Chardham Yatra- The Most Pious Effort To Attain Redemption And Pacification

India is a land of diverse beliefs and epic stories. The Himalayas which are admired for their grandeur

also hold the key to an uplifting spiritual experience for believers. Amidst the high white peaks are the

four holiest pilgrimage spots in India- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. These four

pilgrimage centers are also referred to as the ‘Char Dham’ and devotees who embark on a Chardham

Yatra will not only get their requests fulfilled but receive many other blessings from the Gods too.

Undertaking a char dham yatra is also believed to wash away one’s sins, cleanse the soul and even

influence one’s next birth. In addition, the Ganga and Yamuna which are considered two of the holiest

rivers in India, also originate from two of these dhams.

To be born or to die at any of these holy spots is considered a blessing. The Chardham yatra begins

at Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, then Kedarnath and ends at Badrinath. Not surprisingly, Char

Dham packages for tourists are always in demand.

Origins of the Char Dham

Although the actual legend behind the Char Dham is vague, it is believed that Saint Adi

Shankaracharya who was a much revered Hindu philosopher in the 8th century, was the actual

personality who coined the word ‘CharDham’ itself. This word was meant to signify the four

residences or abodes of God in four different directions of India- Badrinath in the North,

Rameshwaram in the South, Puri in the East and Dwaraka in the West. It is believed that

Shankaracharya tried his best to unite Hindus who were spread all across the country at that time and

even today, a Char dham yatra or a pilgrimage to these four holy spots is considered a must in the

lifetime of a Hindu devotee.

The Char Dhams

A Chardham yatra usually begins from a holy place like Haridwar or Rishikesh and includes a trip to

all four holy spots. Of these, Yamunotri and Gangotri are each dedicated to the Hindu goddesses

Yamuna and Ganga respectively. The temple at Yanumotri was built in the 19th century by a member

of the Jaipur royal family. The Gangotri temple was also built in the 19th century and devotees have to

take a bath in the Ganga first before participating in a puja. Kedarnath is home to the famous Shri

Kedarnath temple which is an 8th century stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath is believed

to be the place where Saint Adi Shankaracharya attained his freedom from incarnation and the temple

here is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The best time to go on a char dham yatra is between May to October as snowfall in the winter makes

travel impossible.