Char Dham in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is known as Dev Bhoomi. It has always been a land of spirituality. The Char Dham established in this holy land symbolises the Hindu faith. These four dhams are the main pilgrimage centres of India. Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are part of the Char Dham circuit in the Himalayas. The circumambulation of these Char Dhams is called Chota Char Dham Yatra. This journey provides spiritual experience to every human life and makes every human selfless, like an ascetic. A visit to these Dham enables every human being to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
To know more about the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, these Dhams are described here. After reading this article, you will be able to know about these Dhams quickly:-
Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri is a holy abode of Goddess Yamuna. It is situated in the Himalayas of Uttarkashi district. This Dham is situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 ft) above sea level. Yamunotri Temple is the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is dedicated to Maa Yamuna as the "source of the river Yamuna." This river is called the abode of purity and the destroyer of sins. Yamuna River is mentioned in the childhood of Lord Krishna of Mahabharata. Due to heavy snowfall, the doors of this Dham remain closed from November to March and remain open only from April to November.
Gangotri Dham
Gangotri originates from the most sacred river of India, the Ganges. It is situated at a distance of 226 km from Yamunotri. Surrounded by an ethereal ambience, this abode leaves visitors in awe of the allure surrounding the Himalayas. As a result of the severe penance of Bhagirath, Ganga descended from heaven to earth. It is believed that this river came to earth flowing from the Jatav of Lord Shiva, freeing the wandering souls of Bhagirath's sons. This river is the national river and the largest river in India. The actual origin of the river is at Gaumukh of the Gangotri Glacier. From Gaumukh to Devprayag, this river is known as Bhagirathi. But only after meeting the Alaknanda River in Devprayag, it is known as 'Ganga.'
Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India and the main centre of Panch Kedar. This Dham is situated Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This Dham is the abode of Lord Shiva, which the Pandavas established. It is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at about 11,758.53 feet (3,584 m). It remains covered with snow for about six months, so its gates remain open only from May to October. Kedarnath Yatra helps in destroying the sins of every pilgrim's life. The Kedarnath Temple invites thousands of pilgrims to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and start a spiritual life.
Badrinath Dham
Badrinath is about 3,100 meters (10,170 ft) in the Chamoli district. It is dedicated to the "Badri-Vishal" form of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the four significant mathas of India, which Adi Shankaracharya founded. Badrinath Dham is one of the significant Char Dhams of India, Rameshwar, Dwarka, and Puri. The circumambulation of these dams is known as the "Char Dham Yatra of India." Badrinath Temple remains open for all devotees from April to November. Due to heavy snowfall, this apart gets closed in winter.
