Chhota Char Dham Yatra
Pilgrimage Circuit of Himalayas
Location of "Chhota Char Dham Yatra":
The "Chhota
Char Dham Yatra" - छोटा चार
धाम (literally translated as 'the
small four abodes/seats', meaning 'the small circuit of four abodes/seats'), is
an important Hindu pilgrimage circuit in the Garhwal region of the state of
Uttarakhand.
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| Chota Char Dham Yatra |
Uttarakhand is
also known as Dev Bhumi ( Land of Gods) because of the various tales of divine beings finding
its permanent home in the ever flowing rivers, river conflulences, shrines,
rocks, caves and mostly in people’s faith.
The holy yatra
of Char Dham comprises of four sites, namely
Each of these sacred destination has associated with mythology and legends has its own importance for religious purposes.
- Yamunotri - यमनोत्री,
- Gangotri - गंगोत्री,
- Kedarnath - केदारनाथ
- Badrinath - बद्रीनाथ
Each of these sacred destination has associated with mythology and legends has its own importance for religious purposes.
Importance of "Chhota Char Dham" :
Adi
Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher and reformer, conceptualized the Char Dham yatra or pilgrimage to four holy
abodes of Gods, to revive the Hindu religion during the 8th century. Badrinath
the north, Puri in the west, Rameshwaram in south and Dwarika in the west.
The Char Dham
Yatra of Uttarakhand is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage
circuits in north India. According to Hindus, Char Dham Yatra is the absolute
path of spiritual cleansing and salvation.
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| Chota Char Dham Yatra |
The temples of
Chhota Char Dham are located in the Garwal region of Uttarakhand. Yamuntori and
Gangotri are located in Uttarkashi District. Kedarnath is in Rudrapryag
District and Badrinath is in Chamoli District.
High in the Garhwali Himalaya sit some of the holiest sites in the Hindu
religion – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath – where temples mark
the spiritual sources of four sacred rivers: the Yamuna, the Ganges, the
Mandakini and the Alaknanda.
Traditionally, the Char dham yatra is undertaken from the
west to the east. Thus, the yatra starts from Yamunotri, then proceeding to
Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Badrinath is also one of the four destinations (with each destination being in
different corners of the country) of the longer Char Dham from which the Chota
Char Dham likely draws its name.
The day of Akha-Trij or Akha-Teej (in the month of May)
marks the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra. The ‘Yatra’ typically closes 2 days
after Diwali, on the day of Bhai-Bij (or Bhai Dooj).
Amongst the four
Char Dhams, Yamunotri and Gangotri are dedicated to goddesses Yamuna and Ganga
respectively. On the other hand, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva while
Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
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| Chhota Char Dham Yatra |
Owing to the
significance of this religious circuit, devotees from all over the world, come
here to experience the eternal bliss. Char Dhams are hustling and bustling with
activity during the summer months, as hundreds of devotees embark upon the holy
journey.
The picturesque surroundings of the mountainous region are simply enthralling, giving the visitors a perfect opportunity to unwind themselves by filling their lungs with fresh air. Moreover, these otherwise silent and tranquil locales resound with the names of the Lord as the pilgrims advance towards their destination.
The picturesque surroundings of the mountainous region are simply enthralling, giving the visitors a perfect opportunity to unwind themselves by filling their lungs with fresh air. Moreover, these otherwise silent and tranquil locales resound with the names of the Lord as the pilgrims advance towards their destination.
1.0 Yamunotri :
The first stop of the
Char Dham yatra is the holy abode of Goddess Yamuna, the seat of Goddess
Yamuna, is the source of the Yamuna River.
The venerated goddess Yamuna is said to be the daughter
of Sun and twin sister of Yama (the god of death); in Vedas, Yamuna is called
Yami (lady of life). A bath in the sanctified waters of Yamuna is said to
cleanse all sins and protect from untimely or painful death. Such strong
associations in Hindu mythology place Yamuna Devi (goddess) in high ranks of
divinity.
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| Chhota Char Dham Yatra |
The actual source and glacier is located at an altitude
of 4421 meters above the sea level, about 1 km further up. But it is not easily
accessible. For the same reason, the shrine has been located at the Yamunotri
Temple at the foot of the hill. Pilgrims offer prayers at the temple itself.
According to a
popular legend, sage Asit Muni – who had his hermitage here – bathed daily in
both Ganga and Yamuna. When, due to his old age, he could no longer go to
Gangotri, a stream of River Ganga appeared opposite Yamunotri for him to bathe.
Surya Kund which
is known for its thermal springs, temperature of water here is approximately
190 degree Fahrenheit. Also, there are a number of hot water pools here, which
are used to cook rice and potato as Prasad (holy offerings to God).
