Enlighten your soul with Chardham Yatra

The significance of Chardham yatra in the life of every Hindu is prominent. It is believed that the yatra will wash away your sins and help in achieving moksha. What is the holy Chardham yatra? 'Char' means 'four' and 'Dham' is the 'abode of God'.  So, Chardham is the ‘four sacred abodes of the Almighty God ’. These four holy sites are Yamunotri, Gangotri,  Badrinath, Kedarnath. Despite the difficult pathways over the mountains, thousands of pilgrims trek to the blissful Chardham every year. All the four destinations are nestled in the lap of scenic Uttarakhand. Away from the worldly affairs, you will feel connected to the divine here. 

Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri is the first blissful Dham. One of the holy rivers of India, Yamuna originates from here. It flows so gracefully that it creates a tranquil-filled atmosphere around Yamunotri temple. It lies in the western Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of about 3,293 mts. Due to excessive height above the sea level, it demands lots of courage and stamina to reach Yamunotri. However, it is a perfect place for those who love escapades. Surrounded by lofty peaks on all sides, the destination offers beautiful picturesque views. Awesome shrubs, lush meadows and gushing cascades add charm to the area. 

How to reach Yamunotri?

Yamunotri provides a magnificent trek that offers breathtaking views of craggy peaks,  dense forests, wild flora and fauna. From turquoise lakes to snow-clad mountains, the area bestows some of the spectacular moments that you will cherish lifelong. If you are want to visit this pious shrine, you can travel by air, train, or bus. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport. You can book your tickets online and avail flight coupons for discount. Once you reach Dehradun airport, hire a private taxi at INR 3,000 to 4,000 to reach the Dham. Yamunotri is 200 km away from Dehradun. However, if you choose to travel via train, you have to arrive at Dehradun, Rishikesh or Haridwar railway station. Cabs are easily available from the exit gate of these railway stations. Many local tourists travel by bus to reach Hanuman Chatti which is 14 km away from Yamunotri. Frequent bus services ply from Rishikesh, Dehradun, Tehri, Barkot, and Uttarkashi.

Opening dates of Yamunotri temple

The opening of Yamunotri temple is also the beginning of the  Chardham Yatra. The Opening Dates in 2021 is not yet declared. Last year, the temple opened on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya on 26th April. The temple was closed on 16 Nov 2020 on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. Generally, the closing dates are announced on Dusshera. During the winters, The deity of Yamunotri is placed at Kharsali Village of Uttarkashi.

Best time to visit

Commonly, the Yamunotri temple opens in April and closes in November. The best time to visit the Dham is in-between these months.  October to March marks winter season here.  In this season, it is too cold because the temperatures fall below zero degrees. Sometimes the place also experiences heavy snowfall which makes it difficult for the travellers to explore the destination. Monsoon season also causes a lit bit of disruption for the travellers. So, summers are the best time to visit this pious place and witness the true beauty. To discover the culture of the state, visit Yamunotri during festivals like Phool Devi and Basant Panchami.

Mythological facts About Yamunotri

• In Hindu scriptures, Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Surya, the sun god, and Sandhya, the sister of Lord Yama. Kalind Parvat, the mountain adjacent to the river source is named after her father (Surya Dev).
• According to the ancient legends, sage Asti Muni lived as a hermit in the Yamunotri region. Throughout his life, he took bath in the Ganges and the Yamuna. But, as he grew old, he couldn’t travel to Gangotri. Pleased by his devotion, a stream of the Ganges emerged opposite to Yamunotri for him.
• Bandarpoonch is a major peak of the Garhwal division of the Himalayas. It is believed that Hanuman after burning Lanka extinguished the fire from his tail in Yamuna waters. Hence, the peak recalls that incident. Eventually, devotees visit the sacred Yamunotri temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna, Yama, Surya Dev, Hanuman and Goddess Sandhya. Pilgrims take a dip in the holy river to relieve themselves from the fear of death and rebirth.

