Char Dham Yatra

(Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri)

Location: Uttaranchal
Famous As: Pilgrimage & Adventure Sports
Attraction: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Shri Kedarnathji, Shri Badrinathji & more like Mussoorie and Nainital

With the majestic and mystifying Himalayas as the backdrop, the four most holy pilgrimages of India never cease to amaze travelers and visitors. Char Dham, or the four pilgrimage centers, comprising of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are frequented by the religious minded as well as those intrigued by the remnants of bygone years. The holy river, Ganges, and her tributaries flow buoyantly past the four Dhams. According to the legend, Goddess Ganga descended upon Earth in the form of a river to help the suffering humanity. As the Earth would be unable to endure the force of her descent, the holy Ganges was split into channels, each of which also came to be considered as sacred. Four of these channels flow past the four Dhams, namely Alaknanda (in Badrinath), Mandakini (in Kedarnath), Bhagirathi (in Gangotri) and Yamuna (in Yamunotri). The four Dhams are blessed not only with extraordinary scenic beauty but also with a long history. This has contributed ancient temples to the panorama of these holy lands.

SHRI BADRINATHJI

The abode of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath, is situated in the Himalayas (Uttarakhand) at the height of approximately 3,124 meters above sea level. It is on the left bank of the river, Alaknanda. Meandering rivers and the mountain range add to the beauty of this Holy Land. At one time the spot was covered with wild berries ("badris") and was famous as the "Badri Van" (the garden of wild berries)..

Built by the Garwal kings, the Badrinath shrine dates back to more than two centuries. The temple has a black stone idol that depicts Lord Vishnu - the preserver - in a meditative stance with both hands on his lap. Fed by the Badrinath glaciers and the holy Ganges, the sacred river Alaknanda flows by the temple. There is a hot water spring (Tapt Kund) near the temple. Rich in sulphur, a dip in Tapt Kund is considered holy and refreshing for body and soul and is said cure numerous ailments.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 3 sq. kms.
Clothing: May - heavy woolen
June - September - light woolen
October - November - heavy woolen
Languages: Hindi, English and Garwali
The Badrinath temple remains closed during winter and is open from April to November.

SHRI KEDARNATHJI

The holy city of Kedarnath is situated 3,581meters above sea level, on the banks of the river Mandakini, amidst the spectacular mountain ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas. The Kedarnath shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer. According to legend, this temple was built by the Pandavas to redeem themselves of the sin of killing their brothers during the famous Mahabharata war.

In the Kedarnath temple, Lord Shiva is represented in the form of the jyotirlinga (the phallus of light). The interiors are decorated with exquisitely carved images. At the entrance of the temple is a statue of Nandi, the celestial bull. As the temple is located at a great height in the Himalayas, it is not possible to gain entrance into the temple throughout winter. The landscape at Kedarnath is absolutely breathtaking.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 3 sq. kms.
Clothing: May - heavy woolen
June - September - light woolen
October - November - heavy woolen
Languages: Hindi, English and Garwali
The best season for a trip to Kedarnath is from May to October (except during the monsoons).

GANGOTRI

Gangotri is situated in Uttarakhand at the height of 3,048 meters in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas. The 6 meters high Gangotri shrine is dressed in white granite stone and is situated on the right bank of the river, Bhagirathi. As the legend goes, this shrine was built by the Gorkha General, Amar Singh Thapa and rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur. This 18th century temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga who is believed to have descended from heaven as the "stream of life" in response to King Bhagirath's penance.

14 kms from Gangotri is Gaumukh, where the source of the holy Ganges - the Gangotri glacier - is situated. Submerged in the water is the "shivling", the rock on which Lord Shiva supposedly sat to receive Ganga.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Clothing: April - May - heavy woolen
June - September - light woolen
October - November - heavy woolen
Languages: Hindi, English and Garwali
The best season for a trip to Gangotri is from April to November.

YAMUNOTRI

3,322 meters above sea level, Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, which is the main tributary of the holy river, Ganges. As the legend goes, Yamunotri was the home of Asit Muni, a famous sage of ancient times. Built in the 19th century, the Yamunotri temple has a black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna. Recently, the temple was destroyed twice by snow and floods but has been reconstructed each time.
There are numerous hot water springs near the temple in which pilgrims immerse potatoes and rice tied in pieces of cloth. The meals thus prepared are offered to the deity and then distributed among the pilgrims. The trek along the river is invigorating, especially with the view of the majestic Himalayas.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Clothing: April - July - light woolen
September - November - heavy woolen
Languages: Hindi, English and Garwali
The best season for a trip to Yamunotri is from May to October (except during the monsoons).