Panch Shilas

There are five Shilas (stones) of mythological importance around the Tapt Kund- Narad, Narsimh, Barah, Garur & Markandeya Shilas. Narad Shila, the rock where sage Narad meditated for several years, stands between Tapt kund and Narad Kund. Narsimh Shila, a huge stone looking like a lion, is standing in the waters of Alaknanda just below the Narad Shila which is believed to be the symbol of the 'Narsimhavatar' of Lord Vishnu. Barah Shila stands in the shape of boar near the Narad Kund which is believed to be the symbol of the Barah Avatar of Lord Vishnu. 

The Garur Shila stands near the Tapt Kund; it is believed that Garur, the carrier of Lord Vishnu, meditated on this stone. Markandeya Shila is the stone on which the Sage Markandeya meditated in Badrivan for getting ultimate peace.