Divya Shilla is
a rock pillar here, which is worshipped by the devotees before entering the
Yamunotri temple.
The temple of Yamuna closes its portals as winter
approaches on Yama Dwitiya (second day after Diwali or on Bhai Dooj).
Devi's winter address is Kharsali village where she
reaches in a palanquin and will remain for the entire period of winters. On
Akshaya Tritiya (occurring on April/May), the goddess comes back to grace
Yamunotri again.
Both closing and opening ceremonies of the Yamunotri
shrine are brought about with celebrations, elaborate rituals and vedic chants.
Places to visit: Yamunotri Temple, Saptrishi Kund, Surya
Kund, Divya Shila.
2.0 Gangotri :
Gangotri is second stop in the Char Dham journey, has a rich historical past. This sacred city
is located in the northern part of the state of Uttarakhand. It is known as the
source of River Ganges and also the seat of Goddess Ganga.
Ducked amidst the sprawling Garhwal hills. The Gangotri Dham is set 19 km from Gaumukh
– the place where Ganga River originates. From Gaumukh in the Gangotri Glacier,
the river flows as Bhagirathi up to Devprayag. Here, it merges with Alakananda
and forms Ganga as we know it.
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| Chhota Char Dham Yatra |
According to mythology, King Bhagiratha
prayed for thousands of years to Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, who then allowed
River Ganges – also called Bhagirathi – to descend from heaven to earth to
absolve Bhagiratha’s predecessors of their sins.
However, since earth would have been
completely destroyed because of the ferocious force of water coming from
heaven, Lord Shiva held her in his locks before she landed on earth. Jalamagna
Shivalinga, which is a natural rock shivalinga submerged in the river, is said
to be the place where Lord Shiva held her. It is visible only in winters when
the water levels recede.
Ganga Maa (mother), the much revered deity of Hindus. From the folds of mythology till the present
time, Ganga River has always been a sacred source of purity for the mankind.
Coming to Gangotri for a religious tour is not only a religious duty but a
spiritual calling too.
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| Chhota Char Dham Yatra |
As the winter season gets ready to knock on the doors of
the mountain region, Goddess Ganga gets ready to leave for Mukhyamath temple in
Mukhba village, 20 km downstream. The transfer takes place on the auspicious
day of Diwali (Oct/Nov) amid vedic chants and elaborate rituals. With greater
joy and enthusiasm, the Goddess is brought back to the Gangotri temple on the
occasion of Akshaya Tritiya (April/May).
Places to visit: Gangotri Temple, Bhagirath Shila, Submerged
Shivling, Pandava Gufa
3.0 Kedarnath :
The third
destination of Char Dham Yatra is Kedarnath. Kedarnath houses the well-known
Kedarnath temple, devoted to Lord Shiva. It is also one of 12 Jyotirlingas in
India. Located in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3584 m in the Garhwal Himalayas
along the River Mandakin in the Rudraprayag district, it is one of the most revered holy sites
of the devotees of Hindu religion. Pilgrims come here to attain salvation from
the circle of life.
While the present temple was built by Adi
Shankaracharya in the eighth century, the older temple nearby is believed to
have been constructed by the Pandavas of Mahabharata fame. It is said that the
Pandavas came here to offer their penance to Lord Shiva for killing their
cousins Kauravas in the battle of Mahabharta.
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| Chhota Char Dham Yatra |
Mythology says that Lord Shiva, disguised
himself as a bull, hid from them and ran away leaving his hind part behind when
Bheem – the strongest of Pandava brothers – recognised him. The temple is built
using huge slabs of grey stones, which helps retain its age old charm, charisma
and mystique.
The hump became
the Swayambhu lingam and became the sacred site of Kedarnath. Kedarnath along
with Rudranath, Tungnath, Madmaheshwar and Kapleshwar is called Panch Kedar,
one of the religious pilgrimage for Shivaites, believers of Lord Shiva.
According to the
other popular legend, Nar & Narayana (two incarnations of Lord Vishnu)
prayed in front of a Shivalingam in Badrikashraya of Bharat Khand. Pleased by
their devotion, Lord Shiva granted them a boon. The duo requested Shiva to take
up a permanent seat as a Jyotirlinga at Kedarnath so as to free the devotees of
Lord Shiva from all their miseries.
With the onset of winters, the portals of the temple are
closed on the 1st day of Karthik (Oct/Nov) amid elaborate rituals, and a
moveable idol of Shiva is shifted to Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath
(Rudraprayag district). The Shiva idol is welcomed back and the temple is
opened again after 6 months in the Vaisakh (Apr/May) period of Hindu calendar.
