Jyotirmath is a city and a municipal board in Chamoli District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is known for one of the four cardinal pithas established by Adi Shankaracharya.
Location of Jyotirmath
Jyotirmath is located close to the pilgrimage town of Badrinath. It became inactive in the early 19th century. However later in 1940 the formal occupation of the matha was restarted with the support of the heads of some of the other mathas. The current head or Shankaracharya is Svarupananda Sarasvati who is also head of the Dwaraka matha. The other two claimants are Vasudevananda Sarasvati and Madhavasrama.
Demography of Jyotirmath
Joshimath had a population of 13,202. It was recorded according to the population census in the year 2001. The males constitute 61% of the population and females 39%. Joshimath has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 67%. In Joshimath, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Matha of Jyotirmath
Jyotirmath is one of the four prime institutions established by Adi Shankaracharya. It is the uttaramnaya matha or northern monastery. The other three mathas are located at Sringeri, Puri and Dwaraka. Their heads are titled "Shankaracharya". According to the tradition initiated by Adi Shankara, this matha is in charge of the Atharva Veda.
Tourism in Jyotirmath
Jyotirmath has a number of pilgrimage tourist destinations. Some of the tourists destinations are the Shankaracharya Math, Narasingh Temple, Bhavishya Kedar Temple, Bhavishya Kedar Temple, Tapovan, Ropeway and Kalpeshwer.
Shankaracharya Math
This is the math established by Adi Shankaracharya in North India. The Math is having temple of Badrinarayan and Rajrajeshwari Devi. It has a sacred cave where Adi Shankaracharya supposedly undertook tapasya.
Narsinha Temple
This is an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu in Narsinh Avtar and main temple of Joshimath. It has idol of Lord Narsinh, which is considered established by Shankaracharya. As per local belief, the right hand of this idol has become as thin as hair. On the day when it will break, the mountains Jay-Vijay shall join and become one and Lord Badrinath of Badrinath temple will disappear from present temple and re-appear as black stone (Shaligram) at new place called Bhavishya Badri, which is situated at a distance of 10 km from Joshimath. When Badrinath temple remains closed during winter every year, one idol of Lord Badri is brought to Narsingh temple and worshiped for six months.
Bhavishya Kedar Temple
As Per local belief, present Kedarnath will disappear along with Badrinath and re-appear in Bhavishya Kedar temple at Joshimath. This temple has small Shivlinga.
Tapovan
Tapovan is situated 10 km from Joshimath. It has natural hot water springs. It has nice view of river Dhauliganga.
Ropeway
A Ropeway to Auli is popular among tourists and one of the longest ropeways in Asia. It is open only during the winter season and costs more than Rs. 700 for a journey.
Gari Bhawani Temple
Gari Bhawani Temple is a beautiful temple is located 6 km away from Joshimath main town toward Rishikesh highway.
