When the Ganga was requested to descend to earth to help suffering humanity, the earth was unable to withstand the force of its descent. Therefore the mighty Ganaga was split into twelve holy channels. Alaknanda was one of them that later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.

On the right bank of Alaknanda lies the sacred spot perched at an altitude of 3,133 metres above the sea level.