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Panch Shilas
The five blocks of stones around the Tapta Kund are the Narad, Narsingh, Varaha, Garur, and Markandey Shilas.

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Panch Shilas, Badrinath, UttarakhandThere are five blocks of stones around the Tapta Kund called the Narad Shila, Narsingh Shila, Varaha Shila, Garur Shila and the Markandey Shila. All these five Shilas are revered of mythological importance. Narad Shila is where the sage Narad meditated for several years and the conical shaped stone is standing in the midst of the Tapta Kund and the Narad Kund.

The Narsingh Shila is located just below the Narad Shila in the waters of Alaknanda; after killing Hiranyakashyap, Lord Narsimha chose to remain in the water to relieve his anger. He never left the icy waters where he stayed behind forever as a block of stone. From the other side of the river, the wide open jaws and hooked claws are clearly visible, which resembles clearly like a lion.

Also near the Narad Kund, the Varaha Shila is too in the Alaknanda. The boar shaped Shila which is said to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, too choose to stay in the icy water.

Garuda or Garur, Vishnu`s mount desiring to be always with the Lord Vishnu fasted and meditated on this stone near the Tapta Kund. It is called Garur Shila.

The saint Narad advised Markandey to visit Badrivan. He did so and meditated on this Shila barely visible in the flowing waters of the Alaknanda. With the blessings of Sri Badrinath, Markandey attained `Param Shanti. `


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