Char Dham of India

Char Dham tour opens the door of salvation and offers you the best spiritual experience of your life. As you undertake this sacred yatra you get a chance to build a connection with God and get rid of the sins you have committed. Char Dham yatra encompasses the tour of four of the holiest sites Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, Yamunotri to Goddess Yamunotri, Badrinath to Lord Vishnu, and Kedarnath to Lord Shiva. Bada Char Dham includes the exploration of Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Dwarka, and Puri and these four sites are perched in four different directions of the country. Every Hindu should undertake the Char Dham yatra at least once in their lifetime to experience divinity like never before.

The Char Dham Yatra’s starting point is Yamunotri, which further continues to other sacred destinations like Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Since the sacred pilgrimage includes crossing rivers, traveling at high altitudes, and visiting holy shrines via bumpy mountain roads, steep and steep terrain you must be physically fit. There are various ways to undertake the yatra including pony rides, treks, and helicopter rides and you can choose the best option as per your preference and fitness level.

List of Bada Char Dham Yatra Places

Badrinath

Badrinath is situated at around 3,100 m elevation on the Alaknanda River bank in the Garhwal Himalayas. This sacred town is perched between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges and is known for its divine ambiance and breathtaking views. The main attraction of the town is the Badrinath Temple that sage Adi Shankaracharya built in the eighth century. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu and it remains open for six months. There are fifteen other deities and idols within the premises of the temple, some situated in the inner sanctum. These include Garuda (Lord Vishnu’s vehicle), Uddhava (Lord Krishna’s friend), Kuber (the god of wealth), Lord Ganesh, Nara and Narayana, Shridevi and Bhudevi, and Goddess Lakshmi.

History

No one can tell how old Badrinath temple is, although its history can be traced to the Vedic Age in India, which started in 1,500 B.C. Badrinath also known in Hindu scriptures as Badrikashram, attracted many sages and saints during this period. In the post-Vedic texts, there are many references to Badrinath. It’s believed that Adi Shankara built Badrinath temple in the ninth century. Firstly, the temple existed as a Buddhist temple with a brightly-colored exterior and distinctly Buddhist architecture. Adi Shankara also founded Lord Vishnu’s fossilized black stone idol in the Alaknanda River. As per Hindus, Badrinath came into prominence when Lord Vishnu’s avatar Nar-Narayan did Tapasya there. During that period, Badrinath was full of berry trees, and Berries mean Badri in the Sanskrit language. Therefore, this place came to be known as Badrika-Van due to the Berries trees abundance. Badrinath temple is the place where Nar-Narayan did Tapasya and was saved from rain and sun by a large berry tree.

Why visit

Badrinath is known to be one of four Char Dham abodes of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations that are spread across different parts of India, in four directions. The Badrinath temple houses a 3.3-foot-tall Lord Badrinarayan’s black stone idol sitting in a meditative pose under a Badri tree rather than his usual reclining pose. Badrinath temple has been mentioned in some of the most sacred texts like Skanda Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Bhagvat Geeta. Badrinath is also known for its unadulterated beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and natural wonders.

Opening and closing time

Badrinath opens tentatively in May during the Akshaya Tritiya festival at 4:30 am. The temple closes on Bhai Dooj which is usually held in November.

Dwarka

Dwarka is a sacred city dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located on the Okhamandal peninsula and falls within Gujarat, India. It has ancient temples, sacred lakes, pristine beaches, and much more. October to March (Winter season), is the peak pilgrimage time due to calm and comfortable weather.

History

As per Hindu mythology, Dwarka is believed to be a city where Krishna, Vishnu’s eighth avatar, once lived. It is also believed that Mathura is the birthplace of Krishna located in the state of Uttar Pradesh just south of Delhi. His uncle, Kansa, was this city’s tyrannical ruler and Krishna eventually killed him. Jarasandh, the king of Magadha and Kansa’s father-in-law became furious when he got the news of Kansa’s murder and tried his best to seek revenge for his death. It is also believed that after Lord Krishna’s death, an extensive flood came and the entire city got sunken under the water.

Why Visit

Dwarka is known to be one of the seven holy pilgrimage sites in India. It holds the reputation of being the only city that forms a part of Sapta Puris (seven sacred Hindu cities) and Char Dham (four main holy sites). It houses an island, Beyt Dwarka, an island, and is the focal point for tons of events that surround the life of Krishna. The main attraction of Dwarka is the Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the country’s most sacred sites built by the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. Dwarka has many picturesque beaches where you can soak in the sun and enjoy water-based activities.

Opening and Closing Time

Dwarkadhish Temple opens at around 6:30 pm and closes around 9:30 pm.

