The origin of Badrinath name.

The other name of Lord Vishnu is Sri Badrinath. The mythological story behind the choosing of this Badri valley as the abode  of Lord Vishnu and subsequently the another name of Vishnu after this valley has an interesting story behind.

The lord Vishnu was taking rest on His Sesha on the Krishsagar whilst Laxmi caressed His feet. Narad Muni on viewing this luxurious way of life expressed his displeasure.  Lord Vishnu was hurt and disappeared into Himalayas and sent Laxmi to Nagkanyas (sea maids).   The Lord Vishnu fed himself with wild berries (badri). He assumed the meditating form of yogdhyani for several years. After a long period when Laxmi returned to find Lord Vishnu meditating in the Badrivan , Laxmi addressed the lord Vishnu as Badrinath. Laxmi requested to give up the yogdhyani posture and return back to His original sringaric form. Lord Visnu accepted the requested left that sacred place to be named as Badrinath.

Lord Vishnu put three conditions to mankind to follow:

The Badrinath valley shall remain for meditation & worshipping and prohibition of worldly pleasure.

 The lord Vishnu shall be worshipped in both of the forms of yogdhyani and sringaric. The Gods shall worship Him in yogdhyanic form whereas the mortals shall worship him in sringaric form.

 The sitting position of Laxmi shall be left hand side for yogdhyani form and right for sringaric form.

In hindu tradition, the wife usually sits on the left. When Laxmi is placed on the right, the depiction of sitting posture has a meaning. Here, the lord Vishnu and Laxmi are worshipped as separate God and Goddess respectively and not as divine couple. This is the very reason why the Rawal (Main Badrinat priest) must not be married.

The three conditions laid down by the lord Vishnu have been strictly adhered to down the ages from Satyug till today. The lord Vishnu is worshipped by pilgrims during summers whereas during winters the lord Vishnu is worshipped by devas and sages.