CHAR DHAM YATRA
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Embarking on a spiritual journey to Uttarakhand’s sacred Char Dhams
CHAR DHAM YATRA – 2024/2025
Devbhumi Uttarakhand is an abode of some of India’s’ holiest places, temples, and shrines. Thousands of Hindus, devotees, and spiritual seekers go on a pilgrimage trip to Uttarakhand every year. Visiting Chardham is one of them, as it is quoted as the easiest way to attain moksha. The sacred shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath together form the sacred char, Dham. Starting with the common point of Rishikesh, these four shrines are formed in two distinct groups: Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath, Kedarnath.
The famous Char Dham
Badrinath Temple (The Shrine of Lord Vishnu)
In the Narayana range, Badrinath Dham is one of the main shrines among the four dominant Char Dham of India and Chota Char Dham. The temple of Badrinath is situated on the bank of the Alaknanda River and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver. The traces of Badrinath date back to Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Dedicated to Lord Badri, Vishal offers an unparalleled sanctity to the devotees. The temple’s main idol is a black stone representing lord Vishnu seated in a meditated state. The holy temple of Badrinath is divided into three parts: graph griha, darshan mandap, and sabha mandap.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the country and is located in the Rudraprayag district. The temple of Kedarnath is situated at a height of 3581 m and is built of solid grey stones that stand beautifully against the backdrop of the Kedarnath range. According to the legend, the Pandavas came here to pray to lord shiva, but the lord shiva kept eluding them and hid them in the form of a bull. When being trailed by Bhima, he immersed himself into the ground, leaving the hump on the ground worshipped at the Kedarnath Dham.
Gangotri: Revered Dham of Goddess Ganga
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Ganga and the sacred Shila, where the Raja Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva to bring Ganga to the earth. Located at 3048 m above sea level, the Gangotri glacier is the primary source of the sacred river Ganga. In the middle of the river is a natural rock, which can be seen in winter when the water level recedes. It is believed it is the same rock where Lord Shiva received the goddess Ganga.
Yamunotri: The Origin of River Yamuna
The temple of Yamunotri is for the Char Dham yatra. Dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, it is the source point of the river Yamuna. The shrine is located at a height of 6315 m. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is surrounded by mountains from all the sites and was the home of the ancient sage Agast Muni. The temple of goddess Yamuna is the main shrine, and there are many hot springs in the vicinity of the temple where devotees cook rice and potato and serve it as prasad.
One can also travel to these places while their ways to Char Dham
Harsil
Harsil is located on the picturesque valley of the Gangotri Uttarkashi highway. Harsil is a hidden and unspoiled jewel of Uttarakhand and is perfect for people who want to spend alone time in nature. The serene environment, dense canopy of deodar trees, birds chirping, and gushing water of Bhagirathi make it a perfect place for weekend gateway and a must-visit on your way to Gangotri.
Rudraprayag
Rudraparyag is a small quaint town where the confluence of rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda occurs. The town’s main tourist attractions are Jagdamba and Shiva temples, and the Kedarnath Dham is around 86 kilometres from Rudraprayag. Many tourists come to visit the town to see this phenomenon.
Watch the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda at Devprayag
Devbhumi Uttarakhand is an abode of some of India’s holiest places, temples, and shrines. Thousands of Hindus, devotees, and spiritual seekers go on a pilgrimage trip to Uttarakhand every year. Visiting Chardham is one of them, as it is quoted as the easiest way to attain moksha. The sacred shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath together form the sacred char, Dham. Starting with the common point of Rishikesh, these four shrines are formed into two distinct groups: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
Go on the trek at the Valley of Flower
The Valley of Flowers is situated in the north Chamoli district. It is a meadow full of various flowers and diverse flora and fauna. It is also home to some endangered species, such as blue sheep, musk deer, and many other migratory birds. You can trek to the Valley of Flowers on your way to Badrinath.
Mana village
The Uttarakhand government designated Chamoli district Mana village as a tourism village. It is the last village in India at the border of India and China in the Himalayas. Chamoli district Mana village is only 3 kilometres from Badrinath Dham. According to the legend, the Pandavas passed through the village on their journey to heaven. The major attraction is the pool, which is a vast rock bridge across the Saraswati River.
Best time for Char Dham yatra
The best time to participate in a Char Dham yatra is usually from April to October. The government of Uttarakhand announces the opening and closing dates of shrines. However, yatra should be avoided during the monsoon season due to the risk of landslides.
Char Dham route
As per Hindu mythology, any auspicious travel starts from west to east; hence, you must start your pilgrimage from Yamunotri, Gangotri, then proceed to Kedarnath and finish off at Badrinath.
Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Dehradun → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri → Uttarkashi → Devprayag → Kedarnath → Sonprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath → Rishikesh → Delhi
How to reach
To start your journey to Char Dham, you must reach Rishikesh. From there, you can take buses and private cabs.
By Air:
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport. A helicopter service to Badrinath and Kedarnath is also available from here.
By train:
Haridwar, Rishikesh, No War, and Dehradun are very well connected by railway to all the major cities of India. From there, you can take a bus or taxi.