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Char Dham Yatra
देवभूमि उत्तराखण्ड
About Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage tour of four sacred shrines in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These four sites are highly revered by Hindus and are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River, is located in the district of Uttarkashi. Gangotri, the source of the Ganges River, is located in the district of Uttarkashi as well. Kedarnath, the seat of Lord Shiva, is located in the district of Rudraprayag, and Badrinath, the seat of Lord Vishnu, is located in the district of Chamoli.
The Char Dham Yatra is believed to wash away the sins of the pilgrims and grant them salvation. It is believed that the journey to these holy shrines is a way to connect with the divine, and pilgrims undertake this journey to seek blessings from the deities.
The Char Dham Yatra is considered to be one of the most sacred and difficult pilgrimages in India. The journey involves traveling through steep mountainous terrain, crossing rivers, and enduring extreme weather conditions. The pilgrimage season usually starts in April-May and continues till October-November.
The Uttarakhand government, in collaboration with various organizations and private companies, provides various facilities and amenities to make the journey comfortable and safe for the pilgrims. Pilgrims are advised to follow all the guidelines and rules set by the authorities to ensure their safety and well-being during the pilgrimage.
In recent years, the Char Dham Yatra has gained popularity among tourists and adventure enthusiasts as well, who visit the region to enjoy its natural beauty and engage in trekking, camping, and other adventure activities.
Who Should Do Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham Yatra refers to the pilgrimage tour of four smaller shrines located in the Uttarakhand region of India. These shrines are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. While Char Dham Yatra covers the four major Hindu shrines, Chota Char Dham covers four smaller shrines of immense spiritual significance.
The significance of Char Dham Yatra is immense. The four shrines are believed to be the abode of various Hindu deities, and the yatra is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism. The journey is believed to bring spiritual liberation to the devotees and wash away their sins. It is also believed that completing the Char Dham Yatra once in a lifetime ensures a place in heaven.
In addition to the spiritual significance, the Char Dham Yatra is also of great importance from a tourism perspective. The picturesque landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and pristine rivers and valleys offer an unforgettable experience for the visitors. The journey to these shrines also involves trekking through the hills, which adds to the adventure and excitement of the trip.
Char Dham Yatra is an important pilgrimage that offers both spiritual and tourism value to the visitors. It is a journey that is cherished by Hindus from all over the world and is considered a must-do pilgrimage for anyone seeking spiritual liberation.
Time for Char Dham Yatra
The timing of Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand usually starts from April or May and continues till October or November. The exact dates may vary depending on the Hindu calendar and weather conditions. The yatra is usually closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall in the region.
The best time to undertake the Char Dham Yatra is during the summer months between May and June when the weather is pleasant and the roads are accessible. The monsoon season between July and September should be avoided as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and make travel difficult.
It is advisable to check the official website of the Char Dham Yatra or consult a reliable travel agent for the latest updates on the timing and schedule of the yatra. Additionally, pilgrims are advised to be cautious and prepared for any weather-related or unforeseen circumstances during the yatra.
The pilgrimage involves a lot of trekking and walking, which can be physically challenging, especially for senior citizens and those with health issues. Therefore, it is important to be physically fit and well-prepared for the journey. It is also advisable to carry warm clothing and rain gear as the weather can be unpredictable in the region.
The Char Dham Yatra requires a lot of planning and preparation. It is recommended to book accommodation and transportation well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. It is also important to carry enough cash as ATM and banking facilities are limited in the region.
The Char Dhams Of Uttarakhand
Char Dham Yatra, one of the most revered spiritual journeys in India, comprises four holy shrines located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. These four shrines are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Each of these shrines is considered to be the abode of different deities and is believed to offer spiritual enlightenment and salvation to the devotees who undertake the journey. Let’s delve deeper into each of these Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
- Yamunotri:
Located at an altitude of 3293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra. It is believed to be the source of the River Yamuna, one of the most sacred rivers in Hindu mythology. The temple of Yamunotri is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna and is believed to have been built by the sage Asit Muni. The temple opens every year from the month of May to November, as during the rest of the year, the area is covered in snow.
To reach the temple, one has to trek for about 13 km from the town of Hanuman Chatti. The trek is considered to be quite difficult and is not recommended for elderly people or those with health issues. However, for those who cannot trek, there are options for pony and palanquin rides.