Places to visit: Kedarnah Temple,
Gandhi Sarovar, Adi Shankarachrya Samadhi, Bhairon Temple
4.0 Badrinath :
Badrinath, the
fourth and the last destination of Chota Char Dham Yatra is one of the most
revered sites in India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form of Badri, this
shrine is situated in Chamoli District, at the height of 3,133 meters in
Uttarakhand, nestled between the Nar and
Narayan ranges.
The word
Badrinath is a formation of two words Badri + Nath. Badri means berry and Nath
means lord. In Badrinath, Jujube trees can be found in abundance.
According to
mythology, this was the place where Lord Vishnu, in the incarnation of Nar and
Narayan sages, had meditated for thousands of years. At that time Lakshmi ji,
in the form of Berry had sheltered him from the harsh weather, and so the name
Badrinath.
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| Chhota Char Dham Yatra |
Along with
Badrinath temple, Yogdhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri and Bridha Badri
make Panch Badri. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage circuit for Vaishnavites
in India.
The main deity
here is the Lord Vishnu, worshipped in his aspect of Badrinarayan. This Dham is
the only one that is a part of both the original Char Dham and the Chhota Char
Dham circuits.
Along the river Alaknanda, the temple is essentially a Lord Vishnu
shrine. Also known by the names Badri Vishal and Badrinarayan, it is one of the
Char Dham sites and the one amongst 108 Divya Desams.
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| Chhota Char Dham Yatra |
The gates of the temple are open only for a period of six months, due to
extreme weather conditions in Himalayas. There are a number of hot water pools
here namely Tapt Kund, Narad Kund etc. These pools are filled with hot steaming
water in the winter months also and are considered to posses medicinal
properties.
Many people even perform the last rites of the departed souls at
Brahm Kapal.
It is a flat platform on the banks of river Alaknanda. Sheshnetra and
Chandrapaduka are other rock boulders present along the river, which are
believed to have footprints of Shesh Nag and Lord Vishnu.
Travel to Char Dham is a must for everybody,
atleast once in a lifetime, to just feel close to God and to experience and
discover ultimate happiness and solace.
In the winter season, the idol of Lord Badri is shifted
to Yogadhyan Badri in Pandukeshwar (Chamoli district).
Places to visit: Badrinath Temple, Neelkanth, Tapt Kund, Vasudhara Falls
Please also read blog on Char Dham Yatra : on my website :
WishingYouForFestival
How to reach:
By Air :
To
reach Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, the nearest airport is
Jolly Grant near Dehradun. Taxis, private cars, state road transport buses are
available from the airport to Gangotri via Rishikesh. Nearest international
airport is at New Delhi.
By Train : The
nearest railhead from Yamunotri is Dehradun. Rishikesh is the nearest railhead
for Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
By Road :
Uttarakhand
State Transport Ccorporation operates bus services from Delhi-Rishikesh daily.
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd (GMVNL) organises package tours for Char Dham
with 2X2 DLX/Coach Bus.
Route and Distance :
For Yamnotri :
From Delhi to Yamnotri : 430 Km.
From Rishikesh to Yamnotri : 210 Km.
From Dehradun to Yamnotri : 180 Km.
Route : Rishikesh - Narendra Nagar - Chamba - Tehri -
Dharasu - Bhramkhal Barkot - Hanuman Chatti - Janki Chatti – Yamnotri.
For Gangotri :
From Delhi to Gangotri :
500 Km.
From Rishikesh to Gangotri : 270
Km.
From Dehradun to Gangotri : 220
Km.
Route 1 = Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Narender nagar -
Tehri - Dharasu Bend - Uttarkashi - Bhatwari - Gangnani - Harsil - Gangotri
Route 2 = Delhi - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Chamba - Tehri -
Dharasu Bend - Uttarkashi - Bhatwari - Gangnani - Harsil - Gangotri
For Kedarnath :
From Delhi to Kedarnath :
450 Km.
From Rishikesh to Kedarnath : 220
Km.
From Dehradun to Kedarnath : 260
Km.
Route : Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh-Devprayag - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Tilwara - Agastamuni - Kund - Guptkashi - Phata - Rampur - Sonprayag - Gaurikund - Trek to Kedarnath
For Badrinath :
From Delhi to Badrinath : 540 Km.
From Rishikesh Badrinath : 300 Km.
From Dehradun Badrinath : 330 Km.
Route : Haridwar - Rishikesh - Deoprayag - Kirtinagar - Shrinagar - Rudraprayag - Gauchar - Karnaprayag - Nandprayag - Chamoli - Birahi - Pipalkoti - Garur Ganga - Helang - Joshimath - Vishnuprayag - Govindghat - Pandukeshwar - Hanumanchatti - Badrinath.
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