ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om Bhur-Bhuvah Svah Tat-Savitur-Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat ||
OM. We meditate on that most adored Supreme Lord, the creator, whose effulgence (divine light) illumines all realms (physical, mental and spiritual). May this divine light illuminate our intellect.
This famous shloka from the Rig Veda was written in Sanskrit in ancient India around 1800-1100 BCE. From time immemorial, India has been a land of intellectual and spiritual seekers. The above hymn is a testimony of this fact. Some places are marked as pilgrimage sites in India from ancient times that are known to have powerful positive vibes, and where such seekers have attained absolute peace of mind and may even experience divinity.
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Char Dham Yatra Pilgrimage
The holiest of such pilgrimages is the Char Dham Yatra which refers to a visit to the four sacred sites situated in four different corners of India, namely, Badrinath in Uttarakhand, Puri in Orissa, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu and Dwarka in Gujarat. These were established by Adi Shankaracharya back in the eighth century AD.
However, there is a smaller circuit of the pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, the Chhota Char Dham Yatra, made out of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in the Indian Himalayas.
Uttarakhand is renowned as Dev Bhoomi (Land of Gods) because it is a land of many pilgrim places, sacred temples, and destinations that fascinate millions of travellers and spiritual seekers. It is also believed that if you visit these places, your sins get wiped away and open the doors to salvation.
These places attract the pilgrims and are also quite popular among tourists who wish to explore the fascinating destination with its ancient history and its stories and immerse themselves in spirituality. At the end of the pilgrimage, one may feel transformed somehow. Even foreign tourists flock to Char Dham to see the heavenly natural splendour of the Himalayas while learning more about Indian culture.
Dev Bhoomi or Land of Gods
The Chota Char Dham is also called the Char Dham of Uttarakhand. From Yamunotri, the Chardham Yatra continues to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and concludes at Badrinath.
A pilgrimage is a personal experience that brings the seeker closer to the supreme. A pilgrimage is undertaken by a devotee to encounter evolved saints who worship at sacred shrines and seek the blessings of deities residing in ancient sanctuaries. When pilgrims travel to see God, they hope for a life-changing, bliss-inducing, and karma-eliminating meeting with the divine.
Important things about Chardham Yatra
The Chardham Yatra places are regarded as one of the most challenging Yatras, and it needs proper preparation and planning to reach these places. Before beginning the Chardham yatra in Uttarakhand, it is critical to make the necessary preparations. The Kedarnath Yatra is regarded as the most challenging.
It’s not an easy feat to undertake a Char Dham Yatra. Only two of the temples, Badrinath and Gangotri, are accessible by car. Trekking is required for the remaining two, at Yamunotri and at Kedarnath. To complete the Char Dham yatra, you must be physically healthy. One must ensure that they are physically capable of completing the arduous trek. Long before the Chardham Yatra begins, you should start preparing for your trek by engaging in physical activities. If one cannot undertake the trek, other transport options are available that come at a cost. All four places can be visited in about 10-12 days.
Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath is one of the holiest pilgrim places in Northern India, nestled among majestic mountain peaks and blanketed in snowstorms. Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is devoted to Lord Shiva. The divine shrine’s base camp is Gauri Kund. At 11,755 feet above sea level, you can feel the swaying panorama of this area. There are various methods for finishing the trek, including hiring a Palki/Pony or walking the whole route.
The statue is relocated to Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar Temple during winter, where pilgrims can seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Kedarnath’s trip will undoubtedly mesmerize and fascinate you. Kedarnath, one of the Panch Kedar in the Garhwal Himalayan range, is one of the holiest places in the world. The Kedarnath Temple is said to have been established by the Pandavas, and it was rebuilt by Adi Shankaracharya. Gauri Kund, situated at an elevation of 1982 metres, has a more spiritual setting and is also the best location to visit. You can visit Vasuki Tal, a visitor site that appeals to all types of visitors. This lake is tucked between snow-capped mountains creating a spectacular view. You may also see the Chaukhamba Peaks from this location.
Chopta is a must-visit for adventurers, as it is one of the most beautiful natural beauties, with majestic hills and luscious grasslands.
Badrinath Temple
It is an eminent Hindu temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, and it is one of the country’s most significant Hindu temples. This temple is also part of the Hindu Pilgrimage’s Bada Char Dham Circuit. Lord Badrinarayan’s idol in a meditation position may be found in this temple. The statue is moved to Vasu Dev Temple in Joshimath for adoration during the winter months.
You can also go to Mata Murti Temple, devoted to Lord Badri’s mother, near Badrinath Dham and Tapt Kund, a hot spring with medical benefits. One of the eight Swayam Vyakta kshetras, which implies self-manifested statues, is Lord Vishnu’s black stone idol which is 1m tall.
Badrinath is packed with charms that will wow you at every turn, with a mix of spiritual feelings and natural beauty. Dharma’s two sons, Nar and Narayan, were said to have wished to seek sanctuary in the Himalayas. They were searching for a suitable spot for their monastery when they found the Panch Badri sites of Yog Badri, Dhyan Badri, Bridha Badri, and Bhavisya Badri. They were eventually given land close to the Alaknanda River.