Apart from the temple, Yamunotri is also famous for its hot springs known as ‘Janki Chatti’. The hot water from these springs is believed to have medicinal properties and is used for bathing before entering the temple.
- Gangotri:
The second stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Gangotri, located at an altitude of 3100 meters above sea level. The temple of Gangotri is dedicated to the goddess Ganga and is believed to have been built by the Maratha ruler, Amar Singh. The temple opens every year from the month of May to October.
To reach the temple, one has to trek for about 18 km from the town of Gangotri. The trek is considered to be quite difficult and is not recommended for elderly people or those with health issues. However, for those who cannot trek, there are options for pony and palanquin rides.
Gangotri is considered to be the origin of the River Ganges, another sacred river in Hindu mythology. The town of Gangotri is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan range.
- Kedarnath:
Located at an altitude of 3583 meters above sea level, Kedarnath is the third stop of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple of Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas. The temple opens every year from the month of May to November, as during the rest of the year, the area is covered in snow.
To reach the temple, one has to trek for about 14 km from the town of Gaurikund. The trek is considered to be quite difficult and is not recommended for elderly people or those with health issues. However, for those who cannot trek, there are options for helicopter services.
Kedarnath is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is surrounded by beautiful snow-clad mountains. The town of Kedarnath is also famous for its natural hot springs known as ‘Gaurikund’.
- Badrinath:
The fourth and final stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Badrinath, located at an altitude of 3133 meters above sea level. The temple of Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have been built by Adi Shankara in the 9th century. The temple opens every year from the month of April to November.
To reach the temple, one has to trek for about 3 km from the town of Badrinath. The trek is relatively easy, and there are also options for pony and palanquin rides.
Badrinath is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu. The town of Badrinath is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and is situated on the banks of the River Alaknanda. The temple is famous for its intricate architecture and beautiful idols of Lord Vishnu.
Apart from the temple, Badrinath is also famous for its hot water springs known as ‘Tapt Kund’. The hot water from these springs is believed to have medicinal properties and is used for bathing before entering the temple.
Char Dham Yatra:
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered spiritual journeys in India and attracts thousands of devotees every year. The journey is believed to offer spiritual enlightenment and salvation to those who undertake it.
The journey starts from the town of Haridwar and covers a distance of approximately 1500 km. It takes around 10-12 days to complete the journey, depending on the mode of transport and the time spent at each shrine.
The best time to undertake the Char Dham Yatra is between the months of April to June and September to November. The weather during these months is pleasant, and the roads are also in good condition.
Conclusion:
The Char Dhams of Uttarakhand are considered to be the most sacred shrines in Hinduism and attract devotees from all over the world. Each of these shrines is believed to offer spiritual enlightenment and salvation to those who undertake the journey.
The journey to these shrines is not just a religious pilgrimage, but also an opportunity to witness the beauty of the Himalayas and connect with nature. The journey requires a lot of physical and mental strength, and it is advised to undertake it only after consulting a doctor and preparing oneself physically and mentally.
Undertaking the Char Dham Yatra is an experience of a lifetime and is sure to leave a lasting impression on the mind and soul of the devotees. It is an opportunity to connect with oneself, with nature, and with the divine, and is a journey that every spiritual seeker must undertake at least once in their lifetime.
Char Dham Yatra Route Plan
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most revered and popular spiritual journeys in India. It covers a distance of approximately 1500 km and takes around 10-12 days to complete. Here is a detailed route plan for the Char Dham Yatra:
Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
- Start early from Haridwar and head towards Barkot, which is approximately 220 km away.
- Enroute, visit the Kempty Falls and the Yamuna Bridge.
- Reach Barkot by evening and stay overnight.
Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri and back
- Start early from Barkot and drive to Janki Chatti, which is approximately 45 km away.
- From Janki Chatti, trek for 6 km to reach the Yamunotri temple.
- After darshan and pooja, trek back to Janki Chatti and drive back to Barkot.
- Stay overnight at Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
- Start early from Barkot and drive to Uttarkashi, which is approximately 100 km away.
- Enroute, visit the Prakateshwar Mahadev temple.
- Reach Uttarkashi by afternoon and visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Shakti temple.
- Stay overnight at Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back
- Start early from Uttarkashi and drive to Gangotri, which is approximately 100 km away.
- After reaching Gangotri, visit the Gangotri temple and take a dip in the holy River Ganga.
