The Holy Char Dham - A Visit Of Wonder

The Holy Himalayas up in the misty heights of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas that adorn the magnificent state of Uttaranchal, awaits a rejuvenating spiritual experience for the devout.

Nestling in the lofty peaks are the four most holy pilgrimages of India -Yamunotri, Gangotri, Sri Kedarnathji and Sri Badrinathji, collectively referred to as the Char Dham ( or four pilgrimage centres) of Hinduism. For centuries, saints and pilgrims, in their search for the divine, have walked these mystical vales known in ancient Hindu scriptures as 'Kedarkhand'

If the scriptures of HINDU RELIGION are to be believed, the holy centres of Gangotri, Yamunotri,Badrinath and Kedarnath - collectively called the Chardham(meaning four sacred spots) - are the mostsacred of all pilgrimages.
Itinerary: Yamunotri - Gangotri - Kedarnath - Badrinath
Gangotri Temple - Uttaranchal
It Was built in the early 18th century by a Gurkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa and later rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur, in the early 20th century. The 20ft high temple is made of white granite. By November, Gangotri is snowbound, and so the deity is taken 25km downstream to Mukhba, so that her devotees are not thwarted. Despite the severe cold, however, several "Sadhus" (sages or holy men) remain at Gangotri year round, even through the very severe winter. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and dharamshalas are located on the other side. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock

Bhagirath Shila situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural rock shivling where according to mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga.
Yamunotri Temple - Uttaranchal

Yamunotri is the westernmost shrine in the region, dominated by the Banderpunch. Yamunotri is situated at a height of 3235 meters in the western region of the Garhwal Himalayas. Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, the twin sister of Yama, theLord of Death. Anyone who bathes in her waters will be spared a tortuous death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya, the Sun. The Yamuna river originates from the Champasar galcier, lying 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude of 4421 meters. Yamunotri also finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. According to the legend, this secluded hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni. The Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. This shrine attracts devotees in the large numbers from May to October. Various people visit the temple of Yamunotri either on foot or ponies.Dedicated to Goddess yamuna, it is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3.165 mts. Above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri.

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu. It is situated at an altitude of 3130 m at the banks of Alaknanda.

At the backdrop is the NeelKanth mountain peak situated between twin peaks named Nar and Narayan. The name of the place is derived from wild berries called Badri.

Adi Shankarcharya established the idol of Vishnu in the temple, the idol is made of black granite. Near the temple is a hot water sulphur spring known as Tapt Kund.


Kedarnath Temple - Uttaranchal

One of the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus, Kedarnath Temple Jyotirlinga is located in the picturesque surroundings of Rudra Himalaya Range at a height of 12000 feet on a mountain named Kedar. Near Kedarnath is the source of the river Mandakini that joins Alakananda at Rudraprayag. This place is approximately 150 miles away from Hardwar and 132 miles north of Hrishikesh and is accessible by foot.
The temple at Kedarnath enshrining the Jyotirlingam of Shiva opens only 6 months a year (April-November) when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries and it is closed when the sun enters Scorpio. The priests then go to Ukhimath, where the worship of Kedareshwara is continued during the winter season.

Transportion for Char Dham yatra
Char Dham Yatra by Bus:- Chardham Bus tour starts from Delhi turn towards Haridwar, Barkot, Yamunotri, Barkot, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, Guptkashi, GouriKund, Kedarnath, Rudraprayag, Badrinath, Badrinath, Srinagar and Rishikesh. By Bus, visitors can easily visit the whole touring point with the wildlife beauty. So the Chardham Bus tour is the very successful tour in Chardham region.

Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter:- Chardham Helicopter Tour is the tour of Chardham destination with helicopter. Chardham Yatra is the tour of holly places as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Chardham tour, the soul of Hinduism is the attractive tourist destination mostly for Hindus.

Char Dham Yatra by Train:- Chardham Train Tour is the tour of Chardham destination with Train.we can tour of char dham by train very happy for visitors.