CHAR DHAM YATRA
Uttarakhand Also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of the Gods, Uttarakhand is home to many ancient Hindu temples, which are thronged by devotees throughout the year. Uttarakhand is also the most prominent Char Dham Yatra of Hindus in various religious places and circuits. This pilgrimage of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is a journey to four holy places – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Which is located in the high Himalayan region.
Due to being located in the high Himalayan region, these Char Dhams open only for about six months every year and remain closed for six months. Every year in the summer of April the doors of these four temples are opened. At the end of the year, in the month of October or November, before the onset of winter, the doors of the four shrines are closed. It is believed that the journey of Char Dham should be completed in the clockwise direction. Hence, every year the pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, moves towards Gangotri, then Kedarnath and finally ends at Badrinath. This holy journey to Char Dham can be completed by road or by air (helicopter services are available). Some devotees even from different states of the country visit only two dhams or two pilgrimages – Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Char Dham Yatra first starts from Yamunotri. The Yamunotri temple is located close to the source of the Yamuna River in Uttarkashi district. This sacred temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Uttarkashi district is also home to the temple of Gangotri dedicated to one of the holiest rivers of India, the Ganges. Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Kedar, a form of Shiva, located in Rudraprayag district. Badrinath Temple is located in Chamoli district, dedicated to Lord Badrinarayan, Lord Vishnu. The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is as divine as it is arduous but satisfies the soul and calms the mind!