’s around 25 kilometres from Mussorie. The fall has a natural pool at its base, which attracts a lot of tourists during the summer season.
- Lal Tibba: Lal Tibba is around 22 km away from Badraj temple and is the highest peak of Mussorie, situated at an altitude of 7500 ft. The place offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
- Company Garden: Around 15 km away from the Bhadraj temple lies a stunning garden known as Company Garden, where you can enjoy activities like boating, visit a wax museum,, and enjoy its amusement parks. The garden has several plants and flowers decorated all around, which makes the whole experience prettier.
- Gun Hill: Gun Hill is located around 28 km away from the Bhadraj temple. To make your experience adventurous, take a cable car ride to Gun Hill and enjoy the scenic view of Doon Valley and the surrounding Himalayan ranges from afar.
- Cloud end: Cloud end is a serene and peaceful place near the Bhadraj temple. You can camp here for a night to make your journey memorable. It’s located at the end of Mussroie and offers a peaceful environment where you can enjoy bird watching and simply stroll in nature amidst the natural environment.
Conclusion: Bhadraj Temple
Visiting the Bhadraj temple should be on your bucket list if you are someone who is looking to spend some peaceful time amidst nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Trekking upto Bhadraj temple is considered moderately easy and can be done in two days. The place has something to offer for every kind of traveller, whether you are going here for spirituality or as a nature enthusiast. The place is here to leave you spellbound with its unique charm and stunning location at the top of Bhadraj Hill, and if time allows, do not forget to visit places nearby to make the most of your visit. For more such articles, follow Uttarakhand Magazine.
