An
Overview :
The Char Dham is the most important pilgrimage circuit for Hindus in India.
Located on the lofty peaks of the Himalayan in the Garhwal region of the
state Uttranchal, the four holiest shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath
and Badrinath are collectively called the Char Dham. Sacred Hindu scriptures
have referred this shrines as the land of the gods and this shows its
religious importance. Thousands of pilgrims visit these sites to perform
rituals and offerings. Now there are four temples in these four shrines
which attracts pilgrims from all parts of India in search for the divine
power and to release from the cycle of birth.
Pilgrimage Shrines :
» Yamunotri : Situated at a height of 3,235 m, the
shrine Yamunotri is the source of Yamuna river. The original old temple
complex have been destroyed by weather and the present temple was built by
the Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. The temple is dedicated
to goddess Yamuna and is the main pilgrim sites where daily rituals are
performed by priests of a particular caste and family. The nearby hot
springs and the rock pillar at the entry point of the temple also have
religious importance.
¤ Reaching - For reaching this site, one has to a
journey from Rishikesh to Hanumanchhati and the remaining 13 km have to
covered on foot as there is no motorable road network.
» Gangotri : The Gomukh glacier is the original
source of the river Ganga and hence the shrine dedicated to the goddess
Ganga. Located at an altitude of 3,048 m above sea level, Gangotri is one of
the four most important pilgrim sites for Hindus. The present temple was
built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in 18th century and now the
main spot for worship. The Gaumukh glaciers, a sacred stone and a number of
Ashrams are other prime attractions of the place.
¤ Reaching - Gangotri is easily accessible from
Rishikesh, Dehradun by regular bus services. The shrine remains closed from
November to April due to heavy snow fall.
» Kedarnath : Located in Garhwal Himalayas at an
altitude of 3,581 m, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. It is
the place where Pandavas the heroes of the epic Mahabharata came to worship
Lord Shiva after the battle of Kurukeshtra seeking salvation after killing
their own brother in the war. The 8th century built temple is the major
place for worship and on adjacent to it there is an ancient temple believed
to have built by the Pandavas. The samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is
another attraction of this place.
¤ Reaching - The shrine Kedarnath can be approached
by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and other parts of the Himalayan
regions by bus services.
» Badrinath : Located at a height of 3,133 m,
Badrinath is considered as one of the most visited pilgrimage place for
Hindus. The temple stands on the bank of the river Alkanda, is dedicated to
Badrinathji or Lord Vishnu. The temple was built by Adi Guru Sri
Shankaracharya during 8th century and is divided into different parts like
Singh Dwar(main entrance), Garbha Griha(sanctum), Darshan Mandap and Sabha
Mandap.
¤ Reaching - Badrinath is well connected to
Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun by good motorable road network. The nearest
railhead is at Rishikesh and at a distance of 300 km.
