It’s one of the most noted pilgrim circuits in India with each site offering a history and significance of its own… Want to know more about Char Dham, the pilgrimage which according to Hindus is a yatra to the most revered sites they undertake to free themselves from sin and rebirth?
A pilgrimage that constitutes visiting the four sacred places of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, this yatra usually begins from Yamunotri and then proceeds onto Gangotri and Kedarnath finally culminating at Badrinath.
At 3293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri the source of the Yamuna River and one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Hindus is known for its temple of Goddess Yamuna built in 1839, hot springs and breathtaking beauty. Located on a division of the Bandar Poonchh peak, it is found opposite the Gangotri.
While the shrine is a must visit, the Surya Kund a hot spring located close to the temple is indeed a sight with the spring bubbling with hot water in the midst of the snow capped mountains. While the waters from this hot spring are used to cook food which is then offered to the deity of the shrine, devotees also believe the waters to be a natural cure for many an ailment.
Saptarshi Kund is the source of the River Yamuna, an extremely difficult trek as the place is covered with ice. Once here, the beauty of the place is unmatched. Besides its dark blue waters, and slate stones… a rare lotus known as the Brahma Lotus is also found here. Other attractions here include the Divya Shila, a rock pillar near the temple and Janki Chatti.
Gangotri is the source for the River Ganga. It is 99 kms from Uttarkashi. Blessed with an exceptional scenic beauty Gangotri has a breathtaking holy environment with thousands of people visiting it every year as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage.
Moving from Yamunotri to Gangotri, the source of the Ganga, there is an interesting legend associated with the place. According to mythology, Ganga came down on earth as a reward to King Bhagirath by Lord Shiva for the penance done by him. This is why the Ganga is also referred to as the Bhagirathi. As Lord Shiva felt it would be disaster if the Ganga came down in full force, and locked the Ganga with his hair to avoid the nearby cities from being submerged. Anatural rock Shivling, found submerged here in the river, is said to be the spot Lord Shiva sat to contain the Ganga with his matted locks.
Some pilgrim attractions here include Gaumukh Glacier; the origin of the holy river that is around 19 km from here. Though the waters are icy cold, one can find many pilgrims bathing here.
A beautiful white granite temple constructed here in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Sigh Thapa. it was said to be near the place King Bhagirath used to pray to Lord Shiva; the slab on which the King used to meditate is known as the Bhagirathi Shila.
Around 10 km from Gangotri is Bhaironghati, it is known for a small temple of Bhairon, said to have been appointed by Shiva to safeguard the place. Besides the temple another attraction is the bridge over the Jhanvi River said to be the highest bridge in Asia.
Sat – Tal is a wonderful picnic spot around 5 km from here, where trekkers and tourists can enjoy the beauty of the seven lakes.
At an altitude of 3584 m, Kedarnath is one of the holiest pilgrim sites for Hindus as it is believed to be the seat of Lord Shiva. This was also the place an ancient temple was built by the Pandavas after they emerged victorious in their battle against the Kauravas and the place Lord Shiva absolved them of their sins for killing their own cousins during the battle. Adjacent to this temple is the temple built by the Great India sage and scholar Adi Guru Shankaracharya.
The 1000 year old exquisitely carved Temple of Kedarnath is the main attraction here. Built out of large slabs of stone it looks magnificent with the snow capped mountain peaks as its backdrop. While the walls are decorated with various figures relating to mythology, at the gates is a statue of Nandi, while Lord Shiva is worshiped in his Sadashiva form.
Other attractions here besides the temple includes the several kunds (pools) each important for religious purposes, the temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav, who it is believed to guard the main temple here during the harsh winters, when everything else is closed and lastly the Samadhi of Shankaracharya.
Other places of interest from here include Chorabari just a km away where tourists can enjoy the crystal clear lake, Trijuginarayan is another interesting excursion; legend has it that this was the place the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized.
The last leg of this important journey Badrinath provides pilgrims with not just solace but also some breathtaking scenic views. Said to be the holiest of the four shrines in Garhwal, Badrinath is nestled between the Twin Mountains of Nar and Narayan, the Neelkanth Peak providing an excellent backdrop for this divine city.
Once carpeted with wild berries or ‘badris’ this is the spot chosen by Lord Vishnu to meditate after being admonished by Lord Narada for being engrossed in worldly delights. Thus, the idol of Vishnu is seen in the meditating posture in the Badrinath Temple. Situated in the lofty Himalayas at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level, while the trek here is a difficult one, it is also a rewarding one for the spectacular beauty tourists are a witness to.