Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple is a 15th-century Hindu shrine located within the historic Kamru Fort in Kamru village, Sangla Valley, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Badri Vishal (Vishnu), it is considered the presiding deity of the region and was integral to the coronation rituals of Bushahr kings. The temple hosts a fair once every three years where the deity's idol is taken in procession to Gangotri. It remains an active religious site with strict entry rules.

Visitors can expect to see an ancient wooden and stone temple situated inside the five-storey Kamru Fort complex. Access requires a steep uphill walk of approximately 30 minutes from the main road. Entry is restricted to those maintaining ritual purity; leather items are prohibited, and traditional Kinnauri attire (cap and waistband) must be worn, often available at the gate. Visitors can observe intricate wood carvings and participate in or witness local religious traditions if visiting during festivals like Faguli.

Dating back to the 15th century, this temple served as the spiritual center for the Bushahr princely state. Newly crowned kings were required to visit within six months to complete their coronation before Lord Badri Vishal. The deity is believed to have arrived from Badrinath Dham via Tibet and Chitkul during Satyug and is considered the brother of the Uttarakhand Badrinath deity.

The temple is central to Kinnauri cultural identity, hosting the Faguli festival which marks the beginning of Holi celebrations in the region. The deity is worshipped in three forms, with the Ashtapuri form visible only annually. Local beliefs hold that the deity protects the valley from natural disasters and ensures agricultural prosperity.