Information about of Char Dham Yatra
Chhota Chardham or Chardham is one of the holiest pilgrimage circuits of Hinduism located in the Himalayan mountains. It is located in the districts of Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli in the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand state of India and the circuit has four sites: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Of these, Badrinath Dham is also the northernmost of the four Dhams of India. Although these four sites have their own specialties.
History of Char Dham Yatra
There is no certain recognition or evidence available regarding the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra. But Char Dham is a group of four religious places in India. Important temples from four directions of India come under this sacred circumference. These temples are - Puri, Rameshwaram, Dwarka, and Badrinath. These temples were threaded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is impossible to decide which of these four temples is considered the ultimate place. But of all these, Badrinath is the most important and more visited temple by pilgrims.
Apart from this, Badrinath is also more important and popular in Chota Char Dham temples located in the Himalayas. Apart from Badrinath, this Chhota Char Dham includes Kedarnath (Shiva temple), Yamunotri, and Gangotri (Devi temple). These four pilgrimages hold their own special importance in Hinduism. In the middle of the twentieth century, all four of these pilgrimages in the lap of the Himalayas were given the Chhota 'adjective' (in the Hindi language-छोटा) that still defines these temples here. To visit Chhota Char Dham one has to climb to a height of more than 4,000 meters. This way is easy in somewhere, and difficult in somewhere.
Before 1962 it was very difficult to travel here. But after the war with China, as the movement of troops increased, the way for pilgrims became easier. Later the word 'Chhota' was removed to avoid any confusion and this journey has come to be known as 'Char Dham of Himalayas'. With the improvement in transportation, it has become a major pilgrimage center for Hindu pilgrims in India. Its popularity can be estimated by the annual number of tourists, pilgrims reached here. According to the available data, more than 2,50,000 pilgrims visit this place during each yatra (from 15 April to early November). Two months before the monsoon arrives, there is a tremendous noise of tourists, pilgrims. It is considered dangerous to visit here in the rainy season because during this time the possibility of landslides is more than usual.
Importance of Char Dham in Indian Scriptures
According to Indian scriptures, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are the holiest places of Hindus. They are also known as Char Dham. It is said in the scriptures that those who are able to visit here the virtues are not only washed away the sin of this life, but they are also freed from the bond of life and death. In relation to this place, it is also said that this is the place where the earth and heaven are meets. Pilgrims first visit Yamunotri (Yamuna) and Gangotri (Ganga) during this journey. Devotees perform Jalabhishek at Kedareshwar by taking holy water from here. The traditional route for these pilgrims is as follows - Haridwar - Rishikesh - DevPrayag - Tehri - Dharasu - Yamunotri - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Triugnarayan - Gaurikund - Kedarnath.
Yamunotri
The holy Yamunotri temple is located at the western end of Bandarpunch. Traditionally, Yamunotri is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra. Yamunotri can be reached after climbing 6 kilometers from Janki Chatti. The Yamuna temple located here was built by Queen Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century. This temple is located on the western side of the Bandarpanch Peat. According to mythology, Yamuna was the daughter of Surya and Yama was his son. This is why Yama is not strict with those who take a holy dive in his sister Yamuna River. The origin of Yamuna is Yamunotri Glacier, located at an altitude of 4,421 meters, about one kilometer away from Yamunotri.
Near the Yamunotri temple, there are several hot water springs which pass through various pools. Of these, Surya Kund is the most famous. It is said that Lord Surya took the form of a hot stream to give blessings to his daughter. The devotees tie rice and potatoes in the cloth and leave it for a few minutes, which cooks it. Pilgrims take these cooked substances home as Prasad. There is a rock near the Surya Kund, which is known as 'Divya Shila'. Pilgrims worship this divine rock before worshiping the Yamuna.
Nearby is the 'Jamuna Bai Kund', which was constructed some hundred years ago. The water of this pool is lightly warm in which the holy bath is performed before the worship. The priests and pandas of Yamunotri come from the village Kharsala to perform puja which is near Janaki Bai Chatti. Yamunotri Temple remains closed from November to May due to bad weather.
Temple opening time: The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (May) and closes on two days (November) after Yama Dwitiya or Bhai Dooj or Diwali. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm. Aarti takes place at 6:30 in the morning and 7:30 in the evening. Also, special poojas are organized on the occasion of Janmashtami and Diwali.
Gangotri
Gangotri is located at an altitude of 9,080 feet above sea level. The river Bhagirathi originates from Gangotri. Gangotri is also the origin of the holy and spiritually important river of India, the Ganges. In Gangotri, Ganga is known as Bhagirathi. According to mythology, this river was named Bhagirathi on the name of King Bhagiratha. It is also said that King Bhagiratha brought the Ganges to the earth by doing austerities. The river Ganges originates from Gomukh.
