Char Dham: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri
Uttarakhand which is sometimes referred to Devbhoomi and known as the Land of Gods, is the home of numerous temples that welcome devotees year-round. In the hundreds of holy places and circuits that devotees go to in Uttarakhand among most popular ones is Char Dham Yatra. The Char Dham Yatra or pilgrimage includes a trip to four holy places – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath situated high into the Himalayas. In Hindi the word “char” means four, and ‘dham‘ refers to the sacred destinations.The high-altitude shrines are closed for about six months each year, beginning in the summer months (April and the month of May) and closing with time in the winter season (October to November). The belief is that you must be able to complete Char Dham Yatra clockwise manner. Therefore, the pilgrimage begins at Yamunotri and continues to Gangotri and then onto Kedarnath and ends at Badrinath. The trip can be completed via air or road (helicopter services are also available). Many devotees opt to Do Dham Yatra or a journey to two shrines: Kedarnath as well as Badrinath.The Yamunotri temple, lodged in a narrow gorge that is close to the source of the River Yamuna (the second-most sacred Indian river, after River Ganga) in Uttarkashi district was dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. This district in Uttarkashi is also the home of Gangotri which is dedicated to goddess Ganga which is which is the most holy of Indian rivers. In the Rudraprayag district is Kedarnath that is that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath is home to the holy Badrinarayan Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This Char Dham Yatra is as beautiful as it is strenuous but it is also a blessing to the soul!
Uttarakhand is called Dev Bhoomi (Land of Gods) since it is the home of grand holy temples, pilgrimages, and other places that attract thousands of seekers of spirituality to attain enlightenment. The four Dhams of the pilgrimage situated in the Garhwal region is considered to be among to be the most sacred sites of India: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
The four temples of the ancients mark the spiritual origins of four rivers that are sacred: River Yamuna (Yamunotri), River Ganga or Ganges (Gangotri), River Mandakini (Kedarnath) and River Alaknanda (Badrinath).
hardham Yatra have an immense importance and significance , particularly among the followers of the Hindu religion. The pilgrims believe that Chardham Yatra cleanses all sins and allows for ” Moksha“. Everyone should think about making a pilgrimage to the four Holy spots at least once during their lives.
The crowds are huge during this holy yatra of auspicious significance and worship the temples on a regular basis. It is widely believed that a trip to these Pilgrim sites will cleanse you of all wrongs you have committed that you have committed as human beings, no matter what you’ve performed in your previous life. The yatra provides you with a feeling of belonging, purification and self-realization.
Chardham Yatrais is a pilgrimage site that is connected to four destinations, including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. These holy sites are located in the “Land of God” commonly called Uttarakhand. The CharDham Yatraor Chota Char Dham has become known for its ease of being accomplished in 10-11 days. Chardham Yatra has managed to capture the attention of many and it is still the case that hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe visit this holy site every year during the holy season of pilgrimage.
Based on Hindu Mythology, It is believed that Hindu philosopher and reformer Sri Shankaracharya employed the term ” Char Dham” that means four Holy places or abodes of God in the four directions of India which include Badrinath within of the North, Rameshwaram inside the South, Puri inside the East and Dwarka within the West. However, when it comes to travel the path of pilgrimage Char Dham Yatra is much more well-known.
Char Dhams comprise the four most holy spots of Hindu pilgrimages. They are situated among the majestic mountains of Himalayas situated in Uttarakhand. The Hindu-inspired pilgrimage Char Dham circuit consists of four locations: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. These four sites are considered to be sacred by people of the Hindu religion. It is the primary goal of each Hindu to make a pilgrimage to these holy shrines at least once in their the course of his life to obtain spiritual salvation (Moksha).
In Hinduism the pilgrimage the tirthayatra (Teerth Yatra) is among the five responsibilities of each Hindu in addition to worship, Dharma, Sanskaras and keeping track of religious holidays. It is a test of willpower, humility, and faith. The devotee makes a journey to difficult destinations, placing all his troubles to God and forgetting all other than God.
A pilgrimage is a profound encounter, a direct connection between the person seeking it and the holy. The devotee makes a pilgrimage to visit holy women and men and to pray at sacred shrines, and to experience the Darshan of Deities dwelling in the ancient sanctums. A pilgrimage journey is to see God experience a transformative, bliss-inducing, karma-free connection to the Divine.
