Char Dham Yatra- The Holy Pilgrimage!

The Char Dham Yatra is considered to be India’s most devoted and significant part of the Indian spiritual tour. It is a very famous, holy expedition in India which includes visits to the four adored shrines that include the Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. A visit to these four holy shrines together, from the Char Dham Yatra.

The four sacred destinations of the Char Dham Yatra are located in the majestic Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand. These valleys of the great Himalayas reflect ancient legends and the history by beholding these scared shrines at different districts of Uttarakhand. This expedition starts from Haridwar, the perfect gateway to God and can be reached to Uttarkashi for Gangotri and Yamunotri shrine and be completed at Chamoli by visiting the Badrinath temple.

The Gangotri Temple:

The holy water of the river Ganga is said to be originated from the Gangotri itself, through a prayer made by King Bhagirath. The Gangotri lies in the district of Uttarkashi, where hundreds and thousands of devotees come to pay their visit and wash away their sins to gain pure salvation. The river Ganga is believed to be a source of sacred purity and therefore, devotees take a dip in this holy river before visiting the temple. The holy shrine of the Gangotri temple dates back to the 18th century with an exquisite 20ft white granite structure. After devotees pay a visit to this holy shrine they are headed to the Yamunotri Temple which is the second destination of the Char Dham Yatra.

The Yamunotri Temple:

The Yamunotri Temple is located at Uttarkashi. This temple sanctifies thousands of spirits, bringing back the origin of the Yamuna river. It is considered to be the only place where devotees can find both mixture of hot and cold environment. The Himalayan environment is purified and freezes with the cold tides of the glaciers of the Yamuna river, while the sides remain warm with thermal springs that are known as ‘Kunds’ of Goddess Shakti. A visit to the Yamunotri temple is a full day tour from Uttarakhand’s main towns that include Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. This temple is easily accessible by a trek, making it the best spiritual expedition. On completion of a visit to this temple, you will be move forward with your pilgrimage, onto your third destination of the Char Dham Yatra.

Shri Kedarnath Temple:

The Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and is considered to be the most religious abode of Lord Shiva and is also believed that one of the 12 forms of Lord Shiva in the shape of Jyotirlingas was dropped at the hills of Mandar where the temple is located. The renowned Jyotirlinga shrines are places that devotees must visit, where Lord Shiva appeared as a fiery light. This is one of the main reasons many pilgrims visit this original place to seek blessings of the almighty Lord Shiva. After seeking blessings from this holy temple, you will proceed with your Char Dham Yatra to your fourth and final destination.

Shri Badrinath Temple:

The Shri Badrinath Temple is a perfect example of devotion for humanity and mankind. This temple is situated in the Garhwal hills on the banks of Alaknanada river. The Shri Badrinath Temple is considered to be the most famous shrine of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand and is a sacred place which is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Ancient legends say that Lord Vishnu meditated at this place for thousands of years under the Badri tree and hence, the name is given as Badrinath. The idol of the temple is made of the Shaligram statue in the meditative pose. It is also believed that the temple was established in the 9th century. After a visit to this holy shrine, you will complete your Char Dham Yatra and will proceed on your return journey.

The Char Dham Yatra is a very sacred pilgrimage and is a perfect way to find the spiritual redemption and re-energize your mind and body. This pilgrimage attracts thousands of people every year from all over to experience the power of prayer and gain eternal salvation.