What is Chardham Yatra

What is Char Dham Yatra : The Ultimate Guide

Chardham Yatra is a pilgrimage journey undertaken by Hindus across India. The primary purpose of this yatra is to visit four holy places in Uttrakhand. Char Dham means "four abodes" in Sanskrit. These four sacred places are located in the Uttarakhand region of India. They are the holiest pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. The four Char Dhams are situated along the banks of the Ganges River: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Each of them represents one of the four cardinal directions.

There are many other names for the Char Dham Yatras. Some call them the “Four Sacred Tirthas”, others refer to them as the “Four Treasures”, while still others call them the “four holy dhams”. However, the most common term is the “Char Dhams”. These four sacred sites are Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Yamunotri.

It is firmly believed that people should undertake the Chardham Yatra at least once in a lifetime to get on the path to salvation. Also referred to as the Chardham of Uttrakhand, people across the world come over to seek the blessings of God.

About the Four Heavenly Abodes in Chardham Yatra:

Yamunotri Dham

The Chota Dham of Uttarakhand is dedicated to the Yamuna and is most revered river within India, which originates from Yamunotri. This holy place is situated at an altitude of 3293 metres, where people pray for blessings and worship.

The temple houses an idol made of silver that represents Goddess Yamuna. In Akshaya Tritiya, it opens for pilgrims to make their holy journey. Thousands of devotees flock here to finish their pilgrimage to Char Dham. The Yamuna is the goddess of Puri. The Yamuna is the child of Lord Sun and was the identical twin of Yama.

History

The story behind the current location in the present temple is that it is dedicated to the River Yamuna. It is related to Asit Muni, who believed in the River Ganga in a ritualistic manner and never strayed from the ritual that included bathing in its sacred waters. But keeping up with this routine became more complicated with age. Then it was recognized by the goddess Ganga who appeared near the sage's house as the Yamuna.

Why Visit

Yamunotri Dham has an essential position within Hindu mythology. There is a belief that taking bathing in the holy waters of Yamuna River is regarded as a sacred ritual. Yamuna River is said to shield people from a tragic or unfavourable death. You'll need to travel through Janki Chatti to reach the holy home of Goddess Yamuna.

It provides you with a unique experience. It is believed that Lord Hanuman arrived at this location following the firing of Ravan's Lanka and then snuffing out the flame of his tail by soaking in the water that flows from the Yamuna River at Bandarpoonch. This holy spot will enthral visitors with its glaciers and thermal springs.

No doubt, it's a blessing for those who love nature. Enjoy the stunning panoramas while walking along the rivers that flow. This 18th Century Temple which was damaged due to natural disasters. It was later rebuilt in the late 19th century by Naresh Pratap Shah, the Maharana of Tehri Garhwal.

Opening and Closing Time:

The time of opening is 7 AM or 8 AM, and then a break of 1 pm until 4 pm. After four hours, the temple's gates close at 8 pm the following night.

Gangotri Dham

The holy shrine is a stunning city surrounded by tranquillity, breathtaking natural beauty, and exciting activities. Beginning from the holy river Ganga, Gangotri is situated along the river Bhagirathi's banks in the stunning Uttarakhand region. The winter months are when the temple is closed because winter is freezing and brutal here.

The idol is moved into the Mukhimath Temple during Mukba during winter, which is the winter home for Goddess Ganga. The calm aura, the pure atmosphere and emerald-coloured beauty will delight you in every way. Mountains covered in snow and the holy waters of the Ganges River Ganges bring glory to this place and make it an incredible spot that will make everyone who travels there content.

Take pleasure in Darshan in Gangotri Temple with sightseeing. Get your packages here!

History

The long-standing Hindu mythologies reveal the story of the holy place Gangotri. As per Hind mythology, King Sagar's grandson Anshuman did not succeed in bringing Ganga back to the earth, as was the case for the son of King Sagar, Dilip. However, the grandson of King Anshuman Bhagirath had the strength to complete the task and began to meditate at Gangotri.

After several years of meditation, Ganga could ascend from heaven but was encased in the tangles of the hair of Lord Shiva. After that, King Bhagirath began his meditation to beat Lord Shiva in his favour and was awed by the dedication and reflection Lord Shiva unleashed in three different streams.

One of the streams appeared from Bhagirathi. The rock upon the rock where King Bhagirath was meditating is known as 'Bhagirath Shivala’. It is located near the shrine of Ganga.

Why Visit

Gangotri is renowned for its spiritual and archaeological beauty. In addition to its spiritual vibes, Gangotri also offers some spots for adrenaline-pumping activities like camping. Tapovan is a campsite located at an elevation of 4460m.

If you're an avid adventurer, Tapovan will also surprise you by offering a fantastic trekking route that provides an unforgettable experience of a genuine adventure.

It is possible to create some beautiful memories when you see the beauty of the Shivling high peaks and the lush vegetation. Begin by visiting Submerged Shivling, which is considered to be a rock formed by nature Shivling that Lord Shiva used to sit to hold his Ganga within his curls.

