The Travel agent in Haridwar offered Chardham yatra, which is one of the most sacred and significant pilgrimages in Hinduism, comprising a visit to four holy shrines nestled in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. These shrines are: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Together, they form the Chota Chardham circuit. The journey is deeply spiritual and is believed to grant the ultimate liberation, or moksha. Here’s a detailed explanation of each site and its significance:
1. Yamunotri: Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the personification of the Yamuna River, which is the second holiest river in India after the Ganges. According to Hindu belief, Yamuna is the daughter of the sun god Surya and the sister of Yama, the god of death. It is believed that those who take a dip in the Yamuna’s waters are spared from an untimely death and attain purification. The temple is located near the river’s source, which is believed to have originated from the Champasar Glacier. Due to its difficult-to-reach location in the Himalayas, Yamunotri represents the starting point of the Chardham Yatra. Mythologically, the Yamuna is considered a sacred river that provides life and salvation. Pilgrims visit to bathe in the hot water springs at Janki Chatti to cleanse themselves before visiting the temple.
2. Gangotri: Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the most sacred river in Hinduism. It marks the place where the river Ganga descended from heaven to Earth, according to legend. The river, originating from the Gaumukh Glacier (near Gangotri), flows to purify the land and its people. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the holy Ganga at Gangotri washes away all sins and provides liberation from the cycle of life and death. According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath performed severe penance here to bring the river Ganga to Earth to purify the souls of his ancestors. The temple stands near the origin of the Ganga, and the region’s breathtaking natural beauty enhances the sense of divinity associated with it. The actual source of the Ganga is the Gaumukh Glacier, located 19 km away from the Gangotri temple. India Tour Operator gave devotees chardham yatra at affordable prices.
3. Kedarnath : Kedarnath is one of the most important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (where Shiva is worshipped as a pillar of light). It is set amidst the snow-clad peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, near the Mandakini River. Kedarnath is regarded as the most difficult of the four Chardham destinations to reach, requiring a challenging trek. Yet, it is considered a pilgrimage of deep spiritual merit. Lord Shiva here is worshipped as the “Lord of Kedar Khand,” a region of the Himalayas.
4. Badrinath: Badrinath is one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it is part of the larger Char Dham pilgrimage circuit (along with Puri, Dwarka, and Rameswaram) in Hinduism. The temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River and surrounded by the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu meditated at this site, and Goddess Lakshmi, his consort, took the form of a Badri tree (Indian Jujube) to shield him from the harsh weather, hence the name Badrinath.
The Chardham Yatra tour Operators yatra opens annually in April/May and lasts until October/November, when the temples close due to snowfall. Pilgrims believe that visiting these four holy sites washes away sins and grants spiritual peace and salvation.