History of Char Dham Yatra: The 4 Divine Abodes

The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage journey in Hinduism that encompasses four significant pilgrimage sites located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These four sites are revered as the holiest destinations for devout Hindus. In the history of Char Dham Yatra, it is believed to be blessed by the divine and spiritually significant in the Hindu faith. It typically begins in April or May and continues until October or November, coinciding with the favorable weather conditions in the region. Char Dham Yatra package typically includes visits to these most beautiful and holiest abodes: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

The correct sequence of the Char Dham Yatra Package

People are often confused about the correct sequence of Char Dham Yatra. The sequence of the Char Dham Yatra package is Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. In the history of Char Dham Yatra, it is a journey to attain peace of body, mind, and soul.

History of Char Dham Yatra includes following four abodes:

Yamunotri: The First Holy Abode

Yamunotri is considered to be the first abode in the Char Dham Yatra package. It is the source of river Yamuna and is dedicated to maa Yamuna. In the temple goddess Yamuna is worshiped. Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun god and she is the sister of the god Yamraj who is also known as “The God of Death”. People take holy baths in the river and offer prayers in front of the goddess Yamuna to get rid of their sins and attain peace of body, mind, and soul. It is the first abode in the history of Char Dham Yatra.

Gangotri: The Second Holy Abode

Gangotri is dedicated to the goddess Ganga. It is the second holy abode in the history of Char Dham Yatra. It is the purest source of water. In the history of Char Dham Yatra, it is believed when sage Bhagirath prayed in front of Lord Shiva then the goddess Ganga descended to Earth in the form of the Ganga River.

The temple is situated at an elevation of about 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level in the Himalayas. Gangotri Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. In the history of Char Dham Yatra, the origin of the Ganges River is said to be at Gaumukh, which is about 19 kilometers (12 miles) away from the temple. From many generations ago in the history of Char Dham Yatra pilgrims undertake a challenging trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh to witness the source of the holy river.

Kedarnath: The Third Holy Abode

The third divine abode is the Kedarnath temple. It is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. In the history of Char Dham Yatra, this temple was built by the Pandavas., although it has undergone renovations and reconstructions over the centuries.

After the Mahabharatha battle when the Pandavas were overburdened with their sins then Lord Krishna and Saint Ved Vyas suggested to them that it is only Lord Shiva who can set them free from their sinful deeds. In the history of Char Dham Yatra, it is believed that Lord Shiva did not want Pandavas to see him so he came in the form of a bull and only Bheem was able to recognize that it was Lord Shiva himself.

Kedarnath Temple is a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra package, along with Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath temples. The temple is situated at an altitude of around 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. Devotees undertake a rigorous journey to reach Kedarnath Temple, often involving a trek of about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Gaurikund, the nearest road access point.

Badrinath: The Fourth Holy Abode

It is the fourth most auspicious abode of the Char Dham Yatra Package. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. In the history of Char Dham Yatra, it is believed that Lord Vishnu was once relaxing and suddenly Narad Muni came and taunted Lord Vishnu that he is always relaxing. By hearing this Lord Vishnu became very angry and came here to meditate in anger. His wife Goddess Laxmi then took the form of the Badri Tree to protect her husband from storms and rain.

The temple is usually open to devotees from April to November, with the rest of the year being too cold and snow-covered for pilgrimage.The surroundings of Badrinath Temple are breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and the Alaknanda River flowing nearby. Pilgrims often undertake a challenging journey and take the Char Dham Yatra Package to reach the temple, which may involve road travel followed by a trek or helicopter ride, depending on weather conditions and individual preferences.

FAQ’S

1. What accommodation alternatives are available for the Char Dham Yatra?

Depending on personal tastes and financial constraints, there are many different ways to stay during the Char Dham Yatra, from affordable guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Along the pilgrimage path, there are a lot of privately owned lodges and guesthouses run by the government to accommodate pilgrims’ requirements.

2. Does the Char Dham Yatra have any regulations or permits?

Access to restricted places may require certain authorization, particularly for foreign nationals. Also, pilgrims must get passes for specific hiking routes and helicopter services. For information on specific criteria, it is advisable to check with tour companies and local authorities.

3. Is the Char Dham Yatra appropriate for people who are elderly or have physical disabilities?

Although there is some walking and trekking involved in the Char Dham Yatra, it is feasible for elderly or physically challenged individuals to undertake the journey with proper planning and assistance. Helicopter services and pony rides are available at certain locations to facilitate their travel.