Overview
Numerous temples for yatra can be found in Uttarakhand. This is also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods. It welcomes visitors all year long. One of the most well-known of the numerous religious sites and circuits. That pilgrims travel through Uttarakhand is the Char Dham Yatra. Yatra, or pilgrimage, is a journey to four holy locations that are tucked away in the Himalayas. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Four and Dham, respectively, are terms for religious locations in Hindi.
The high-altitude shrines are closed for about six months each year, starting in the spring (April or May) and ending as winter approaches. The Char Dham Yatra is supposed to be completed in a clockwise rotation.
The details
As a result, the pilgrimage begins in Yamunotri and continues through Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath before coming to an end. Road or air travel are both options for getting there (helicopter services are available). Some followers even travel to Kedarnath and Badrinath for a Do Dham Yatra or two-shrine pilgrimage.
In the Uttarkashi district, the Yamunotri temple honors the goddess Yamuna and is located near the source of the River Yamuna, which is the second-most sacred river in India after the River Ganga. The most sacred of all Indian rivers, the Ganga, has a temple dedicated to her in the Uttarkashi district called Gangotri. Kedarnath, a shrine to Lord Shiva, can be found in the Rudraprayag district. The holy Badrinarayan Temple, located in Badrinath, is devoted to Lord Vishnu. When it comes to the Char Dham Yatra,
The Beliefs
Every Hindu Devotee seeking a deeper spiritual connection will enjoy taking a sacred tour of Char Dham. You are given new life experiences through the Char Dham Yatra. Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Gangotri are thought to be the four main sites of the Char Dham Yatra. However, a holy pilgrimage to these shrines is known as Chota Char Dham, which is located in the Himalayas and is revered by Hindus as a sacred location. Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameshwaram are all part of the Bada Char Dham, and they are located in the four cardinal directions of the nation.
Everyone should visit the Char Dham Yatra
The Bada Char Dham is a tour or visit to the four shrines in all four directions of the nation, whereas the Chota Char Dham is also known as the Char Dham of Uttarakhand. Continue reading if you want to learn more about the Char Dham Yatra. You can find out more about the Char Dham Yatra’s name, locations, significance, history, and opening and closing times here.
BADRINATH
It is located in the Chamoli district and is one of the holiest towns in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The elevation of the Badrinath Temple is 10,279 feet. The temple is the only one of the four Char Dhams to be tucked away in the Himalayas and surrounded by mountains covered in snow. In the shadow of Nilkantha peak, Badrinath is tucked between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. The turquoise lakes, holy ponds, and other water features in Badrinath will astound you at every turn.
The Beliefs
According to Hindu mythology, Badrinath first appeared when Lord Vishnu’s avatar Nar-Narayan performed Tapasya there. At that time, the area was covered in berry trees, and in Sanskrit, berries are referred to as Badri. As a result of the numerous berries trees, this location was given the name Badrika-Van. Nar-Narayan performed Tapasya in a specific location near the Badrinath Temple, protected from the elements by a sizable berry tree.
Locals think Mata Lakshmi transformed into a tree to save Lord Narayan. Narayana declared when the Tapasya was finished that people would always give her name before his. As a result, Lakshmi-Narayan is always mentioned. It is regarded as the first Dham because all of these things took place in the Satya Yuga. It is offered in Chota Char Dham and both.
DHAM KEDARNATH
One of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Northern India is Kedarnath, which is tucked away among magnificent mountain peaks and blanketed in snowstorms. Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Base camps for treks to the sacred shrine are located at GauriKund. At a height of 11,755 feet above sea level, you can touch the swaying landscape of this area.
You have several options for finishing the trek, including walking it or hiring a Palki or pony. In the winter, the statue is relocated to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where devotees can go to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Kedarnath will undoubtedly evoke fascinating and alluring emotions.
DHAM GANGOTRI
This holy shrine is a stunning city surrounded by peace, stunning natural beauty, and exciting activity. Gangotri, which originates from the sacred Ganga River, is located on the Bhagirathi River’s bank in the state of Uttarakhand. The temple is closed during the winter because the climate is so harsh and chilly.
In the winter, the idol is moved to the Ukhimath Temple in Mukba, which is also the winter residence of Goddess Ganga. Your heart will be won over by the emerald beauty, calm aura, and pure atmosphere. This location is beautiful and appeals to all types of travellers thanks to its snow-capped mountains and the Ganges River’s holy water.
The Yamunotri Dham
It is one of the Yamuna-centric Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, and it is named after the second-most sacred river in India, which has its source in Yamunotri. Pilgrims travel to this holy site, which is 3293 meters above sea level, to worship and seek blessings. Maharani Guleria of Jaipur built it, and Maharana Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal rebuilt it.
The silver statue of Goddess Yamuna resides in the temple. It opens on Akshaya Tritiya for pilgrims to complete a holy journey, and thousands of followers come here to complete their Char Dham pilgrimage. Yama’s twin sister, Goddess Yamuna, was the child of Lord Sun.
