Char Dham Yatra
Overview
The Char Dham Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in Hinduism,
involves visiting four holy shrines located in the Indian state
of Uttarakhand. These four shrines are considered highly sacred
by Hindus and are collectively referred to as the Char Dham,
meaning "four abodes." The Char Dham sites are:
The Char Dham Yatra usually takes place during the summer
months, from April/May to October/November, when the weather
is more favorable for travel due to the harsh conditions in the Himalayan region during the winter.
Pilgrims embark on this journey to seek spiritual solace, blessings,
and the fulfillment of their religious duties. The yatra involves
both physical and spiritual challenges as devotees undertake treacherous
routes and high-altitude conditions. The Yatra holds immense cultural and
religious significance for Hindus, and the belief is that undertaking this
pilgrimage helps cleanse one's soul and attain salvation.
Yamunotri : This shrine is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, and it is believed to be the source of the Yamuna River. The main attraction is the Yamunotri Temple, which is located at an altitude of around 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Gangotri : The Gangotri shrine is devoted to the goddess Ganga (the Ganges River). It is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters (10,200 feet). The Gangotri Temple is the main highlight of the pilgrimage site..
Kedarnath : This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at an altitude of about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet). The Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (sacred representations of Lord Shiva) in India. It is a significant destination for pilgrims.
Badrinath : The Badrinath shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Badri form. It is located at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters (10,800 feet). The Badrinath Temple is a prominent pilgrimage site and is part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
