you come across thousands of temples that welcome devotees year-round. In this yatra, we cover four important holy shrines, i.e., Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, with Mana Village high up in the Himalayan Mountains. These shrines in the high Himalayas remain closed for six months due to extreme weather conditions with heavy snowfall that covers the entire region with a white blanket and makes the living harsh; however, the Kapats of this Dham’s open during summer (April / May onwards and Closes with the beginning of Winters in October / November).
Overview Chardam Yatra
Yamunotri:
Location: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand
Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna
Significance: Situated in a narrow gorge, close to the source of the Yamuna River, Yamunotri is the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra. Devotees believe that a visit to this shrine cleanses them of their sins.
Gangotri:
Location: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand
Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga
Significance: Gangotri is a sacred pilgrimage site located on the banks of the Ganges River. The river is considered the holiest in Hinduism, and thousands of devotees visit the ghats along its course to worship and seek blessings.
Kedarnath:
Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
Significance: Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, holds immense religious importance. The temple, reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya, stands at an altitude of 3584 meters and is surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Badrinath:
Location: Badrinath, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu
Significance: Badrinath is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, surrounded by the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. The temple, established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is another important pilgrimage site in the Char Dham Yatra.
Mana Village:
Location: High up in the Himalayan Mountains
Significance: Mana Village, near the Indo-China border, is the last inhabited village before the Mana Pass. It holds cultural and historical importance, and visitors often explore its unique charm and hospitality.
The clockwise route of the Char Dham Yatra reflects the traditional belief that circumambulating in this direction is auspicious. The challenging conditions and seasonal closures underscore the devotion and commitment required for this sacred pilgrimage. Pilgrims undertake this spiritual journey to seek blessings, purification, and a deeper connection with the divine in the lap of the majestic Himalayas.