Puri

Puri is located in Odisha and is known to be one of the oldest Indian cities. It is situated on the picturesque coast of the Bay of Bengal. The prime attraction of Puri is the Jagannath Temple where Krishna is worshipped by the devotees as Lord Jagannath with his sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra or Balaram. In Puri, the chariot festival is celebrated also known as Rath Yatra. This Chariot Procession takes place from Jagannath Temple to Shri Gundicha Temple covering around three kilometer distance.

History

In the ancient period, Puri was known as Charitra, but many people also doubted this. When Chodaganga Deva built the Purusottama Jagannath’s temple with the idol Krishna as Jagannath with his Sister and Brother, the place came to be known as Purushottam Puri or Purushottam Kshetra. The name was later shortened and named Puri. From the Mughal to the British region, Puri has undergone many renovations and changes. One of the most crowded and oldest chariot processions Rath Yatra is organized in Puri.

Why visit

Puri is known for its ancient temples, splendid beaches, and vibrant culture. The main attraction of Puri is Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The famous beaches of the city—Puri Beach and Swargadwar are ideal for relaxation and water-based activities. In Puri, you can also witness Rath Yatra where a spectacular procession is carried out. The Puri Beach Market is a hub of commerce and culture and exhibits a colorful display of local tradition and craftsmanship.

Opening and Closing Time

The opening time of Jagannath temple is 5:00 AM and the closing time is 11:00 PM.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is a sacred holy destination in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. It houses the Rameswaram temple which is known to be one of the sacred Char Dham sites for Hindus. It is believed that Rameshwaram is the site where Lord Rama built the Rama Setu or bridge Adams Bridge to Sri Lanka. The culture of the city is a mix of Dravidian and Tamil traditions, making it one of the best places to explore local traditions and customs.

History

Rameshwaram Temple’s history is closely associated with the Ramayana, which narrates Lord Rama’s story. As per the legend, after killing Ravana in Sri Lanka Rama wanted to worship Shiva, to absolve himself of the sins. He asked Hanuman to bring a lingam from Kashi (Varanasi), but Hanuman could not return on time. Therefore, Sita, the wife of Rama made a lingam out of sand and worshipped it at Rameshwaram. This lingam was later known as Ramalingam and is the temple’s main deity. The lingam that Hanuman brought from Kashi is called Vishwalingam and is also installed in the main temple.

Why Visit

Rameshwaram has many ancient sites, bird sanctuaries, and historic bridges. The main of Rameshwaram is the Panch-Mukhi Hanuman Temple where you can see five different faces including Lord Hanuman, Lord Narasimha, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Garuda, and Lord Hayagriva. The childhood home of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th president is in Rameshwaram. You can also head to Jada Theertham, where Lord Rama after killing Ravana worshiped Shiva Linga, and the giant bird Jatayu died while saving Sita from the demon King Ravana.

Opening and Closing Time

The opening and closing times of Rameshwaram temple are as follows

Morning: 5:00 am – 1:00 pm

Evening: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Chota Char Dham Yatra Places

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple is the last pitstop in the Chota Char Dham Yatra. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has a captivating backdrop with the Neelkanth peak surrounding it. The temple’s legendary tales of the penance of Lord Vishnu and vibrant architecture make it a blissful destination. The temple has been mentioned in many ancient books like Skanda Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Mahabharata. It is included in both Chota Char Dham and Bada Char Dham pilgrimage circuit that holds immense relevance for Hindus. The Badrinath area has been referred to in Hindu scriptures as Badrika Ashram or Badri.

History

Badrinath Temple is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the Hindu religion. The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known to be the protector among the Hindu Gods. The iconic Lord Vishnu’s one-meter-tall black stone idol is one of the eight Swayam Vyakta Kshetras or self-manifested statues. As per the legend two sons of Dharma, Narayan and Nar, wanted to take shelter in the awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks. They were looking vigorously for a tranquil and serene place to set up their hermitage. After an extensive search, they discovered Panch Badri’s four sites:- Yog Badri, Bridha Badri, Dhyan Badri, and Bhavisya Badri. On cold and hot springs behind the sacred Alaknanda River, they took shelter. They named this site Badri Vishal, and like this, the town got its name.

Why visit

The Badrinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu sites known for its rich past. It is perched along the River Alaknanda’s banks and is considered Lord Vishnu’s most important temple. The temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya. He founded Lord Vishnu’s Shaligram idol immersed in the River Alaknanda. He installed the Shaligram idol in a small cave near the Tapta Kund. The temple has three distinct structures; the Darshan Mandap (worship hall), the Garbhagriha (sanctum), and the Sabha Mandap (convention hall). Badrinath temple’s main entrance gate is colorful and known as Singhdwar. It is believed that by visiting the temple you can achieve salvation and get rid of the sins you have committed.

