Char Dham Yatra is comprised of four sacred places Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. These four sites, nestled in the lap of grand Himalayas, are one of the major centers of religious activities in north India. According to Hindu scriptures it is said that a journey to these four holy spots not only wash away human’s sins but also releases the soul from the cycle of death and birth. Generally Char Dham Yatra is done from left to right or from west to east i.e. in a clockwise direction. Thus the yatra begins from Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, proceeding to Kedarnath and finally terminating at Badrinath.
Gangotri: The valued shrine of Gangotri is situated at a height of 3200 mts above the sea level with captivating surroundings of Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Gange, who came on the earth to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s predecessors. The temple was constructed by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa, in 18th century.
Yamunotri: This sacred shrine is dedicated to goddess Yamuna, situated at the edge of Bandar Poonch Parvat. The actual source of river Yamuna is a frozen ice lake glacier, Champasar glacier that lay on Kalind Mountain. The temple is said to be constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. At a distance of 7 Km. away from temple, at Jankichatti lies the holy springs of hot water. Devotees visiting the temple prepare rice in these hot water springs and take back the cooked rice in the form of Prasad.
Badrinath: Badrinath temple is located on the right bank of river Alaknanda at an altitude of 3133 mt. above the sea level. It is surrounded by mountains Nar and Narayan on each side. This sacred shrine is dedicated toLord Vishnu. It is said that to restore the prestige of Hinusim, Adi Guru Shankaracharya constructed four religious center in four directions of the country. Badrinath is one of them which was built in North direction.
Garbha Griha, Darshan Mandap, Sabha Mandap are the 3 parts in w hich temple is divided. The main attraction of this temple is a black idol of Badrinath that is one mt high and represents Lord Vishnu in padmasan mediation pose.
Kedarnath: The revered shrine of Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3581mt above the sea level, over the rivr Mandakini. Kedarnath is counted among the12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The present time temple is built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. There is a temple in front of main temple, which is said to be built by Pandavas. Shivkund, Rudhirkund, Hanskund etc. are some kunds around Kedarnath which posses a religious significance. At a little distance from Kedarnath temple, there is a temple of Bhaironath. It is believed that Bhaironath ji protect the surrounding land in when the temple remains closed in winters.
Char Dham with its picturesque surrounding and panoramic mountain view offers an eternal bliss to reveal the spiritual expressions of India. This pilgrimage place with overwhelming exquisite beauty magnetizes the heart of every devotee. There are a lot of tour operators in India, who take on their self to unfold this religious and spiritual experience of this pilgrimage place.
