Chardham, also known as the Four Abodes, is a sacred pilgrimage circuit situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It comprises four Hindu temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, which are located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most popular and revered pilgrimage circuits in India, attracting thousands of devotees every year.
Each of the four temples in the Char Dham circuit has its unique significance and importance in Hindu mythology and tradition. The Yamunotri temple is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, and the Gangotri temple is dedicated to the goddess Ganga. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The pilgrimage to the Char Dham circuit usually begins from Yamunotri, which is located at an altitude of 3,235 meters above sea level. The temple is situated on the western side of the Garhwal Himalayas and is accessible via a 13 km trek from the town of Hanuman Chatti. The temple is situated near the source of the Yamuna River and is believed to be the abode of the goddess Yamuna.
The next stop on the Char Dham Yatra is the Gangotri temple, which is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level. The temple is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River and is accessible via a 19 km trek from the town of Gangotri. The temple is believed to be the abode of the goddess Ganga, who is worshipped by Hindus as a symbol of purity and divinity.
The third temple on the Char Dham circuit is Kedarnath, which is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is accessible via a 14 km trek from the town of Gaurikund. The temple is situated amid the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
The final stop on the Char Dham Yatra is the Badrinath temple, which is located at an altitude of 3,133 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is accessible via a 3 km trek from the town of Badrinath. The temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Char Dham Yatra is considered a sacred and spiritual journey by Hindus, and it is believed that visiting the four temples in the circuit can wash away one’s sins and grant them liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The pilgrimage season usually starts in April and ends in November, with the peak season being in May and June.
In recent years, the government of Uttarakhand has taken several steps to improve the infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims visiting the Char Dham circuit. This has led to an increase in the number of tourists and devotees visiting the region, thereby boosting the local economy and promoting tourism in the state.