Gangotri Dham

Gangotri Dham lies in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at the height of 3,100 meters. The altitude, beauty, and divinity of the place make Gangotri one of the holiest places to visit. Here, river Ganges originates from the Gangotri glacier at Gaumukh. This place is 18 km away from the Gangotri town. It is believed that Goddess Ganga came to earth for giving moksha to King Bhagirathi's ancestors. Since then, people take a holy dip in the Ganges for peace and enlightenment. Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, this Dham holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus. It gives one an intimate connection with Ganga Maa (mother). 

How to reach Gangotri?

The peaceful white temple of Gangotri is surrounded by the amazing mountain range of Himalayas. It is the humble abode of Maa Ganga. Her deity is present on the premises in the form of a small silver idol. The pilgrims take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the sacred Ganges before visiting the main shrine. If you plan to visit Gangotri temple, you can travel by bus, train, and air according to your choice. For travelling by air, you can reach Jolly Grant airport and then get a bus or cab from there. However, for a train journey, reach Haridwar or Dehradun railway station. You can book a cab or get a bus from the station. Gangotri is connected with safe and passable roads. Buses and taxis from Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarkashi and Tehri Garhwal are easily available.

Best time to visit 

Monsoon seasons can cause landslides, floods and other problems. Winters are too cold because of heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Hence, April to June and September to October is the best time to visit the Gangotri temple.

Mythological tales behind the Dham 

• King Sagara wanted to perform an Ashwamedha Yagna. As a ritual, a horse was let loose to wander across the empires. Indra didn't want the yagna to get completed. He tied the horse in the ashram of Sage Kapila, who was sitting in deep meditation. When the king came to know that the journey of the horse was interrupted, he sent 60,000 sons to trace the animal. His sons came across the spot where Sage Kapila was meditating and the horse was tied next to him. The sons accused the sage of stealing and disrupted his meditation. Out of fury, Sage Kapila turned all the 60,000 sons into ashes. He even cursed that they will attain Moksha only if their ashes get washed by the holy waters of River Ganga. Later, Bhagirath, the grandson of King Sagara performed rigorous penance for his ancestors. River Ganga agreed to descend to earth in response to Bhagirath's prayers and devotion.
• Hindus believe that Ganga flows out from Lord Shiva's head. To save the earth from the massive force of Devi Ganga, Shiva tied Ganga in his matted hair. Today, an underwater Shivling made of natural rock is present in that place. It gets visible in winters when the water recedes.
• According to the Mahabharata, Devi Ganga came down to earth to marry King Shantanu, an ancestor of the Pandavs. She left him after giving birth to Bheeshma. Her child played a crucial role throughout the grand epic.

Kedarnath Dham

Kedarnath is the final destination of the Char Dhams. This holy town is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at the height of 3584 meters above sea level. The Kedarnath temple is situated amidst the majestic snow-covered Garhwal Himalayan ranges. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas are installed here. It is famous for its unique architecture and design. The assembly hall of the temple is decorated with figures of many deities and scenes from Indian mythology. You will find a large statue of the Nandi Bull standing as a guard outside the temple door. The temple has a Garbha Griha for offering prayers and a Mandap for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. There are more than 200 shrines devoted to Lord Shiva in Kedarnath town. Thousands of tourists flock here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva each year. Though there is less accommodation at Kedarnath, the shrine provides camping facilities for tourists and pilgrims.

When to visit Kedarnath?

Kedarnath temple remains closed for 6 months in the winters due to freezing climatic conditions. As per the natural weathers, Kedarnath temple opens up from the end of April to the beginning of November.  This year, the opening and closing dates of Kedarnath temple are not yet announced. However, you can expect that the temple will open in the last week of April 2021or first week of May 2021. So, wait for the announcement of opening dates and plan your Char Dham yatra accordingly. Avoid visiting Kedarnath in winter and monsoon season.

How to visit Kedar Dham?

