The Char Dham Yatra, also known as the Chota Char Dham Yatra, is a pilgrimage circuit in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, encompassing four sacred Hindu sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These sites are nestled in the Himalayas and are considered highly sacred by Hindus. The journey typically begins from the western side with Yamunotri and Gangotri, then proceeds to Kedarnath, and finally concludes at Badrinath.
- Yamunotri: It is the source of the Yamuna River and is situated at an altitude of around 3,293 meters (10,804 feet). The main attraction here is the Yamunotri Temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
- Gangotri: It is the source of the Ganges River and is located at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters (10,200 feet). The Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is the focal point of this site.
- Kedarnath: This sacred site is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at an altitude of about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet). The Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is a significant pilgrimage destination.
- Badrinath: It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated at an altitude of roughly 3,133 meters (10,279 feet). The Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Badri (Vishnu), is the highlight of this pilgrimage.
The Char Dham Yatra typically takes several days to complete, and pilgrims often undertake this journey during the summer months, as the weather is more favorable. The yatra is not only a religious journey but also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscapes and an opportunity for spiritual introspection and rejuvenation.
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Overview
The Char Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage that encompasses visits to four sacred Hindu sites in Uttarakhand, India: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The journey typically starts from Haridwar, a city known for its spiritual significance, where pilgrims gather before embarking on the pilgrimage. From Haridwar, travelers make their way to Barkot, a picturesque town situated en route to Yamunotri.
Yamunotri is the first stop on the pilgrimage, where devotees trek to the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and take a dip in the holy Yamuna River.
The journey then progresses to Uttarkashi, a town known for its ancient temples, before reaching Gangotri, the source of the sacred Ganges River. At Gangotri, pilgrims visit the Gangotri Temple and offer prayers.
From Gangotri, the pilgrimage proceeds to Guptakashi, a town located on the way to Kedarnath. Kedarnath is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and devotees trek or take a helicopter ride to reach the Kedarnath Temple nestled in the Himalayas.
After paying homage at Kedarnath, pilgrims make their way to Badrinath, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Here, they visit the Badrinath Temple and other significant sites like Mana Village and Vyas Gufa.
Finally, the journey concludes with a return to Haridwar, marking the end of the sacred Char Dham Yatra. Throughout the pilgrimage, devotees immerse themselves in prayer, seek blessings, and experience the divine aura of these holy sites.