After that, look at the stunning scenery of Gomukh, where the sacred river Ganga originates. The tranquil atmosphere of Gomukh is awe-inspiring to all, which makes it one of the top-rated destinations to visit, taking a trip to Gangotri.

Opening and Closing Time

The temple is opened at 6:15 am and runs until 2 pm. After a brief pause, the temple reopens at 3.00 pm and runs until midnight at 9:30.

Kedarnath Dham

Amid majestic mountains and surrounded by snow storms, Kedarnath is one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in Northern India. Kedarnath was dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of twelve Jyotirlingas. Gauri Kund is the base camp for hikes to the sacred shrine. Explore the sweeping landscape of the region from an altitude of 11,755 feet above sea level.

Many options are available for hiring a Palki/Pony to complete the hike, or you can also walk the entire trek. In winter, the statue is moved towards Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, and pilgrims are invited to go there to receive blessings from Lord Shiva.

Kedarnath is sure to provide captivating and beautiful emotions.

History

It is believed that following the great battle at Kurukshetra, Pandavas of Mahabharat embarked on a trek to Varanasi to receive the blessing of Lord Shiva for the crime of murdering their friends and relatives. But Lord Shiva was unwilling to visit them, and they hid in Guptkashi. When Pandavas arrive at their destination, Lord Shiva transforms into a buffalo, so they cannot identify the buffalo.

Contemplating that they are getting closer and closer, To keep them from getting more intimate, Lord Shiva chose to disappear under the ground. As this was happening, one of the Five Pandavas, Bhima, tried to stop him by grabbing the tail and legs of the buffalo. The Lord was unable to stop him from his back and left the hump that is still worshipped today in the Kedarnath Temple.

Why Visit

Kedarnath is among the holiest sites and a Panch Kedar of the Garhwal Himalayan range. The legend says that Pandavas constructed this temple which was destroyed due to natural calamities. Adi Shankaracharya is believed to reconstruct the Kedarnath temple. Gauri Kund is one of the most sacred sites to visit. It is situated at an elevation of 1982 meters, which allows visitors to enjoy a more spiritual ambience.

Visit Vasuki Tal, a tourist attraction that is a magnet for all types of travellers. Vasuki Tal is a lake with an elevation of 4135 meters, tucked between snow-covered mountains that provide a fantastic view. When you visit this location, it is possible to see the majestic Chaukhamba Peaks from afar. Chopta is a must-see destination for those who love adventure since it is one of the most beautiful natural wonders and is adorned with magnificent meadows and hills.

Opening and Closing Time: The doors for Kedarnath open in May and close in November.

Badrinath Temple

It is among the most prominent temples in India according to the Hindu religion, dedicated to the god Lord Vishnu. The temple houses Badrinarayan's idol in a meditative position. In the winter, the idol is moved into Vasu Dev Temple in Joshimath to worship.

It is also possible to visit the Mata Murti Temple, dedicated to Lord Badri's mother, near Badrinath Dham and Tapt Kund, warm spring with medicinal properties.

History

As we all know, Badrinath Dham is the only Dham which has a spot on both of the Circuits Dhams. It is the most well-known temple of those of Panch Badri and is one among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. The famous 1 m high statue of black granite idols of Lord Vishnu is among the eight Swayam Vyakta kshetras that mean self-manifested statues.

It is believed that the brothers from Dharma, Nar, and Narayan were looking to find refuge from the Himalayas. They were seeking the best location to establish their hermitage. During their search, they came across four places in Panch Badri: Yog Badri, Dhyan Badri, Bridha Badri, and Bhavisya Badri.

Then, they found an area bestowed to them by the cold and hot springs behind the Alaknanda River. They named the area Badri Vishal, and the town received its name at the time.

Why Visit

Badrinath is a place full of surprises that will amaze visitors at every turn with its blend of spirituality and natural wonder. Be prepared to witness the glittering snow-covered hills of Neelkanth, a fantastic location. Neelkanth is an equally captivating destination for both nature enthusiasts and those who love it.

Also called Queen of Garhwal, the vast mountain is located at an altitude of 6,597 meters and attracts many visitors. Another attraction worth a visit is a striking rock known as Charan Paduka, which rests at the height of a higher elevation and is located about two miles from Badrinath Temple.

It is believed that if Lord Vishnu's footprints bless, one can escape all the troubles and disturbances of life.

Opening and Closing Time:

The temple is closed during the winter storms and is open from May through November for pilgrims.

If you're on the route to this incredible journey, the Char Dham Yatra, It is possible to go to other places of interest that will fill your Yatra with joyous moments and spirituality. Every destination is unique and has a particular significance.

Why Consider Chardham Yatra By Helicopter?

Chardham Yatra is a pilgrimage site where people come to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. There are many ways to reach this sacred land, but helicopter rides have become popular. Helicopters throughout the Yatra offer spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. It is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the landscape while travelling.

Why is Blueheights Aviation Best?

Blueheight Aviation offers the best services when it comes to helicopter flights. We provide safe transportation for our clients so they can explore the beautiful landscapes without worry. Our pilots are highly experienced and trained to ensure your trip is hassle-free. We care for everything, including food, lodging, and even guides.

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