First, take a flight, bus, train, or car to reach Rishikesh from wherever you are. On arriving Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or get a bus to Guptkashi. From here, you have to go ahead to Sonprayag. Alternatively, if you are travelling by your vehicle, you can take it straight till Sonprayag. You can also follow Rudraprayag route from Rishikesh to reach  Sonprayag. From this place, you will have to leave for Gaurikund (roundhead). Since Kedarnath temple lies 19 km away from Gaurikund, you will have to trek 16 km to the shrine. However, if you are not comfortable with trekking, you can hire mules and porters. You can also use Helicopter services if you want to come back from Kedarnath the same day.

Mythological facts about the Dham

According to Mahabharata, the Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva because they were guilty of their sins of killing their cousins. Lord Shiva didn't want to forgive the Pandavas for their deceit and sins during the war. He hid as a bull and disappeared deep into the ground. Bhimsena tried to pull him out. Eventually, the bull reappeared in parts in five different places. To worship Lord Shiva with great dedication, the Pandavas built temples at these five places which are referred to as the 'Panch Kedars'. This freed them from their guilt and sins. Later, these temples were discovered by the great Hindu philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya. He rebuilt it and worshipped them with great devotion. Unfortunately, Kedarnath was hit by the catastrophic floods in 2013. Though the calamity took the lives of many innocent people, the structure of the main Kedarnath temple remained stable. 

Badrinath Dham

Badrinath town comprising the Badrinarayan temple is one of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is nestled at an elevation of approx 3,200 m above the mean sea level on the banks of Alaknanda River. Badrinath temple is a holy shrine for Vaishnavs as it dedicated to the preserver, Lord Vishnu. Devotees are mesmerised by the charm of the shrine as it exhibits the traditional Garhwali wooden architecture. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage centres of India because millions of bhakts visit Badrinath each year.

How to reach Badrinath?

Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Badrinath town lies between Nar and Naryana mountain ranges. The shadow of the mighty Neelkantha peak embraces the town. To visit Badrinath, you have to first reach Haridwar or Rishikesh. You must know that there is no direct bus, train, or flight to Badrinath. However, you can reach Rishikesh railway station or Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun and travel further by bus or cab. From the exit gates of the station or airport, you can hire a taxi to reach the destination. Similarly, bus commuters have to reach Haridwar or Rishikesh first. From there, you can get a direct bus to Badrinath. The travelling distance between Badrinath and Rishikesh is about 300 km. It means that the bus will take 10-12 hrs to reach the Dham.

Best time to visit

You will adore the turquoise lakes, towering peaks, sacred ponds, water bodies, and spiritual aura of the Dham. But, if you want to explore the town in-depth, consider the right time to visit the place. Badrinarayan temple remains closed due to extreme temperature during the winters. In the winter season, the deity is worshipped at Nar Singh Temple in Joshimath. Badrinath Temple is expected to open on 16th May 2021. In May and June, you will find face high rates of hotels and long queues outside temple due to a huge number of pilgrims. Moreover, monsoons may lead to landslides and road blockage. Overall, September to November months is the best time to visit Badrinath. 

Mystic Tales and Legends behind the Dham

• According to legends, Adi Shankaracharya lived in  Badrikashram for many years. One day, he dived into the Narayankund and found the Badrinath idol. He consecrated and worshipped the black granite idol of Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan. Even now, the rituals and methods of praising the lord are same as ones laid by Adi Shankaracharya. 
• It is at the Badrinath Dham where Lord Vishnu performed severe penance regardless of its climatic conditions. Devi Lakshmi protected him taking the form of a Badri tree in this Tapo-Bhoomi. Being seated in Padmasana, Narayana teaches the significance of meditation to humans. 
• It is also believed that Pandavas passed through Badrinath on their way to Swarga (heaven). The great sage Ved Vyasa wrote the epic Mahabharata in a cave in Mana which is four kilometres north of Badrinath.

