The
four most revered Hindu temples of the Garhwal Himalayas namely Yamunotri,
Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath are called char Dhams (four shrines) and
cosidered to be among the most pristine of all pilgrimages. The Char Dham
Yatra is considered of very high standards according to the Hinduism
principles and thus the char dham serves as the holy destination of most of
the Hindu pilgrims from around the world.
The four temples are in the state of Uttranchal, in the northern part of
India and are situated in hilly mountains.
The Gangotri temple :
Situated at an altitude of 3,200 mt, the sacred shrine is the starting
point of the river Bhagirathi. Surrounded by the mountain peaks of
Shivaling, Satopanth and Bhagirathi sisters, it is considered to be one of
the most pious and most visited Hindu Pilgrimages. Mythologies reveal that
Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on "Bhagirath Shila" situated
near the temple. There is a natural rock Shivalinga (a rock considered to be
the sign of Lord Shiva) submerged in the river, where according to mythology
Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga into his matted locks.
The Yamunotri temple :
The shrine of Yamunotri is situated at a rise of about 3,235 metre from the
sea level and is considered as to be a pilgrimage of paramount religious
importance. The road bifurcates from a place called Dharasu, between
Rishikesh- Uttarkashi and reaches Yamunotri, making it stand opposite to the
Gangotri. Reached via Mussoorie and Barkot. It is believed that Maharaja
Pratap singh was the person behind the construction of the temple.
Surprisingly, a hot sulphur spring pond is situated at Yamunotri close to
the temple from which natural flows of nearly boiled water are sprouted out.
Devotees use to offer cooked "bhog" (potato, rice) to the Goddess
here.
The Kedarnath temple :
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple of Lord Shiva, is revered and visited
by many pilgrims every year. The temple is situated in midst of lush
greenery and the snow covered mountains shine beautifully during sunny days,
making the temple a piece of pristine beauty. The temple, known to be more
than 1000 years old is built of large, heavy and evenly cut Grey slabs of
stones. In one of the rooms the conical rock formation is situated and an
arrangement for seating of pilgrims called Mandapam is also there.
A large statue of the Bull (Nandi) is situated outside the temple door. The
nearest bus stop is Gaurikund. Pilgrims use to covere on foot, a distance of
14 km, to reach the temple
The Badrinath temple :
Badrinath situated at an elevation of 3,133 m is considered to be amongst
the most pious. Situated at the banks of Alkananda, Badrinath Temple is the
abode of Lord Vishnu. The NeelKanth Mountain peak is situated in the back of
the temple makes the temple one of the most picturesque. Badri means wild
barriers and most probably the origin of the name Badrinath. Adi
Shankarcharya established the Idol of lord Vishnu in the temple, who himself
is considered as a "guru" in Hindu customs.
How to reach there?
By air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 315 km distant.
By rail : The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, 297
km away.
By Road : Luxury coaches and private taxi services are
available right from Delhi and complete bookings could show you additionally
some places like Dev-Prayag, Rudra Prayag etc.
