CHAR DHAM YATRA
Uttarakhand, also referred to as the Land of Gods or Devbhoomi, is home to many temples and year-round attracts pilgrims. The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most well-known religious pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, among the innumerable other locations and circuits that pilgrims visit. Four sacred locations—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—tucked away high in the Himalayas are visited during this yatra, or pilgrimage. ‘Char’ in Hindi means four, while ‘dham’ signifies holy places.
Every year, the high-altitude shrines close for around six months. They open in the summer (April or May) and close when winter arrives (October or November). The Char Dham Yatra is thought to be completed in a clockwise manner. Thus, the pilgrimage begins in Yamunotri, continues to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath before ending there. You might choose to finish the trip by air (helicopter services are available) or by road. Some followers also make the trip to Kedarnath and Badrinath as part of the Do Dham Yatra.
Significance of Char Dham Yatra
India being a Hindu majority country, Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has immense religious and cultural significance in Hinduism. Every year lakhs of devotees go on Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand. This religious pilgrimage includes visits to the four holy sites Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each destination of Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. All these holy places provide spiritual solace to pilgrims seeking purification and salvation.
- Yamunotri: Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this holy place is the origin of the Yamuna River. Yamuna River is mentioned prominently in Hindu religious texts. Therefore it is considered a sacred river in Hinduism. Hindus from all over the world come here and worship in the temple of Mata Yamuna.
- Gangotri: This holy pilgrimage site is located in Uttarkashi district. There is a temple dedicated to Mother Ganga here. This place is the origin of the holy river Ganga. Ganga water has an important place in Hindu religious rituals. Ganga water is considered a symbol of ultimate purity.
- Kedarnath: The third and important stop of the Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra is Kedarnath, here there is a huge temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This mythological temple is the fifth Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The journey to Kedarnath is very spiritual and adventurous.
- Badrinath: The last and important stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Badrinath. In Hindu religious texts, it has been called bhu- Vaikuntha. There is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu here. Which is known as Badri Vishal. Most of the devotees come here during the Chardham Yatra.