In the lofty peaks of north Indian state
of Uttaranchal lie the four most holy pilgrimage sites of India- Yamunotri,
Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Collectively referred to as Char Dham,
they are perched in Garhwal Himalayan ranges. According to ancient Hindu
scriptures, Char Dham are the most sacred of all pilgrimage sites. A visit
to the places washes all the sins of the past and also helps in releasing
humans of the cycle of birth and death. It is also believed that heaven and
earth converge at the Char Dham. The Dhams have been visited by millions of
saints, sages and ordinary mortals since thousands of years.
The Dhams are always visited in an order- Yamunotri, Gangorti, Kedarnath
and Badrinath. The sequence is never broken or else the pilgrimage is
regarded as a vain exercise.
Yamunotri : The chief attraction of Yamunotri Dham is the temple
devoted to Goddess Yamuna. It is from Yamunotri that the river Yamuna
originates. The source of the river lies one kilometre from the temple at an
altitude of 4421 metres. But the approach to the source is most difficult
and only a few of the devotees could make to the place. The temple was
constructed in nineteenth century. According to ancient scriptures, an
enlightened sage named Asi Muni used to reside in this secluded spot in
ancient times.
To reach Yamunotri, pilgrims have to undertake a journey of 220 kms from
Rishikesh to Hanumanchatti. At Hanumanchatti, the motorable road ends and
the rest of the distance has to be covered on foot.
Gangotri : The revered shrine of Gangotri is situated at an altitude
of 3,200 metres. The temple was constructed in the 18th century. Legend has
it that answering the prayers of King Bhagirath, goddess Ganga first
descended at this place. Such was the force with which she fell that Lord
Shiva had to receive her into his matted locks. From his locks, many streams
started flowing one of which was river Bhagirathi. In the Mahabharata, it is
mentioned that Pandavas had come here to perform 'Deva Yagna'.
On the right bank of river Bhagirathi is the revered shrine of Gangotri
while a number of Ashrams are located on the left bank. At a distance of 18
kms from the holy shrine is Gaumukh glacier where every pilgrim coming to
the place compulsorily take a dip. Gangotri can be reached by road.
Kedarnath : Kedarnath is located at an
altitude of 3581 metres. The holy Sri Kedarnathji shrine here is one of the
12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva set against the backdrop of the majestic Sri
Kedarnathji range. The place derives its name from Lord Shiva.
Apart from Sri Kedarnathji, there are four other shrines in the place
together called Panch Kedar. According to popular belief, Lord Shiva
transformed himself into a bull at Kedarnath to escape the searching eyes of
the Pandavas. Seeing no respite, he jumped from the mountains. Wherever
portions of the body fell, shrines have come up.
From Rishikesh, devotees can travel to Gaurikund on a motorable road. From
Gaurikund, Kedarnath could be approached on foot. The distance to Kedarnath
from Rishikesh is 223 kms.
Badrinath
: Last of the sacred Dhams, Badrinath is located in the lap of
Nar-Narayan Parvat at an altitude of 3133 metres. The shrine of Badrinath is
one of the most revered Hindu shrines. It is believed that in order to
revive the lost glory of Hinduism and unite the country into a single bond,
Adi Guru Sri Shankaracharya built four pilgrimage centres in four corners of
India of which one is Badrinath.
The holy shrine of Badrinath lies on the right bank of river Alakananda.
The temple is built in the form of a cone and dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
There is a one metre high image of Sri Badrinath finely sculpted in black
stone. The temple is divided into three parts-garbha griha, darshan mandap
and sabha mandap. All devotees take a holy dip in the natural thermal
springs of river Alakananda before entering the temple premises. The springs
are called Tapt Kund.
Badrinath is well connected by road with Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun.
