Chardham – Four Sacred Spots of Hindus.
Chardham, which means four sacred spots, are the holiest of all pilgrimage sites. According to the ancient scriptures of Hindus, Chardham includes the holy sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. For several centuries, saints as well as pilgrims, have reached these mystical sites in their search for the divine. It is believed that the journey to Chardham, not just washes one’s sins, but it ensure release from the cycle of birth and death. It is also believed that earth and heaven converge in these four holy places.
The pilgrims must follow the Chardham route suggested by Hindu tradition of parikarma or clockwise circulation. The suggested route is from left to right, that is, start the journey with Yamunotri, followed by Yamunotri, Kedarnath and finish the journey at Badrinath.
The holy river Ganges and her tributaries flow through the four dhams. It is believed that Goddess Ganga landed upon the earth in the form of a river to help the suffering humanity. The river was split into four channels, such as Yamuna (in Yamunotri), Bhagirathi (in Gangotri), Mandakini (in Kedarnath) and Alaknanda (in Badrinath). Blessed with natural beauty and several ancient temples, the four Dhams (sites) attract a large number of tourists as well as pilgrims from all over the world.
Places of Interest in Chardham
Badrinath Temple – India Pilgrimage
The holy place is situated on the bank of river Alaknanda, at an altitude of 3,133 metres above the sea level. Cradled amidst the Nar and Narayan mountains, Badrinath has picturesque Neelgiri mountains in its background. Badrinath is an important pilgrimage centre on the sacred itinerary of every devout Hindu. Also known as Vishal Badri, Badrinath is one of the Panch Badris.
Once the place was called as ‘Badri Van’ because ‘Badris’ or wild berries, was abundantly grown here. The sanctity of Badrinath is emphasized in the ancient Hindu scriptures as “there are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens and earth, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be.” Badrinath houses the sacred Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The present temple, is believed to be built by Adi Guru Sankracharya – an 8th century ‘s philosopher -saint. The 15 metre high temple is surrounded by a verdant valley.
The temple remains closed during the winters, and is open in between April – May and October – November. Other attractions of Badrinath include Tapt Kund, Neelkanth, Charanpaduka, Brahma Kapil and Sheshnetra etc.
Kedarnath Temple – India Pilgrimage
Kedarnath, one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ of Kedar or Lord Shiva, is visited by a large number of devotees every year. Located at an elevation of 3,581 kms above sea level, Kedarnath is surrounded by the majestic Kedarnath mountains. Kedarnath is home to the Kedarnath temple, which is one of the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus. The origin of the ancient temple can be traced in Mahabharata.
Legend has that Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, departed to Heaven from Kedarnath. Another legend goes that the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva, to atone their sins after killing their kith and kin in the battle of Kurukhestra. At the entrance of the Kedarnath temple, a statue of sacred bull Nandi, stands. The inside wall of the temple are exquisitely carved with images of deities. The Kedarnath temple remains closed from mid November to early April. Besides the Kedarnath temple, other attractions are Ukhimath, Samadhi of Shankracharyaji, Bhairavnath temple, Agastyamuni, Gupta Kashi, Triyuginarayan, Vasuki Tal, the shrines of Madmaheswar, Tungnath, Rudranath & Kalpeshwar.
Gangotri Temple – India Pilgrimage
The revered shrine of Gangotri, is situated at an altitude of 3,200 metres, above sea level. Dedicated to Goddess Gangotri, the shrine stands on the right bank of river Bhagirathi. The temple built in the early 18th century, by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
The temple remain closed from November to May. Several ashrams spread on the other side of the temple, which provide accommodation facilities to pilgrims. Major attractions in and around Gangotri include the Gaumukh glaciers, Bhairavanth temple, GMVN Tourist Bungalow,Nandanvan and Kedartal.
Yamunotri Temple – India Pilgrimage
Yamunotri is one of the four most sacred pilgrimage sites of Hindus. The source of the holy river Yamuna, lies I km ahead, which originates from the Champasar glacier. The Yamunotri shrine is the first stoppage for Chardham Yatra. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the shrine is situated atop of the 3,615 metres high Bandar Poonchh peak. The present temple was constructed by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. The temple is open between May to October.
for more information on Indian Pilgrimage Destinations : http://www.pilgrimage-india.org
Famous cave shrine of “Shivkhori” situated in District Reasi of J&K state depicts the natural formation of shivlingum. It is one of the most venerated cave shrines of Lord Shiva in the region. The Holy cave is more than 150 mts long & houses 4 feet high Svayambhu Lingum, which constantly baths in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling. The cave is full of natural impression & images of various Hindu Deities & full of divine feelings. That is why Shivkhori is known as “Home of Gods”. The route from Jammu to Shiv Khori is full of beautiful & picturesque mountains, waterfalls & lakes.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the most religious Hindu Pilgrimage destination in Indian Subcontinent, located at a height of 5300 feet on the holy Trikuta Mountains of the Shivalik Hillside Range. Maa Vaishno Devi shrine is easily located from Delhi. The Place Katra is 50 Kms away from Jammu as well as 35 Kms from District HQ Udhampur and is connected by road. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the well-known popular Shrines of India.