Chardham Yatra and the significance of Holy rivers

Chardham Yatra and the significance of Holy rivers
5 min read

The Chardham yatra is a religious pilgrimage of our country. It comprises four important visitos of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. India has many pilgrimage destinations while Chardham of Uttarakhand is the most important.

Chardham yatra is among the top centers of devotees. This is where they come for fulfillment of their spiritual needs and inner peace. It is the Tirtha Yatra for Hindus as it has the four abodes (Tirthas) of the mighty Hindu Gods. There Are Four Temples In The State of Uttarakhand: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, And Kedarnath.

Significance and Importance for Hindus Of Chardham Yatra

To achieve salvation, every Hindu should visit the Chardham temples. More than 2 Lakh followers visit Chardham temples every year. It’s a belief that Guru Adi Shankaracharya came up with the term Char Dham. It means four Holy Destinations or God’s Abode. The shrines are present in the hills of Uttarakhand, featuring sno layers and beautiful mountains.

When one visits the Char Dhams, it is a belief that an individual washes their sins away, and they get salvation. Everyone should make the Yatra once in their lives. The shrines have a lot of importance for Hindus. Guru Adi Shankar got freedom from reincarnation at Badrinath Dham. Immediately, Yamunotri is the entry point, and Gangotri is the next sacred shrine.

Kedarnath Dham is followed up with Badrinath Dham. One has to visit the Char Dham to obtain mental peace. Besides that, pilgrims can consider booking Chardham yatra by Helicopter services for comfort, convenience, and saving time.

Char Dham Temples – Yamunotri

It is the doorway to the Yatra, and it is the source of the holy river of Yamuna. It is a story that Yamuna was Yamraj’s sister. During the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj, Yamraj made a promise that anyone who dipped into the river would achieve salvation. He will not go to Yamlok after death. It is at a height of 3164 metres above sea level, and many pilgrims take a dip here for sanctity.

The shrine is the source of the river Yamuna and a holy place in the Garhwal region. Janki Chatti thermal springs and Yamuna Temple are sacred places here. The thermal springs called Kunds warm the area, while Yamuna’s cold waves purify the environment here.

Char Dham Temples – Gangotri 

Gomukh is the main highlight of Dham, as the Ganga river originates here. Ganga was born in the place where lord Badrinath meditated for a long duration. The shrine is at a height of more than 3200 meters above sea level. 

A special Pooja takes place annually. It is on the banks of the Ganga River and also inside the temple itself. Besides that, Ganga is another essence of purity and sanctity. Pilgrims take a dip in the river and then go to the shrine.

Char Dham Temples – Kedarnath Dham

At a height of 3580 meters above sea level, Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Out of the five Panch Kedar temples, it is the absolute main one. It is rumored that the Pandavas had slain their folks during the Kurukshetra War with Kauravas. 

They asked for redemption with Shivji’s blessings, but he eluded and took recourse at the place of Kedarnath. Many people visit this shrine when undertaking the Chardham Yatra. 

Char Dham Temples – Badrinath Dham

The next Dham on the list of Chardham Temples is the Badrinath Dham. It is on the Alaknanda River bank’s left side at the height of around 3133 meters above sea level. The Dham is dedicated to Vishnu Ji, the preserver and protector of the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Vishal Badri is the name given to Lord Vishun’s sacred temples here. 

Best Time to Visit Chardham

All four places in the Yatra are open for just half a year. You can visit from April to May or October or November. The Mandir Samiti announces the exact dates of Maha Shivratri. So, one should know the opening and closing dates for the best time to visit Chardham.

Also, you should plan your route in advance. You should know the itinerary and whether you will reach it by train, car, or aeroplane. Besides that, pilgrims can avail themselves of the Chardham yatra by helicopter services for maximum convenience and comfort. 

Conclusion

The Chardham Yatra of Uttarakhand is a must that every Hindu must complete during their lifetime. These places’ positive vibes and the opportunity to disconnect from your busy schedule add to this holy Yatra. The entire Yatra experience will bring you peace and a step closer to nature. 

Ensure you plan your trip well and don’t find visiting hard. During the winter season, the Yatra is closed. So visit during summer till October or November starts. There are many ways to take the Yatra, so choose the best option. Every Hindu should take the Chardham Yatra to get the divine blessings, connect with nature and feel the power of spirituality.

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