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According
to the Hindu scriptures, the holy centers of Gangotri,
Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath - collectively called
the Char Dham (meaning the four sacred spots) - are the
most sacred of all the pilgrimages. Undertaking a journey
to these places will not just wash away one's sins but
ensure release from the cycle of birth and death. The
honor conferred on these places is not surprising.
For one, they are all in the icy Garhwal ranges and
regarded as the most sacred of all Himalayan ranges. It is
also said that heaven and earth converge in these holy
spots, and to be born or die here is a boon only the very
fortunate have. The Chardham must be visited from left to
right -beginning with Yamunotri, going on to Gangotri,
Kedarnath and culminating the journey at Badrinath. This
route follows the Hindu tradition of parikrama or
clockwise circumambulation.
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About the Yatra
The Char Dhams are open for the general public from
first week of May till November depending upon the
weather conditions in the region. The four shrines
remain closed due to heavy snowfall in the region
during December to April.
Char Dham
1.
Badrinath
2.
Kedarnath
3.
Gangotri
4.
Yamunotri
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Badrinath :
Badrinath is one the four sacred shrines
(Dham) of pilgrimage for Hindus. The other three
places are Dwarka in the West, Rameshwaram in South
and Puri in the East. The holy temple of Badrinath,
dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is siuated on the right bank
of Vishnuganga in the middle of two mountain ranges
called Nar and Narayan, rising east and west
respectively. The place was known as Badrivan during
Puranic times because it was found carpeted by wild
Berries or 'Badri' and thus Badrivan.
More about
Badrinath... |
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Kedarnath
:
The magnificent temple of Kedarnath (3581
m) one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is
dedicated to Sadashiva, a form of Lord Shiva, is
situated in Garhwal Himalayas (Rudraprayag district).
While huge statue of Nandi stands in the court yard,
the images of Pandavas and Droupadi are skillfully
carved on the wall of the temple. There are number of
'Kund' in Kedarnath Peeth. Shiv Kund is the prominent
one. Rudhir Kund is known because of water being of
red colour. 'Purandar Parvat' divides the area around
Kedamath temple which are known as 'Narayan Kshetra'
and 'Sakambhari Kshetra'.
More about
Kedarnath... |
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Gangotri
:
The holy shrine of Gangotri (3,140 m)
situated in the high Himalayas, is dedicated to
goddess Ganga. According to legend, King Sagar, after
slaying the demons on earth decided to stage in
Ashwamegh Yagya as a proclamation of his supremacy.
The horse which was to be taken on an uninterrupted
journey around the earth was to be accompanied by the
King's 60,000 sons born to Queen Sumati and one son
Asmanjas born of the second queen Kesani. Indra,
supreme ruler of the gods feared that he might be
deprived of his celestial throne if the 'Yogya'
(worship with fire) succeeded and then took away the
horse and tied it to the ashram of Sage Kapil, who was
then in deep meditation.
More about
Gangotri... |
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Yamunotri
:
The temple of Yamuna was built by Maharani
Guleria of Jaipur during 19th century. It was rebuilt
following its destruction during early period of the
last century. The temple at Yamunotri (3,291 m) stands
on the western edge of the Bandarpoochh peak (6,315 m)
in Garhwal Himalayas. The sacred river of Yamuna
originates from Yamnotri glaciers. Mythological Yamuna
is the daughter of the Sun just like Yama who is also
considered his son. It is believed that Yama would not
torment any person at the time of death who bathe in
Yamuna that is his sister.
More about
Yamunotri... |
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