Opening and Closing Time

Badrinath Temple remains shut every year for around six months, opening in April or May (summers) and closing with winter’s onset (October or November).

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is one of the most sacred temple destinations. The town is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas established around the Kedarnath temple. Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its exquisite architecture. The temple has been constructed of evenly shaped but extremely large grey stone slabs. Inside the temple, there is a conical rock formation that is worshipped by the devotees as Lord Shiva in the form of “Sadashiva”.  The Kedarnath temple is an important part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. It is also known to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Behind the temple, you can see the Kedarnath Peak, other Himalayan peaks, and Kedar Dome. Gauri Kund serves as the base camp for those who embark on the trek to this temple.

History

In Skanda Purana, you can find the earliest reference to Kedarnath. As per Skanda Purana Kedarnath is the site where Holy Ganga is released by Lord Shiva from his matted hair. As per the legend, the Pandava brothers after the Mahabharata war built the temple. It is believed that the Pandava brothers sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to absolve themselves of all the sins related to Mahabharat. Kedarnath became a Jyotirlinga, representing the cosmic form of Lord Shiva.

Why Visit

Kedarnath is one of the most sacred destinations in India also known to be one of the Panch Kedars. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya restored the Kedarnath temple and it was built by Pandavas. Inside the temple, you’ll find a small hall with beautiful images of the Pandavas and Goddess Parvati. The hall is adorned beautifully with statues of Draupadi, Virbhadra, Krishna, Pandavas, and other deities. Inside the temple, there is a conical rock that is worshipped by the devotees as the Sadashiva. The Kedarnath temple is situated amidst the Garhwal Himalayan ranges and is visited each year by thousands of pilgrims and tourists. Other prominent attractions in and around Kedarnath include Vasuki Tal and Chopta.

Opening and Closing Time

Kedarnath Temple opens in May and closes in November.

Gangotri Dham

Gangotri Dham is located in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district and holds immense prominence in Hindu mythology as it is considered to be the sacred Ganges River’s origin point. The Gangotri Temple is Gangotri Dham’s main attraction built in the eighteenth century by a Gorkha commander. Constructed of white granite the temple exudes a serene ambiance amidst the Himalayan terrain. Besides the temple, Gangotri is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Surrounded by lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and gushing streams, Gangotri offers the perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.

History

Gangotri is a sacred destination where for the first time Ganga touched earth. As per Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga took the river’s form to absolve King Bhagiratha’s predecessors’ sins, following his penance of centuries. Mother Ganges descended on earth from Lord Shiva’s matted hair to provide grace and spiritual healing to the people.

Why Visit

The captivating mythology and rich history of Gangotri Dham make it an important destination for nature lovers and Hindu devotees. As you embark on your adventure or pilgrimage to Gangotri Dham it is a journey of spiritual bliss and self-discovery. You can visit the Gangotri temple which is perched at around 3,100 meters to pay your offerings to Goddess Ganga. The temple can be accessed via road or trek journey from the town.

Opening and Closing Time

The Gangotri temple opens at around 6:15 am till 2:00 pm. The temple reopens at around 3:00 pm and closes around 9:30 pm.

Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri is one of the most important Char Dham sites known to be the origin point of River Yamuna. The main attraction of the town is the Yamunotri Temple built in honor of Goddess Yamuna. Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal constructed the temple and Maharani Guleria of Jaipur renovated it in the nineteenth century. Gauri Kund and Surya Kund are two hot springs that you can visit near the temple. Before entering the temple you should take a holy dip in these natural thermal springs, as it is believed to cleanse your soul and body.

History

Yamunotri Temple’s origin is traced back to ancient times. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed to be the Yamuna River’s birthplace. As per the legend sage Asit Muni meditated here leading to the Yamuna River’s manifestation. Naresh Sudarshan Shah, King of Tehri constructed the Yamunotri Dham temple in 1839. Maharani of Jaipur Gularia Devi reconstructed the temple in the nineteenth century AD after it got damaged due to an earthquake.

Why Visit

Yamunotri is a sacred site that constitutes the Char Dham Yatra, alongside Badrinath, Gangotri, and Kedarnath. Pilgrims embark on the journey to Yamunotri Dham to cleanse their souls and seek spiritual enlightenment. The journey to Yamunotri opens the path to salvation. The trek to Yamunotri begins from Janki Chatti. The temple’s serene ambiance, surrounded by magnanimous peaks, invokes tranquility that touches every pilgrim’s heart.

Opening and Closing Time

The Yamunotri Temple opens at around 7 am or 8 am, and after a break from 1 pm to 4 pm it reopens and closes at 8 pm.