Mark A Sacred Journey For Religious Ascension With Chardham Yatra
Every year, thousands of Hindu devotees undertake the pilgrimage of a lifetime by going on a Chardham Yatra. The Char Dham or ‘abodes' refer to the four holy pilgrimage sites that lie amidst the mighty Himalayas. It is believed that the char dham yatra helps to increase awareness about one's deeds and that any request made is also granted. Besides seeking the blessings of the Gods, going on this yatra also helps one find inner peace and harmony. This journey is traditionally taken from the west to the east beginning with Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedrinath and then culminating at Badrinath.
Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri is not only the seat of the Goddess Yamuna but is also the source of the river Yamuna which originates from the Champassar glacier. The holy Yamunotri shrine is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3165 metres and the temple was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah, who was a member of the Jaipur Royal family. Once inside, visitors can see the deity which is carved out of black stone. Legend has it that this spot was also once the home of a famous sage called Asit Muni.
Gangotri Dham
Gangotri is the origin of the holy river Ganga and nestles amidst the Garhwal Himalayas. The 18th century temple here lies at an altitude of 3048 metres and is made of pure white granite. There is also a natural ‘Shivling' which lies submerged in the river and it is believed to be the same spot where Lord Shiva received the waves of the river in his hair. The river Ganga holds an important place in Hindu mythology as pilgrims believe in its healing powers and its ability to purify one's soul.
Kedrinath Dham
Kedarnath Dham is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and lies at a height of 3584 metres. The actual temple was built in 8th century A.D by Saint Adi Shankaracharya out of heavy grey coloured slabs of stone. The walls of the temple hall are especially noted for the different mythological stories and figures of deities that have been carved. The temple is believed to have been a favourite with the Pandavas as well and lies adjacent to another temple that was built by them.
Badrinath Dham
Badrinath Dham lies at a height of 10,248 metres and is one of the most important shrines in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The route to the dham itself is uneven and filled with hilly terrain and cliffs, but the scenery is breathtaking. The Badrinath temple is filled with images of Lord Vishnu and pilgrims can also worship the one meter tall statue of Vishnu in a meditative posture which has been made from black stone.
The best time to go on a chardham yatra is from May to June or from September to November.
Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri is not only the seat of the Goddess Yamuna but is also the source of the river Yamuna which originates from the Champassar glacier. The holy Yamunotri shrine is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3165 metres and the temple was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah, who was a member of the Jaipur Royal family. Once inside, visitors can see the deity which is carved out of black stone. Legend has it that this spot was also once the home of a famous sage called Asit Muni.
Gangotri Dham
Gangotri is the origin of the holy river Ganga and nestles amidst the Garhwal Himalayas. The 18th century temple here lies at an altitude of 3048 metres and is made of pure white granite. There is also a natural ‘Shivling' which lies submerged in the river and it is believed to be the same spot where Lord Shiva received the waves of the river in his hair. The river Ganga holds an important place in Hindu mythology as pilgrims believe in its healing powers and its ability to purify one's soul.
Kedrinath Dham
Kedarnath Dham is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and lies at a height of 3584 metres. The actual temple was built in 8th century A.D by Saint Adi Shankaracharya out of heavy grey coloured slabs of stone. The walls of the temple hall are especially noted for the different mythological stories and figures of deities that have been carved. The temple is believed to have been a favourite with the Pandavas as well and lies adjacent to another temple that was built by them.
Badrinath Dham
Badrinath Dham lies at a height of 10,248 metres and is one of the most important shrines in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The route to the dham itself is uneven and filled with hilly terrain and cliffs, but the scenery is breathtaking. The Badrinath temple is filled with images of Lord Vishnu and pilgrims can also worship the one meter tall statue of Vishnu in a meditative posture which has been made from black stone.
The best time to go on a chardham yatra is from May to June or from September to November.
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