At Neelkanth, a delightful place, prepare to view the glow of snow-covered hills. Neelkanth is a destination that allures both nature enthusiasts and religious devotees. Both nature enthusiasts and worshipers will find Neelkanth intriguing. The massive peak or mountain is called the Queen of Garhwal, is located at an elevation of 6,597 metres and fascinates a large number of tourists.
Another interesting sight is Charan Paduka, a lovely rock around 2 miles from Badrinath Temple. It is noted that anyone who seeks Lord Vishnu’s blessings would be protected from all of life’s hardships.
Gangotri Dham
This sacred temple is a gorgeous city packed with peace, magnificent natural beauty, and thrilling activities. Gangotri is situated on the Bhagirathi River in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, and from this place arises the holy river Ganga. The shrine is shut throughout the winter months due to the intense cold and harshness of the climate.
Snow-capped peaks and the sacred Ganges River enrich the charm of this place, creating a phenomenal experience for all types of visitors. As we all know that Gangotri is prominent for its religious beliefs. Besides its religious importance, Gangotri also offers exciting camping opportunities. The presence of the Shivling peaks and lush foliage can create some everlastingly beautiful memories. First, go to Submerged Shivling, where Lord Shiva sat to retain the Ganga.
Then witness the amazing scenery around Gomukh, the birthplace of the sacred Ganga. Gomukh’s serene ambience fascinates visitors and makes it a wonderful place.
Yamunotri Dham
One of Uttarakhand’s most famous Dham is dedicated to the Yamuna river. It is regarded as the second sacred river of India, which flows out from Yamunotri. Devotees arrive to worship and seek prayers at this holy site, situated at 3293 metres.
Maharani Guleria of Jaipur constructed it, and Maharana Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal restored it. Thousands of devotees flock here on Akshaya Tritiya to complete their Char Dham pilgrimage. Yamuna, the twin sister of Yama, was the daughter of Lord Sun, and the river is named after her.
In Hindu mythology, Yamunotri Dham holds a unique place. Bathing in the Yamuna River’s holy water is thought to cleanse the soul of all sins and prevent the individual from an untimely or unpleasant death. To arrive at the holy place of Goddess Yamuna, you must hike from Janki Chatti, and that is a very wonderful place to visit because not everyone gets this opportunity.
It is noted that Lord Hanuman reached here after demolishing Ravan’s Lanka and putting out the fire in his tail in the Yamuna River at Bandarpoonch. The beautiful glaciers here will enchant you, and it is unquestionably a gift to nature lovers.
When you visit Char Dham Yatra
Uttarakhand is a treasure trove for believers, and Char Dham is unquestionably one of its hidden jewels. All four temples (Char Dham), Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath, are located on high peaks. They are subjected to heavy snowfall during the winter season, forcing the committee to close the shrines. Therefore, the Char Dham Yatra has to be planned between April to November.
On the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri, the Mandir Samiti confirms the precise visit dates for each year. The priest of the Bhimashankar Linga Temple, however, chooses the dates.
The idol of Kedarnath is also relocated to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath during the winter season when the sacred gates of Kedarnath Temple stay closed. Shani Dev Temple in Kharsali, Vasu Dev Temple in Joshimath, and Mukhimath Temple in Mukba are the holy temples that serve as winter homes for the idols of Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Gangotri.
Every year, many pilgrims and tourists visit the Char Dham Yatra in India. It is recommended to bring warm clothing during summer because the evenings can get very cold. It will be beneficial for you if you carry a simple medical kit with medications for common ailments such as headaches, fevers, and colds will be pretty helpful because, at these Four Dhams, the weather changes at any point in time.
How can you plan a trip?
Embark on a journey to the home of Gods with Aertrip, where we take great care to give you the most up-to-date and accurate Char Dham Yatra 2022 information. We work hard to ensure that our clients have a safe and stress-free trip to Char Dham so that you can relax and enjoy the tranquilly of your sacred tour. Aertrip provides you with the best and cheap Char Dham Yatra packages to ensure that you are given perfect guidance.
If you want a memorable and stress-free visit to the Char Dham places, you can opt for the package that suits you best. The trip’s itinerary will be first Barkot(2N), then Uttarkashi (2N), after this Guptkashi (2N), then Kedarnath (1N), then Badrinath (1N) and at the end Rudraprayag (1N).
Places where Adventure meets Spirituality
In a nutshell, we can say that Char Dham Yatra is that tourist place that one can see an as adventurous destination and a spiritual place. It is the place where one can enjoy 10 days to the fullest and experience serene calm. So, why are you waiting for? Just plan your trip and enjoy it!
FAQs
When one can plan a trip to Char Dham Yatra?
You can plan a trip from April to November. It is closed throughout the winter season because of heavy snowfall.
How long does the trip take?
Generally, it takes 10 – 12 days to complete the entire circuit of Chota Char Dham.
Is there any camp or hotel to stay in?
Yes, there are many comfortable hotels and tent camps available at all Char Dham destinations. One cannot expect luxury or 5-star services here, as these are usually basic hotels/guest houses/Camps run by people who are quite helpful.