Chardham tour package

The challenging treks of Chardham are rewarding as well as thrilling. All the four holy sites in Uttaranchal are quite close to each other. Embarking on this spiritual journey, you can connect yourself with mother nature. Every Hindu should take this Chardham yatra at least once in their lifetime to feel the difference. When an all-round development is assured, why not recharge your soul through this holy pilgrimage?

Uttarkhand Char Dham Yatra Tips

The call of the divine leads you towards the Divya Bhoomi of Uttarakhand. The best time to go for the Chardham Yatra is from May to October excluding the rainy season in-between. The gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri open on Akshaya Tritiya followed by the portal opening of Badrinath and Kedarnath Temple after a few days. In winters, Yamunotri and Kedarnath Dham closes on Yama Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj). Whereas, Gangotri temple closes on Diwali. The dates are tentative and are fixed by the priests and governing temple committee of each shrine. So, before you start your journey, ask your tour operator about the opening/closing dates, weather, and road conditions. Here are some more useful tips that you should follow to enjoy a blissful Chardham yatra.

• Choose the best tour package 

Ask your friend or relative for a reliable travel agent who can guide you in your journey. Otherwise, browse the internet to find the best Char Dham itinerary option according to your budget. Nowadays, Char Dham travel agents provide efficient and prompt online services. Read the details carefully and book the most suitable Chardham tour package.

• Consider the costs

Travel agents can organize affordable and deluxe luxury tours to various Hindu pilgrimage destinations. You can opt for Badrinath Yatra Package, Kedarnath Tour Package, Teen Dham Tours, or Chardham Helicopter Package as per your budget.

• Look for best offers and coupons 

Nowadays, online platforms are more used for booking travel packages, ticket information, hiring a taxi and so on. The best part is that companies offer exclusive deals so that you can avail their services at discounted prices. For instance, you can use flight coupons, cab booking coupons, redbus offers, and many other exciting offers. While you plan your Chardham journey, make sure you grab the best offers for a budget-friendly trip.

• Carry essentials

When you pack your bags, don't forget to keep your Aadharcard, raincoat, water-proof shoes, thermal body warmers, blanket, and first-aid box. Though there are many roadside dhabas and tea stalls in all Dhams, you can carry healthy, homemade food with yourself. However, don't load yourself with a heavy bag while trekking because it will slow your speed and tire you down soon.

• Respect Mother Nature.

Regardless of the destination, you travel, don't throw used water bottles, plastics, and packets in open. Place the empty packets in your bag and throw them in a trash bin. You should avoid polluting the environment from your side. Moreover, you should avoid taking photographs in the temple premises and follow rules set up by the governing authorities. Alcohol and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited in the Dham.

• Health issues

Make you are physically and mentally strong for the Yatra because the journey involves trekking at an altitude of 1,4000 ft. It is advisable to perform the journey only if your doctor certifies that you are fit the journey. You should know that the night temperature in the Himalayan regions drops into minus after mid-October. If you are a heart patient or suffering from any kind of disease, you should avoid travelling. Always carry the medicines that you may need for headache, diarrhoea, acidity, fever, etc. 

From November to April, all four holy places remain under the snow. It is very difficult to reside in minus degree temperature here. However, many people say that powerful hermits stay in the caves meditating the Lord. Overall, this Chardham Yatra holds a great significance in the life of all Hindu devotees. The priests suggest that pilgrims should follow a route from west to east direction, i.e, clock-wise direction. It starts from Yamunotri and proceeds towards Gangotri then to Kedarnath. Finally, the yatra ends up at Badrinath. It indicates our journey towards salvation through the hardship of life. Apart for spiritual reasons, trekking through the Dhams over the mountains has many medical benefits. It challenges one’s will power and completes the Chardham yatra by sheer mental strength. It is a fulfilling journey that relieves you from depressing thoughts in your mind. The ringing of bells and chanting of mantras echoes through the mountains to enlighten your soul.

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