Chardham Yatra A Salvation Journey to Abode of God

Our country India is dotted with plentiful religious destinations where God seekers can find utmost solace. Chardham of Uttarakhand, perched amid the lofty peaks of Garhwal Himalayas, is one such extremely sacred destination where scores of devotees make a bee line in search of God and salvation.

Chardham Temples of Uttarakhand

These Chardham in the high Himalayas are however different from the greater India Chardham circuit. The chardhams of Uttarakhand, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath are also referred to as the Chota Chardham and are a replica of the greater all-India Chardhams. Apart from these four Dham, there are also many other awe-inspiring places to visit in and around the region. However, most of the visitors to Chardhams are ignorant of these hidden wonders of nature

Badrinath

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath One of the major pilgrimage centers for Hindus, Badrinath is held in very high esteem by them. Though the temple at Badrinath is reputed to belong to the Vedic era it was actually built by Adi Shankaracharya. Badrinath falls in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is situated on the banks of river Alaknanda and is perched at a height of 3133 mts.

Badrinath is covered by snow for about half the year round. During this period the temple remains closed while Lord Badrinath moves to Joshimath. Joshimath is one of the four maths built by Shankaracharya. What is worth noting here is the fact that around this time the temples of Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath are also closed.

The path leading to Badrinath is surrounded with hilly landscape, steep curve, and enchanting Himalayan panorama and presents a captivating spectacle. Presence of hot water springs further adds attraction to the place. The route to Badrinath is often crowded as it also leads to Hemkund Sahib, a popular and important pilgrimage center for Sikhs.

Beside Badrinath temple a valley leads to Neelkanth Peak which is the embodiment of everything sacred, pious and pure in the region. The priests of Badrinath Temple are popular as Rawals and are normally the Namboodiri Brahmins belonging to Kerala, a clan to which Shankaracharya also belonged. Badrinath Temple Committee and the king of Tehri Garhwal jointly appoint a Rawal who knows the puja rituals and is a scholar in Sanskrit.

Badrinath Fact File

• Country: India
• State: Uttarakhand
• District: Chamoli
• Language: Hindi, Garhwali and English
• Area: 3 km2 (1 sq mi)
• Elevation: 3,415m (11,204 ft)
• Population: 841 (2001)
• Density: 280/km2 (725/sq mi)
• Time Zone: IST (UTC+05:30)
• Pin Code: 246422
• Best Time to Visit: May to September

Emergency Contact No

• Police: 100
• Ambulance: 102
• Fire: 101

Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Dham Kedarnath is held in very high esteem by Hindus around the world largely for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its following amongst the tribe can be gauged from the fact that it's every Hindu's ambition to pay a visit to the holy place at least once in his life time.

Kedarnath is situated at the height of 3584 meters and is perched on the mountain peaks overlooking some of the most spectacular views of nature. The place oozes calmness which brings immediate relief to turbulent minds. It is believed that one cleanses himself of all the sin and return home redeemed after a visit to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath does not only possess holy temples and shrines but is also host to wide vistas of flora and fauna and breathtakingly beautiful natural environ. With eternal peace spread around and gentle breeze blowing through the place an aura is created where people realize the mistakes they have committed and take a vow of never repeating them.

The route to Kedarnath is also very conducive to adventure sports like trekking or mountaineering as a result the place is also frequented by enthusiasts whole are passionate about mountains and mountain sports.

Kedarnath is named after King Kedar who existed in Satya Yuga. Both the place as well as its temple is supposes to have been existence from Mahabharata age. It is widely that Kedarnath is the place where Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva to gain his blessings.

The 'Samadhi' of Adi Guru Shankaracharya lies just behind the temple of Kedarnath. As per the popular legend he went into Samadhi after establishing the four Dham. Shankaracharya was just 32 then!

The head priest (Rawal) of Kedarnath Temple is from Veerashaiva community which hails from Karnataka. However, contrary to Badrinath Temple the Rawals of Kedarnath Temple do not perform puja by themselves. There assistants perform the puja under their guidance.

Kedarnath Fact File

• State: Uttarakhand
• District: Rudraprayag
• USP: Major pilgrimage center for Hindus, Jyotirlinga
• Languages: Garhwali, Hindi, English
• Best Season: Mar - Oct
• Weather: Summer 15 to 30°C, winter 0 to 24°C
• Altitude: 3553 m
• Pincode: 246445
• STD code: 01372

Gangotri

Gangotri Temple

Gangotri A small town, Gangotri derives its importance from being one of the important holy destinations for Hindus. The place is home to the most important temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Amar Singh Thapa, the famous Gorkha General, is credited with constructing the Gangotri Temple which exists today.

Perched at a height of 3048 mts. above sea level lies the holy city of Gangotri. Flanked by Bhagirathi River, the place firmly establishes its claim as being one of the important centers to constitute Char Dham in Uttarakhand.

The place has a natural Shivling submerged under water which is clearly visible in winters when the water level decreases. Legend has it that this was the place where Lord Shiva restricted the Ganges in his locks when her force proved too much for the earth.

Gangotri is set in an enchanting location with lush green scenery spread far and wide. The place has rough terrains, crystal clear water of Bhagirathi River and snow tipped mountain peaks which make the place attractive. The origin of Bhagirathi River, Gaumukh Glacier, lies at a distance of 18 kms. from Gangotri and can only be reached on foot.

Gangotri holds great importance for Hindus who make it a point to visit this holy place at least once in their life time. The place also attracts all those who find pleasure in adventure sports as the place offers ample opportunity for trekking, mountaineering, swimming etc.

Gangotri Temple is closed during winters as the place witnesses heavy snowfall.

Gangotri Fact File

• Altitude: 3084m
• Climate: Summers have pleasant days; winter is oppressive and witnesses heavy rainfall.
• When to Visit: April to October
• Clothing: Woolens all through the year.
• Languages Spoken: Hindi, English, Garhwali
• Airport: Jolly Grant airport is closest to Gangotri and lies about 265 km from Gangotri.
• Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station is closest to Gangotri and is about 248 km away.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri is the source from where river Yamuna emanates. It is also included amongst one of the four major sites of Char Dham and is a must visit pilgrimage spot for Hindus. Perched at a height of 3293 meters above sea level Yamunotri lies in Uttarkashi, situated close to Indo-China border. The path leading to Yamunotri Temple is replete with rough cliffs and thick forest. Devotees often hire a horse or take a palanquin on rent to reach the temple. The climate of the place is very harsh and is covered in snow for most part of the year. No matter which part of the year you might be visiting Yamunotri it is always advisable to carry some woolens with you.

The Yamunotri Temple serves as the first stop-over for all those set out on a voyage to Char Dham. The temple itself is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and attracts large number of devotees between May and October.

Yamunotri Temple, which was constructed by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur, is amongst one of the prominent attractions of Yamunotri. Surya Kund, which is a spring of hot water, is another great attraction of the region. Devotees boil rice and vegetable in its hot water and take it as 'Prasad' to their homes. Divya Shila, a rock pillar, also holds an important position in the region. Devotees pay obeisance to the pillar before entering in the premises of Yamunotri Temple.

Yamunotri Fact File

• Altitude: 3,235 m.
• Climate: Summers: Cool during the day and cold at night, Winters: Snow-bound touching sub-zero.
• Clothing: Summers: Light woolens, Winters: Very heavy woollens.
• Languages: Hindi, Garhwali and English.
• Eating Out: Only local eating houses (Dhabas) are available. Non-veg and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Yamunotri.
• Airport: Jolly Grant Airport is closes to Yamunotri.
• Railway Station: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh Railway Station is closest to Yamunotri.