Mythology states that Suryavanshi King Sagar decided to perform the Ashwamedha Yagna. Wherever Raja Sagar's horse went, 60,000 sons of his took those places under their control. Because of this, Indra, the king of the gods, became worried. In such a situation, he took this horse and tied it in Kapil Muni's ashram. Raja Sagar's sons disrespected Muniver and rescued the horse. This caused a lot of sorrow to Kapil Muni. He cursed all the sons of Raja Sagar which transformed them into ashes. On the apology of King Sagar, Kapil Muni's heart is melted and he told Raja Sagar that if the river flowing in heaven comes to earth and his holy water is touched by this ashes, then his son will be alive. But Raja Sagar failed to bring Ganga to the ground. Later, King Sagar's son Bhagirath succeeded in bringing Ganga from heaven to earth. To control the rapid flow of Ganga, Bhagiratha requested Lord Shiva. As a result, Lord Shiva controlled the flow of Ganga by taking it in his jata. After this, the sons of King Sagar came alive with the touch of Ganges water.
It is believed that Gorkha Captain Amar Singh Thapa built the Gangotri temple in honor of Adi Shankaracharya in the 18th century. The temple is built of white stones on the left bank of the river Bhagirathi. Its height is about 20 feet. After the temple was built, King Madhosinh renovated this temple in 1935. As a result, the structure of the temple gives a glimpse of Rajasthani style. Close to the temple is the 'Bhagirath Shila' on which he did austerities to bring the Ganges to earth. Apart from Goddess Ganga, Yamuna, Lord Shiva, Goddess Saraswati, Annapurna, and Mahadurga are also worshiped in this temple.
In Hinduism, Gangotri is considered as mokshapradayani. This is the reason why people of Hinduism performed shraadh and pind-daan according to the Chandra calendar. After praying and worshiping in the temple, the devotees go to the ghats on the banks of the Bhagirathi river for a bath. Pilgrims take the holy water of the Bhagirathi River home with them. This water is considered sacred and is used in auspicious works. Ganga water taken from Gangotri is also offered in the temples of Kedarnath and Rameshwaram.
The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (May) and closes on Yama Dwitiya. The activity of the temple starts at 4 am. First of all, there is ‘Uthan’ (waking up), and ‘Shringar’ is performed which is not open to the common devotees. Mangal Aarti of 6 am is also done in closed doors. At 9 o'clock the temple door is kept closed for 10 minutes for 'Rajbhog'. For ‘Shringar’ at 6.30 pm, the door is closed once again for 10 minutes. After this, the temple door is kept closed for 5 minutes for Rajbhog at 8 pm. In this way, the evening aarti is done at 7.45 pm but in winter, the aarti is done at 7 pm. Rajbhog, which is made of sweet rice, is available for pilgrims after paying the appropriate fee. Temple opening timings for devotees: 6.15 am to 2 pm noon and 3 pm to 9.30 pm (in summer). 6.45 am to 2 pm noon and 3 pm to 7 pm (in winter).
Pilgrims often travel to Gangotri via the Gangnani route. This is the same route on which Parashar Muni's ashram was located, where take a bath in a hot spring. On the arrival of the Ganges on earth (Ganga Saptami), special 'Shringar' is organized in Vaisakh (April). According to the mythology, the day Lord Shiva presented the Bhagirathi river to Bhagiratha (Jyeshtha, May) is celebrated as the Ganga Dussehra festival. Apart from this, Janmashtami, Vijayadashami, and Diwali are also celebrated in Gangotri.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is located at an altitude of 11,746 feet above sea level and the near about originating point of the Mandakini river. Jalabhishek at the Jyotirlinga from Yamunotri to Kedarnath is considered sacred in Hinduism. According to Vayu Purana, Lord Vishnu came to inhabit the earth for the wellness of humans. He made his first move to Badrinath. This place was earlier inhabited by Lord Shiva. But he abandoned this place for Narayana and resided in Kedarnath. Therefore, Kedarnath occupies an important place in the Panch Kedar Yatra. At the same time, Kedarnath also reflects the spirit of renunciation.
This is the same place where Adi Shankaracharya got samadhi at the age of 32. Earlier, he appointed Veer Shaiva as the Rawal (chief priest) of Kedarnath. The Kedarnath temple is currently operated by Rawal of 337th from Ukhimath, where Lord Shiva is taken in the winter. Apart from this, Pandits residing around Guptkashi also see the work of this temple. Approach to Administration this place is divided into various parts among these Pandits so that there is no problem.
The Kedarnath temple is different from other temples not only in spirituality but also in the art of architecture. This temple is built in Katyuri style. It is situated on the hilltop. Large stones of brown color have been used in its construction. Its roof is made of wood, on which the gold Kalash is placed. At the outer gate of the temple, there is a huge statue of Nandi as a guard.
