Overview

Char Dham Yatra

History of the Char Dhams

The Char Dham, meaning "Lesser Four Abodes," is a revered pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand, India. Consisting of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, these sacred shrines are deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology and spiritual traditions. Though the circuit gained prominence in recent centuries, its origins date back to ancient times, with mentions in Hindu scriptures like the Puranas and the Mahabharata.

The concept of the Char Dham pilgrimage was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. His efforts to revive Hinduism led to the unification of these four shrines into a single pilgrimage circuit, guiding devotees through the sacred Himalayan landscapes.

Yamunotri, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is believed to be the source of the Yamuna River. According to legend, sage Asit Muni meditated here, and the river’s waters are said to grant spiritual purification. The temple, built in the 19th century, is a key stop in the pilgrimage.

Gangotri, the origin of the holy Ganges River, is associated with Goddess Ganga. Mythology states that King Bhagirath performed intense penance to bring Ganga to Earth for the salvation of his ancestors. The Gangotri Temple, constructed by a Gorkha general in the 18th century, marks this sacred site.

Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is believed that the Pandavas sought Shiva’s blessings here after the Kurukshetra war. The ancient temple, over a thousand years old, stands resilient in the harsh Himalayan terrain.

Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is considered the holiest among the four. Legends say Vishnu meditated here, and Adi Shankaracharya re-established the temple in the 8th century.

The Char Dham pilgrimage is regarded as a path to salvation, drawing thousands of devotees seeking divine blessings.

Beliefs for Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage that holds immense significance in Hinduism. It is believed that visiting these four holy shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—grants spiritual purification, absolves sins, and leads to moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). Each of these shrines has its own religious importance and is associated with divine legends.

Yamunotri – The Origin of the Yamuna River

• Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the sister of Yama (the god of death).
• It is believed that bathing in the holy waters of the Yamuna River protects devotees from premature death.
• According to legend, sage Asit Muni meditated here, and the river provided him with divine blessings.
• The natural hot water springs (Surya Kund) are considered sacred, and devotees cook rice and potatoes as offerings to the goddess.

Gangotri – The Source of the Ganges

• Gangotri is the sacred origin of the Ganga River, which is considered the holiest river in Hinduism.
• It is believed that King Bhagirath performed intense penance to bring Ganga to Earth for the salvation of his ancestors.
• A dip in the river Bhagirathi, near the temple, is said to wash away sins and grant divine blessings.
• The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, and pilgrims seek her blessings for purity and salvation.

Kedarnath – The Abode of Lord Shiva

• Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• It is believed that the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Shiva here after the Mahabharata war.
• Worshiping at Kedarnath is said to free devotees from past karma and the cycle of rebirth.
• The temple is surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks, adding to its divine aura.

Badrinath – The Seat of Lord Vishnu

• Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have meditated here for thousands of years.
• It is said that Adi Shankaracharya revived the temple in the 8th century to promote Hinduism.
• Devotees believe that visiting Badrinath ensures a peaceful afterlife and grants eternal enlightenment.
• The temple is located between Nar and Narayan mountains, symbolizing balance and devotion.

The Char Dham Yatra is a journey of faith, devotion, and self-discovery, undertaken by thousands of pilgrims seeking divine blessings and spiritual fulfillment.

Best Time to do Char Dham Yatra

The best time for the Char Dham Yatra is from May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the routes are accessible. The monsoon season (July-August) brings landslides, while winters (November-April) make the shrines inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

The routes get blocked and the idols shifted to the pilgrim sites which are nearby.

Char Dham Yatra Cost: Per person 25999/- from Haridwar to Haridwar

Short Itinerary of Char Dham Yatra

Day 1 – Haridwar to Janki Chatti (239 km) (8/9 hours) Overnight stay Hotel

Day 2 – Janki Chatti to Yamunotri and back (5 km) (3/4 hours) Overnight stay Hotel

Day 3 – Janki Chatti to Gangotri (222 Metre) (7/8 hours) Overnight stay Hotel Uttarkashi

Day 4 – Uttarkashi to Sonprayag ,fhata, (228 km) (8/9 hours) Overnight stay Hotel

Day 5 - Sonprayag to Gaurikund (5.2 km) and Kedarnath dham Trek (16.5 km) ( 7/8 Hours) Overnight stay Hotel

Day 6 - Rest day kedarnath

Day 7 –kedarnath to Sonprayag by Trek (16.5km) (5.2 km) Drive and Gopeshwar, mandal (112km) (4/5 Hours) Overnight stay Hotel

Day 8 –Gopeshwar,Mandal to Badrinath (98 km) (4/5 Hours) Overnight stay Hotel

Day 9 – visit Badrinath pandukeshwar

Day 10 -Badrinath to Haridwar (315 km) (9/10 Hours) Railway station drop group