Chardham in India

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.

Chardham in India Tours

	Char Dham Yatra Highlights : Delhi - Haridwar - Syana Chatti - Yamunotri - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Rudraprayag - Badrinath - Delhi