Char Dham Yatra

Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand

Char Dham refers to the four highly sacred sites located in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. These four sacred sites settled at high altitude are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath Dham and Badrinath Dham. All of these temples are located in different districts of Uttarakhand, yet connected by a pilgrimage circuit of Char Dham.

Each temple is dedicated to different deities and holds immense spiritual significance. Considering the religious value of Char Dham Yatra, devotees from corners of India come to Uttarakhand and commence on the challenging yet peace-giving Yatra.

From exterior walls to sanctum Sanctorum, the Char Dham temples are beautifully adorned with bright colours and intricate carvings. Moreover, when the rituals like Mangala Aarti and Sandhya Aarti are performed in temple complexes, it sounds soul enriching.

Kedarnath

Trek distance: 16 km

The myth of Kedarnath is rooted in the tales of Mahabharata. It is said that after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas went to seek Lord Shiva to forgive them of their sins. Lord Shiva, displeased by the actions of Pandavas, turned himself into Nandi and fled to the Himalayas, the Pandavas followed him. Bhim, on finally finding Nandi, the bull, tried to catch him but Nandi vanished into the ground. Afterwards, parts of Shiva emerged from different places, forming the Panch Kedars.

• Kedarnath – Hump
• Tungnath – Arms
• Rudranath – Face
• Madhyamaheshwar – Navel
• Kalpeshwar – Hair

Badrinath

Altitude: 3,100 meters (10,170 feet)

The famed town of Badrinath is among the four dominant Char Dham pilgrimage sites of India as well as the Chota Char Dham. It is perched at an average elevation of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level on the banks of Alaknanda River.

This holy town is named after the Badrinath temple dedicated to the preserver, Lord Vishnu. Many Hindu devotees are smitten by the charm of this holy shrine as it showcases the traditional Garhwali wooden architecture.

Badrinath is one of the most popular and visited religious towns of the Hindus located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India. The town of Badrinath lies between Nar and Narayana mountain ranges in the shadow of the mighty Neelkantha peak. The several turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and sacred water bodies make Badrinath a must-visit place.

Gangotri

Altitude: 3,415 meters (11,200 feet)
Location: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India
River: Bhagirathi River (origin of the Ganges)

Gangotri Dham is a crucial part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra circuit which takes place every six months in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. People from far and wide make it a point to visit this rare temple dedicated to goddess Ganga. With the roaring Bhagirathi River making its way from the side of the temple, this place is replete with tales from the ancient ages and these stories and mythological account adds on to the enchanting charm of this place. The temple is rich in historical and mythological accounts which can be felt right from the moment you step into the temple’s perimeter. It is believed that taking a dip in the water from here will rid you of all your sins and will grant you salvation.

Yamunotri

Altitude: 3,291 meters (10,804 feet)

Yamunotri temple lies in the west of Garhwal Himalayas in the Uttarkashi district. It is one of the four temples of Chardham yatra. It is a grand Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Yamuna and is surrounded by the sacred river Yamuna. The idol positioned at Yamunotri temple is made of black marble. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,291 meters.

To reach the temple, one has to undertake a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti. During this trek, numerous waterfalls can be seen. Yamunotri temple is known for its peaceful and calm surroundings. Yamunotri yatra is considered to be sacred by devotees.