Treks by
May to June and September to October
By Road: Badrinath is accessible via NH-7 from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Joshimath. Daily buses and taxis are available from major towns. By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 310 km). From there, drive or take a bus via Rishikesh and Joshimath. By Rail: Nearest major railway stations are Rishikesh (295 km) and Haridwar (320 km). Continue by road to Badrinath. From Badrinath Temple: Brahma Kapal is just a 2–5 minute walk north along the river.
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3,133 meters
Brahma Kapal is a sacred ghat located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, just a few meters north of the famous Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand. This revered place holds immense significance in Hindu traditions as a moksha-sthal (मोक्ष स्थल) where shraddh and pind daan rituals are performed for the salvation of ancestors.
Brahma Kapal According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Shiva severed the fifth head of Lord Brahma, and thus the spot came to be known as "Brahma Kapal" (literally meaning Brahma's forehead). It is believed that Lord Brahma resides here, and rituals conducted at this site are more effective in granting moksha (liberation) to the souls of the deceased.
Brahma Kapal holds immense spiritual and mythological importance in Hinduism. According to ancient scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, this site marks the place where Lord Shiva destroyed the fifth head of Lord Brahma, and as penance, Lord Brahma meditated here. The name "Brahma Kapal" signifies Brahma's skull/forehead. Since then, this place has been revered for pind daan (ancestral offerings) and is believed to grant moksha (liberation) to souls when the rituals are performed here.