Temples in Joshimath
Naraslmhadeva Temple
In this temple is a Deity of Lord Narasianna, which is self-manifested from a shalagram-shila. He is about ten inches high and remarkably detailed, sitting in a lotus position. To the right of Lord Narasimha are Sita, Rama, Hanuman, and Garuda. Against the left wall is a deity of Chandika, which is another name for Kali. On the altar to the right of Lord Narasimha are deities of Kubera, Uddhava, and Badri Vishal. There is an altar for Laksmi Devi just outside the door of the temple.
Sankaracarya is said to have installed this Narasimha Shaligram. The left wrist of Narasiamha is incredibly thin and gets thinner every day. It is said that when Kali-yuga overtakes the world, the wrist (arm) will break and the mountains Jaya and Vijaya (near Vishnu Prayag) will collapse and block the present road to Badrinath. The new Badrinath will be relocated at Bhavisya Badri, about 23 km southeast of Joshimath.
If you want to get a good view of Lord Narasimhadeva's wrist you can come when He is bathed between 7.30 and 8.30 in the morning.
This temple is said to be over 1200 years old. This temple and the Vasudeva Temple, just thirty yards away, are located in the bottom part of the town, about a three minute walk from the Kedar Holy Home Guest House. Everyone knows where this temple is located.
Vasudeva Temple
This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, recognized by the Tamil Nadu Vaishnava saints as being a very important Vishnu temples. The black carved stone Deity of Lord Vasudeva is about six feet tall. He stands with His associates Sri, Bhu, Nila, and Kama. This temple is about thirty yards from the Narasimhadeva Temple. To the left of the main entrance is a deity of dancing Ganesh, which is said to be one of only two such deities in India. This temple is very ancient, and no one knows exact how old it is.
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