One of India’s most well-known circuits for religious tourists is the Chardham Yatra, which travels across the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The pathways leading to the Chardham temple, also known as the four holiest locations in the Indian Himalayas, are accessible to devotees annually during the same time. So the Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are the four pilgrimage sites in four different directions Indian state of Uttarakhand.
In addition to its religious significance, this Chardham yatra also serves as a significant draw for tourists. This is because the routes traverse through mountainous parts of Uttarakhand, considered the most scenic. Moreover, the scenic beauty amplifies when you book Chardham Yatra by helicopter with LIH Travels, premium amenities, and good accommodation throughout your yatra.
So if you are planning this spiritual journey, here are some essential things to know about the Chardham temple and the yatra requirements to have a peaceful, safe, and comfortable yatra.
Nine Important Things To Know About The Chardham Temple
1. History Of Chardham Yatra
The fact that Uttarakhand’s Chardham Yatra is not the first of its title is fascinating. As unexpected as it may seem, the pilgrimage in Uttarakhand is the Chhota Chardham Yatra, the smaller form of the Chardham Yatra.
Developed by Adi Shankaracharya during the eighth century A.D., the initial Chardham corresponds to four sacred locations in four separate regions of India.
Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka were the four sites he designated as the Chardham. In Uttarakhand, a smaller pilgrim circuit formed out of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
2. Significance Of The Chardham Temple & Yatra
Char Dham, meaning “the four abodes,” relates to the journey of the Himalayas to visit four ancient temples in Uttarakhand, a state in northern India.
Yamunotri Dham, dedicated to the deity Yamuna, is the first Dham on the pilgrimage circuit. It is believed that a dip in the sacred waters of the Yamuna river can purify one of all misdeeds and safeguard against early death. Gangotri Dham, the second shrine on the circuit, is where the holy river Ganga begins. Kedarnath, also renowned as the abode of Lord Shiva situated on the Mandakini River bank, and its vista against its snowy background is breathtaking. Badrinath, named after Lord Badri (Vishnu), is situated on the Alaknanda River.
3. Accessibility, Better Roadways & Helicopter Services
Following the Indo-China war in 1962, India made investments in roadway and infrastructure building projects, which coincided with the rise in popularity of the idea of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. Because of improvements to the roads in the region, it is now easy to reach the religious sites in Uttarakhand. The ancient Char Dham was gradually overtaken by the smaller, more accessible Chhota Char Dham.
In contrast to the traditional Char Dham, which took more than a month to complete, now one can complete the Chota Char Dham in less than two weeks. Furthermore, helicopter services are now provided by both Uttarakhand Government and private operators at unbelievable prices.
4. Opening Dates & Registration For Chardham Yatra
This year, 2022, the Chardham Temple opened their gates as follows:
Gangotri & Yamunotri temple on the 3rd of May, Kedarnath on the 6th of May, and Badrinath on the 8th of May.
Since 2014, Chardham Yatra registration for visiting any Chardham Temple or completing the entire circuit is mandatory. So you can complete the registration process via offline and online modes. Online mode is convenient to avoid long queues. Visit the website here for the online method. For offline, there are over 50 counters.
5. About Yamunotri Chardham Temple
Yamunotri, the abode of the goddess Yamuna, is where the Yamuna River begins. The actual origin and glacier are around 1 kilometer higher, at 4421 meters above sea level. However, it is not readily accessible. The shrine is placed at the Yamunotri Temple at the bottom of the hill for the same cause. Furthermore, pilgrims offer their prayers in the actual temple. Read Also : delhi to lucknow
6. About Gangotri Chardham Temple
Gangotri, the abode of the goddess Ganga, receives millions of devotees. The Gangotri Dham is approximately 18 kilometers from Gaumukh, the source of the River Ganges. From Gangotri Glacier’s Gaumukh, the river runs as Bhagirathi to Devprayag. Here, it combines with Alakananda to create the Ganga we currently know.
7. About Kedarnath Chardham Temple
Pilgrims revere the Kedarnath Dham since it is among one of the Chardham Yatra’s most significant shrines and one of Lord Shiva’s 12 jyotirlingas. The worshippers worship a conical rock face within the temple as Sadashiva, an embodiment of Lord Shiva.
8. About Badrinath Temple
The primary god in this place is Lord Vishnu and worshipped as Badrinarayan. This Chardham temple is the only Dham included within the Chota Char Dham and the initial Char Dham circuit. Since it is the location wherein Adi Shankaracharya is thought to have reached salvation and obtained liberation from the cycle of rebirth, Badrinath Dham is significant in the Chardham Yatra.
9. Best Time To Visit Chardham Yatra & Travel Tips
Because the Char Dham temples are on high slopes, the climate is nice for most of the year. However, in wintertime, the temples remain inaccessible due to snowfall, resulting in the shutdown of the Char Dham Yatra throughout winter.
The summertime starts in Uttarakhand during April. The temperature swings between 25°C to 35°C throughout this season, making it the ideal time for the Char Dham Yatra because of the favorable weather conditions. June marks the season’s conclusion. In Uttarakhand, the monsoon commences from July till September. During these months, the whole state experiences considerable rainfall. Furthermore, there are chances of landslides. Hence it is wise to avoid this time. visit website : travelMozi
Some tips to note:
- Pick the optimal time for visiting the yatra
- Contact an agency and easily complete your Chardham registration
- Keep your medications with you every time
- Get your health check-up before planning for the yatra
- If you are running short of time or not able to trek, consider helicopter services
- Only consume packed or boiled water
- Carry some dry fruits with you
- Have adequate cash with you
Conclusion
Hope this information about Chardham temple and Yatra will assist in planning your journey. This journey brings you inner peace and experiences the best of the Himalayas with LIH Travels packages.