Char Dham Of Uttrakhand

The Char Dham Of Uttarakhand are considered very special for Hindus. Uttarakhand, known as Devabhoomi, is home to four sacred sites — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, which are revered as some of India’s holiest places. It is believed that anyone who sincerely visits these four sacred sites will attain salvation.

1. Yamunotri Dham

• Yamunotri Dham is the first of the Char Dham Of Uttarakhand. Yamunatree Dham, located in Uttarakhand, is one of the four holy places and is known as the birthplace or origin place of the Yamuna river. Located in the Uttarkashi district, it is situated at an altitude of about 3,293 meters above sea level. Goddess Yamuna is worshipped at this place. Yamunotree Dham is widely considered to be a very holy place as it provides spiritual salvation.
• To reach Yamunotree Dham you have to first go by road to Hanumanachatti or Janakeechatti. Apart from walking about 6 km from Janakeechatti to Yamunotree, alternative options for this journey include traveling by horse or palanquin. The route has a calm atmosphere and offers a unique and peaceful experience.
• Yamuna tree is not only a religious place but it is no less than a heaven for the nature lovers. Its high mountain peaks, lush green forests and extremely peaceful environment provide peace to the mind. There are many hot water ponds around it, the most important among them is Soory Kund. The water of this pond is so hot that even rice and potatoes can be cooked in it. These marked rice ponds are offered in the temple as Prasad and devotees consume its blessings.
• A visit to Yamunotree Dham is possible from April-May to October-November, as there is heavy snowfall here during the winter season due to which the doors of the temple remain closed for 6 months of the year.If you are in search of the confluence of spiritual experience and natural beauty, then a trip to Yamuna tree is a wonderful suggestion for you. Do visit this place at least once in your life.

2. Gangotri Dham

• Gangotri Dham is the second most sacred Dham among the four Dhams. Gangotree Dham situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand holds great significance as a holy pilgrimage site and is known as the birthplace or origin place of the river Ganges. This holy place holds immense religious and cultural significance in the Hindu religion. Every year thousands of devotees visit Gangotree Dham to have darshan of Ganga and seek blessings. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters above sea level, Gangotree Dham provides a spiritually pleasing experience.
• Gangotree Temple was built in the 18th century by Gorkha general Amar Singh. The establishment style of the temple is very simple and traditional but it has religious significance.
• According to the story, King Bhageeraath tapped hard for the liberation of his soul. Pleased by his tap, Mother Ganga incarnated on earth and Lord Shiva controlled her by holding her tributary in his feet. After this Mother Ganga flowed on earth along with Bhageeraath. According to this story, the river Ganga is also known by the name of Bhageerathi.
• The journey to Gangotri Dham is a wonderful and exciting experience. The high mountain ranges, lush green forests, and holy rivers of Uttarakhand make this journey even more special.
• Gangotri temple is opened every year on the day of Akshaya Tritiya and closed around Diwali. In winters, due to extreme cold and snowfall, the temple is closed, and Maa Ganga is worshipped in Mukwa village.
• Taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River at Gangotri Dham is considered extremely important religiously. It is said that by taking a bath in the Ganges, all sins are washed away and a person attains salvation.

3. Kedarnath Dham

• Kedarnath Dham is a main and extremely sacred pilgrimage place of Lord Shiva situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four shrines and five Kedars. Every year lakhs of devotees come here to have darshan of Lord Shiva. The four temples and the high peaks of the Himalayas, snow-covered paths and the ever-flowing stream of the Mandakini river are a wonderful spiritual place.
• Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. According to ancient stories, after the war of Mahabharata, the priests prayed for their sins to worship Lord Shiva. Pleased with the devotion of the priests, Lord Shiva came here to have their darshan and grant them freedom from sins. Due to this theory, this place is considered a symbol of attaining salvation.
• A trip to Kedarnath is a unique experience for every devotee, both spiritually and physically. The yatra starts from Gaurikund, from where a 16-kilometer-long trek begins. This journey is extremely beautiful and inspiring despite being a difficult one. The mountains and snow-capped peaks and the pure environment provide peace to your soul. If you are not able to do the trek, then the facility of horse, cart, or helicopter is also available.
• The doors of Kedarnath open every year during the month of Akshaya Tritiya and close after Deepawali. The best time to visit is during the months of May to October when the weather is favorable.
• The Kedarnath area was severely impacted by the destructive floods of 2013. However, following this calamity, the government and local administration undertook the reconstruction of the area. As a result, the pilgrimage to Kedarnath is now safer and better organized, ensuring that devotees encounter minimal inconvenience.
• A visit to Kedarnath Dham is not only religious but also gives the experience of natural beauty. This journey though difficult is a divine experience for the devotees of Lord Shiva. A visit here gives you the experience of deep inner peace, spirituality, and the grace of Lord Shiva. You must visit here at least once in your lifetime. Of the Char Dhar Of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is the most important.

4. Badrinath Dham

• Badrinath temple is not only an ancient holy pilgrimage place but is also considered a very good place to visit. Situated in the beautiful valleys of Uttarakhand, this temple gives you both religious and natural experiences together. The peaceful and clean environment of this place, snow-clad mountains all around, and the ever-flowing flow of the Alaknanda River fill your mind with peace.
• If you want to connect with spirituality or enjoy your surroundings close to nature, then Badrinath is the right place. The journey till here is also a thrilling journey for you. On the way, you get to see beautiful views, small villages, and colorful views of mountains.
• Going here, you not only get to see Lord Vishnu but also experience the amazing valleys of the Himalayas. Therefore, This Temple is not only a religious place but also a spiritual place where you can see a unique confluence of faith, nature, and the supernatural.