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The Sacred Chardham Yatra of Uttarakhand

Author: Pratibha Rawat
by Pratibha Rawat
Posted: Dec 09, 2021

In the lofty peaks of the north Indian state of Uttaranchal lie the four most holy pilgrimage sites of India- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Collectively referred to as Char Dham, they are perched in the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Char Dham Yatra India is the most sacred of all pilgrimage sites. A visit to the places washes all the sins of the past and also helps in releasing humans from the cycle of birth and death. It is also believed that heaven and earth converge at the Char Dham. The Dhams have been visited by millions of saints, sages, and ordinary mortals for thousands of years. (For easy access Char Dham Yatra map will help you).

The Dhams pointed on Chardham Map are always visited in an order- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The sequence is never broken or else the pilgrimage is regarded as a vain exercise.

Yamunotri Yatra

The chief attraction of Yamunotri Dham is the temple devoted to Goddess Yamuna. It is from Yamunotri that the river Yamuna originates. The source of the river lies one kilometer from the temple at an altitude of 4421 meters. But the approach to the source is most difficult and only a few of the devotees could make it to the place. The temple was constructed in the nineteenth century. According to ancient scriptures, an enlightened sage named Asi Muni used to reside in this secluded spot in ancient times.

To reach Yamunotri, pilgrims have to undertake a journey of 220 km from Rishikesh to Hanuman Chatti. At Hanuman Chatti, the motorable road ends, and the rest of the distance has to be covered on foot.

Gangotri Yatra

The revered shrine of Gangotri is situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters. The temple was constructed in the 18th century. Legend has it that answering the prayers of King Bhagirath, goddess Ganga first descended at this place. Such was the force with which she fell that Lord Shiva had to receive her into his matted locks. From his locks, many streams started flowing one of which was the river Bhagirathi. In the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that Pandavas had come here to perform 'Deva Yagna'.

On the right bank of the river, Bhagirathi is the revered shrine of Gangotri while a number of Ashrams are located on the left bank. At a distance of 18 km from the holy shrine is Gaumukh glacier where every pilgrim coming to the place compulsorily takes a dip. Gangotri can be reached by road.

Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath is located at an altitude of 3581 meters. The holy Sri Kedarnath Ji shrine here is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva set against the backdrop of the majestic Sri Kedarnath Ji range. The place derives its name from Lord Shiva.

Apart from Sri Kedarnath Ji, there are four other shrines in the place together called Panch Kedar. According to popular belief, Lord Shiva transformed himself into a bull at Kedarnath to escape the searching eyes of the Pandavas. Seeing no respite, he jumped from the mountains. Wherever portions of the body fell, shrines have come up.

From Rishikesh, devotees can travel to Gaurikund on a motorable road. From Gaurikund, Kedarnath could be approached on foot. The distance to Kedarnath from Rishikesh is 223 km.

Badrinath Yatra

The holy shrine of Badrinath Yatra lies on the right bank of river Alaknanda. The temple is built in the form of a cone and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is a one-meter-high image of Sri Badrinath finely sculpted in black stone. The temple is divided into three parts-Garbha Griha, Darshan Mandap, and Sabha Mandap. All devotees take a holy dip in the natural thermal springs of the river Alakananda before entering the temple premises. The springs are called Tapt Kund.

Badrinath is well connected by road with Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

Chardham by Helicopter

Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Tour is a tour of Chardham destination with a helicopter. Chardham Yatra is the tour of holly places as Badrinath Yatra, Kedarnath Yatra, Gangotri Yatra and Yamunotri Yatra. Char Dham Yatra, the soul of Hinduism is an attractive tourist destination mostly for Hindus.

Chardham Yatra India, an important part of the Uttaranchal district and is highly famous for Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and the holy river of Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham. During the Char Dham Helicopter Tour, the journey of these holly places becomes so easy and enjoyable rather than any other journey of Chardham Yatra. So for the simplicity of the visitors off late Helicopter trip was begun. Chardham helicopter tour services you to the Kedarnath Dham region from Agastya Muni to Kedarnath Dham are fantastic. Also do not forget to click lots of Char Dham Yatra photos for sweet memories.

About the Author

I am an avid traveler, music lover, and a seeker of everything unexplored. I love reading mystery novels and writing about the places I have visited ever since I went on my very first travel venture.

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Author: Pratibha Rawat

Pratibha Rawat

Member since: Aug 26, 2018
Published articles: 2

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