Char Dham Yatra 26th May – 8 June, 2023

Overview

Char Dham Yatra is one of the most significant pilgrimages in Hinduism, which takes devotees to four holy shrines nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. The four temples that form the Char Dham circuit are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These four temples are believed to be the abodes of the four principal deities of Hinduism, and a journey to these shrines is considered to be a sacred and divine experience.

Yamunotri, the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the sister of Yama, the God of Death. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,293 meters and is accessible by a 13 km trek from Hanuman Chatti. The temple is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges and is situated near the Yamuna River, which is considered to be holy.

Gangotri, the second stop of the Char Dham Yatra, is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the holiest river in Hinduism. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,048 meters and is accessible by a 19 km trek from the town of Gangotri. The temple is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, which is one of the main tributaries of the Ganges.

Kedarnath, the third stop of the Char Dham Yatra, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters. The temple is accessible by a 14 km trek from Gaurikund and is situated in the midst of snow-capped peaks and the Mandakini River. The temple is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is considered to be one of the most sacred shrines in Hinduism.

Badrinath, the final stop of the Char Dham Yatra, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at an altitude of 3,133 meters. The temple is accessible by a 3 km trek from the town of Badrinath and is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 Divya Desams and is considered to be one of the most important shrines in Hinduism.

The Char Dham Yatra is considered to be a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. The rugged terrain, the pristine beauty of the mountains, and the tranquil surroundings make the journey an unforgettable experience. The pilgrimage season starts in April/May and ends in November, and during this time, thousands of devotees flock to these shrines to seek blessings and to pay homage to the divine.

In conclusion, the Char Dham Yatra is a journey of faith, devotion, and self-discovery that takes devotees to four holy shrines in the lap of the Himalayas. The journey is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism and is a must-do for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment.