The Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage tour of four sacred Hindu shrines in India: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Char Dham Yatra is believed to have been established by the 8th-century. Saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya and is considered one of the most important religious journeys in Hinduism. It believed that undertaking this pilgrimage purifies the soul, removes past sins, and leads to salvation or moksha. Many devotees book char dham yatra packages online in India in lacs of numbers and visit the holy pilgrimage.
Yamunotri:
Yamunotri is the first and northernmost Char Dham. It is situated in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
According to Hindu mythology, a visit to this temple helps in attaining moksha from the cycle of births and deaths. Pilgrims who visit this temple usually take a holy dip in the sacred hot waters of Surya Kund.
Gangotri:
Gangotri is second of all four divine sites in India. Situated at an elevation of 3,500 meters near the origin of Ganges river.
This place has huge mythological and religious significance among Hindus. It is onsidering they believe that it was here where Ganga descended from Heaven on earth when King Bhagirath devotedly requested Lord Shiva to redeem cursed souls of his ancestors. After taking a holy dip at the origin point,devotees can follow traditional trekking trail which leads to Gaumukh-the supposed ‘true mouth’.
Kedarnath:
Kedarnath falls third on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit for Hindu devotees residing across India as well as abroad.
The shrine lies amidst snow-capped mountain ranges (Mahapari) with outstanding views, dedicated to Lord Shiva one of supreme trinity Gods representing ‘Aadi Yogi’.
Badrinath:
Badrinath lying last position among religious sites forms part of UNESCO world heritage site Nanda Devi.
Biosphere Reserve including many other associated natural sites brimming with spiritual ambiance dedicating itself to deity Vishnu who rules over three cosmic realms.
Religious Importance in Hinduism:
- Pilgrimage of Atonement: The Yatra is often seen as an atonement for one’s sins and transgressions, especially those committed againstspiritual values. Through prayer and meditation along the route, pilgrims seek to gain absolution fom their he past.
- Education On Hinduism: By visiting these four temples all within one pilgrimage travelers can gain in-depth knowledge about Hinduism. As it is represented at each temple differently due to historical influence or geographic considerations.
- An Opportunity for physical exertion and scenic exploration: Climbing snow-capped mountains, crossing rivers inhabited by ferocious crocodiles, trekking across some of most beautiful landscapes India has to offer.
- Immigration Of New Devotees: We have known throughout time that Char Dham Yatra has always represented an immigrant population coming from various parts of India who participate either as guides or devotees.
- Bridge Connector Between Nature: Any religion despite religious differences between various faiths across globe, there prevails a common link between nature-religion bridge created by this very yatra originating from ancient Hindu trideity providing equal footing for any believer on earth aimingto pay respects towards his creator’s ultimate destiny culminating in divine performances.