The Kedarnath temple is divided into three parts - first, the Garbh Grah. Secondly, Darshan Mandap, this is the place where the pilgrims stand in a big hall and worship. Thirdly, the assembly hall, all the pilgrims gather at this place. The pilgrim here also worships Lord Ganesha, Parvati, Vishnu and Lakshmi, Krishna, Kunti, Draupadi, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva along with Riddhi Siddhi besides Lord Shiva.
The opening time of the Kedarnath temple is not fixed. According to the date of Shivaratri every year, the Panch Purohit decides in Ukhimath when the temple will open. The temple closes on the day of Yama Dwitiya or Bhai Dooj. After the temple gate is closed in winter, no one stays there. The Panda people live in Guptkashi and Rawal in Ukhimath. The temple is open from 6 AM to 2 PM. Again the temple remains open from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Special poojas are also organized in Kedarnath. It usually occurs from four to six in the morning. But even after midnight, special pujas are held when there is more crowd. Visitors can also arrange for special poojas to be held once in 20 years. For this, they have to post the required draft in the name of State Bank of India, Ukhimath in the name of Gauri Mai Mandir, Ukhimath, District-Rudraprayag, Uttaranchal.
Badrinath
Badrinath is located between the Nar and Narayan mountains, which is at an altitude of 10,276 feet above sea level. The Alaknanda River adds four moons to the beauty of this temple. It is believed that Lord Vishnu lives at this place. To provide shadow to Lakshminarayana, Goddess Lakshmi took the form of a tree of Berry (Badri). But at present, Berry's tree is seen in very less quantity but Badrinarayan still remains as it is. Narada, who is an ultimate devotee of both of them, is also worshiped here.
The temple that has been built over time was built by the Garhwal king exactly two centuries ago. This temple is built in a Shankudhari style. Its height is about 15 meters. It has a dome at its peak. There are 15 statues in this temple. In the garbh griha of the temple, Nara and Narayana sit with Vishnu in a meditative position. It is believed that this temple was built in the Vedic period, which was later renovated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple also has statues of Lakshmi, Shiva-Parvati, and Ganesha apart from Nara and Narayana.
This temple is often damaged due to landslides. Due to this, it has also been modernized from time to time. But the lion gate which is also the main gate of this temple, after it is built, adds four moons to the beauty of the temple. The temple has three parts - the garb griha, darshan mandapa (place of worship), and sabha griha (where devotees gather). Regarding Badrinath mentioned in the Vedas and scriptures, 'There are many holy places on heaven and earth, but Badrinath is the foremost among them all.'
It is mentioned in the mythological stories that when Goddess Ganga accepted the arrival of the earth to save the suffering humanity, there was a panic because the earth was unable to sustain the flow of the Ganges. As a result, Ganga divided herself into 12 parts. Alakananda river is one of them. The originating point of the Alakananda river later becomes the abode of Lord Vishnu, which is known as Badrinath.
Other attractive places near about Badrinath
- Tapta Kund: This Kund is natural sulfur (hot water) located on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The devotees take a holy bath in this Kund before the worship then enter the temple. It is believed that the water of this pool is very beneficial for health.
- Hemkund Sahib: This pool is located 43 km from Badrinath near the Valley of Flowers. This Kund is an important pilgrimage center for Sikhs. It is believed that the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in his last birth, was seated at the bottom of this Kund and merged into God by deep meditation. There is a Lakshmana temple near this pool where he did penance.
- Brahm Kapal: It is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Here Hindu religious people perform the last ritual of their ancestors.
- Neelkanth: It is also called 'Queen of Garhwal'. This peak is located above the Badrinath.
- Mana Village: The village is inhabited by Indo-Mongolian tribes. Mana village is the first Indian village in Tibet. Here is the Vyas Cave. The natural Bhima Bridge over the Saraswati River is also located here. The Vasundhara waterfall is also located near its, which is 122 meters high. All this together creates a truly natural blissful scene.
- Mata Murti: This temple is dedicated to the mother of Lord Badrinath.
- Satopanth: It is a triangular lake whose circumference is one kilometer. The specialty of this lake is that it is situated at an altitude of 4,402 meters above sea level. Its name is based on the name of the three gods of Hinduism - Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. It is believed that the three gods sit on three corners. But the way to reach here is quite difficult. Here is also the Sangam of Alaknanda and Laxman Ganga, which is known as Gobindghat. It also has the Gurdwara of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Joshimath: In the winters, Shri Badrinath comes and rests in this monastery. This monastery is situated at some height from the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. It is one of the four monasteries that Adi Shankaracharya built.
- Panch Prayag: Panch Prayag is the Sangam of Devprayag, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, and Vishnuprayag. During Badrinath Darshan, if you wish, you can also visit these five places.
- Srinagar: It is also the old capital of Garhwal. Apart from this, Srinagar was also an important cultural and educational center. Kamleshwar and Kilakeshwar temples can also be seen here.
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