CHAR DHAM
Nestled in the lap of great Himlayas, Char Dham pilgrimage circuit is considered to be the ultimate destination for finding solace of soul and release it from the cycle of birth and death, according to Hindu religion. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath are the four pilgrimage centers which collectively adorn the name of Char Dham. Considered to be the most sacred places, these holy sites find mention in the ancient age old Hindu scriptures. It is believed that every Hindu should take the Char Dham yatra atleast once in its lifetime. Each of these pilgrimage destination is significant in its own accord.
Yamunotri – One of the most revered Hindu shrines, it is considered to be the birthplace of the river Yamuna and the seat of Goddess Yamuna. Located in Uttarkhand, this holy site is perched at a height of about 3,235 m above sea level. The shrine can be reached from Rishikesh as well as Mussoorie. It is at a distance of just one day's travel from Rishikesh.
Gangotri - Sylvan surroundings, quaint environs, snow covered promenade; this is what signify Gangotri. Hailed as the birthplace of river Ganga(Ganges), this is the more visited of the two sister sites. Just a few miles away from Uttarkashi, the site welcomes visitors to the another world, full of solitude and inner pleasure. The temple situated on the bank of Bhagirathi river is flocked by lakhs of devotee all the year round.
Kedarnath – Counted amongst the holiest Hindu shrines, Kedarnath lies at the head of the river Mandakini. Lord Shiva is believed to have taken refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull in order to elude Pandavas who were seeking penitence after killing their brothers, Kauravas in the battle of Mahabharata. Chorabari, Vasuki Tal, Gaurikund, Son Prayag and Ukimath are some of the nearby places worth a visit
Badrinath - Set amidst the twin mountains – Nar and Narayan - Badrinath is the holiest amongst the Char Dhams of Himalayas. Legend has it that it is the place where Lord Vishnu meditated after rebuked by Narada. Tapta Kunda, a hot water spring, opposite the temple at the bank of river Alaknanda is another popular attraction of the place. The temple in its present form was established by Adiguru Shankaracharya. The temples of five Badris – Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri are located at a little distance.
These pilgrimage centers were initially known as Chhota Chardham or Chardham of Himalayas while the four another most revered holy shrines at Dwarka, Puri, Rameshwaram and Badrinath were collectively famous as Char Dham. Over the time, the chhota tag dropped from the name and these four pilgrim spots earned fame as Char Dham. According to Hindu mythology, Char Dham yatra relieves the person of its sin and makes its soul befit for transition to the heaven, liberating it from the cycle of birth and death. A large number of tour operators organize Char Dham pilgrimage tour to the place every year.
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Yamunotri – One of the most revered Hindu shrines, it is considered to be the birthplace of the river Yamuna and the seat of Goddess Yamuna. Located in Uttarkhand, this holy site is perched at a height of about 3,235 m above sea level. The shrine can be reached from Rishikesh as well as Mussoorie. It is at a distance of just one day's travel from Rishikesh.
Gangotri - Sylvan surroundings, quaint environs, snow covered promenade; this is what signify Gangotri. Hailed as the birthplace of river Ganga(Ganges), this is the more visited of the two sister sites. Just a few miles away from Uttarkashi, the site welcomes visitors to the another world, full of solitude and inner pleasure. The temple situated on the bank of Bhagirathi river is flocked by lakhs of devotee all the year round.
Kedarnath – Counted amongst the holiest Hindu shrines, Kedarnath lies at the head of the river Mandakini. Lord Shiva is believed to have taken refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull in order to elude Pandavas who were seeking penitence after killing their brothers, Kauravas in the battle of Mahabharata. Chorabari, Vasuki Tal, Gaurikund, Son Prayag and Ukimath are some of the nearby places worth a visit
Badrinath - Set amidst the twin mountains – Nar and Narayan - Badrinath is the holiest amongst the Char Dhams of Himalayas. Legend has it that it is the place where Lord Vishnu meditated after rebuked by Narada. Tapta Kunda, a hot water spring, opposite the temple at the bank of river Alaknanda is another popular attraction of the place. The temple in its present form was established by Adiguru Shankaracharya. The temples of five Badris – Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri are located at a little distance.
These pilgrimage centers were initially known as Chhota Chardham or Chardham of Himalayas while the four another most revered holy shrines at Dwarka, Puri, Rameshwaram and Badrinath were collectively famous as Char Dham. Over the time, the chhota tag dropped from the name and these four pilgrim spots earned fame as Char Dham. According to Hindu mythology, Char Dham yatra relieves the person of its sin and makes its soul befit for transition to the heaven, liberating it from the cycle of birth and death. A large number of tour operators organize Char Dham pilgrimage tour to the place every year.