- Later, trek to the Gaumukh glacier, which is the source of the River Ganga.
- Trek back to Gangotri and drive back to Uttarkashi.
- Stay overnight at Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
- Start early from Uttarkashi and drive to Guptkashi, which is approximately 225 km away.
- Enroute, visit the Tehri Dam and the confluence of Rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda at Rudraprayag.
- Reach Guptkashi by evening and stay overnight.
Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
- Start early from Guptkashi and drive to Sonprayag, which is approximately 30 km away.
- From Sonprayag, trek for 19 km or take a helicopter ride to reach Kedarnath.
- Attend Aarti in the evening at Kedarnath Temple.
- Night stay at Kedarnath ( please make sure you have confirm booking, otherwise is will be tough )
Day 7: Kedarnath to Joshimath
- Start early from Kedarnath and reach Sonprayag and drive to Joshimath via chopta.
- Have lunch in Chopta and reach Joshimath by evening.
- Visit Narshingh Temple and explore around Joshimath Market.
- Night Stay at Joshimath.
Day 8: Joshimath to Badrinath
- Start early from Joshimath and drive to Badrinath, which is approximately 50 km away.
- Reach Badrinath, explore nearby places today.
- Stay overnight at Badrinath.
Day 9: Badrinath Nearby Visit
- Early morning visit Badrinath Temple after having a holi dip in Tapt kund.
- Later visit Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Bhim Pul. Enjoy scenic beauty of Badrinath.
- Stay overnight at Badrinath.
Day 10: Badrinath to Haridwar
- Start early from Badrinath and directly drive to Haridwar, which is approximately 220 km away.
- Reach Haridwar by evening and attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
- Stay overnight at Haridwar.
Day 11: Haridwar
- Explore Haridwar and visit the Chandi Devi temple, Mansa Devi temple, and Maya Devi temple.
- Take a dip in the holy River Ganga and visit the Daksha Mahadev temple.
- Stay overnight at Haridwar.
Day 12: Departure
- Depart from Haridwar and head back to your respective destination.
Note: The above itinerary is just a suggested route plan and can be modified as per your preferences and convenience. It is recommended to plan your trip during the Char Dham Yatra season, which is from April to November. However, it is important to check the weather conditions and road conditions before embarking on the journey. It is advisable to carry warm clothes, raincoats, and first aid kit during the journey. Also, make sure to book your accommodation and transport in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. The Char Dham Yatra is a spiritual journey and should be undertaken with utmost devotion and respect.
Before You Travel
Before embarking on the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, it is important to keep in mind certain dos and don’ts to ensure a safe and spiritual journey. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Dos:
- Check the weather conditions and road conditions before starting the journey. It is advisable to plan the trip during the Char Dham Yatra season, which is from April to November.
- Carry warm clothes, raincoats, and first aid kit during the journey.
- Stay hydrated and carry enough water and snacks during the journey.
- Respect the local customs and traditions of the region and dress modestly.
- Carry sufficient cash as ATMs and card payment facilities may not be available in remote areas.
- Be patient and follow the instructions of the local authorities and the temple authorities.
- Keep your mobile phones and other electronic devices on silent mode in the temples and other religious places.
- Be prepared for long walks and treks and carry comfortable shoes for the same.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and do not litter or harm the environment in any way.
- Practice yoga and meditation to enhance your spiritual experience.
Don’ts:
- Do not carry any non-vegetarian food or alcohol during the journey as it is strictly prohibited.
- Do not smoke or consume any form of tobacco during the journey as it is also prohibited.
- Do not carry any weapons or sharp objects during the journey.
- Do not indulge in any form of loud music or partying during the journey as it can be disrespectful to the local customs and traditions.
- Do not take photographs or videos inside the temples or other religious places without permission.
- Do not disturb the local wildlife or damage the natural habitat during the journey.
- Do not indulge in any form of unethical or illegal activities during the journey.
- Do not venture into unknown territories or off-road paths without proper guidance or permission.
- Do not try to overtake other vehicles or drive rashly on the narrow mountain roads.
- Do not carry any form of plastic bags or bottles as it can harm the environment and the wildlife.
In conclusion, the Char Dham Yatra is a spiritual journey that requires a lot of patience, respect, and devotion. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure a safe and fulfilling journey that enriches your mind, body, and soul.