Reasons to Visit The Char Dham and Have the Yatra of Your Life

Chardhams of Uttarakhand are thronged by pious Hindus in thousands every year. You may often be wondering what exactly pulls so many people to the holy Chardhams. Read on this article to discover the four major reasons behind visiting the Chardhams.

You may think of going off to the wild wastes of Alaska or explore the outback of Australia and get a thrill out of the tour but nothing beats Char Dham Yatra in terms of benefits. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath are visited by millions of devout Hindus and for each, the Yatra is tremendous significance because they consider it the fulfillment of a duty.

Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri is the location of a temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, right from where the Yamuna River starts. There are hot springs within trekking distance of the temple. Yamunotri is at an altitude of over 3200 metres and the trip is an arduous one over a steep trail. Just reaching the temple is an achievement and a Darshan in the temple is fulfillment with devotees believing that a pilgrimage frees them from a painful death. The Yatra usually starts from Rishikesh or Haridwar.

Gangotri Dham

Gangotri in Uttarkashi is another leg in the Chardham Yatra where devout Hindus worship Ganga Mata. This is where it is believed Ganga descended from the heavens and right into the matted locks of Lord Shiva. Again, the trip is an arduous one over rocky terrain to reach the shrine at a height of about 3000 metres. Pilgrims feel an absolute sense of peace and a deep sense of contentment at having fulfilled their duty. This is second in the leg of the Chardham Yatra, about 225 km from Yamunotri.

Kedarnath Dham

Kedarnath, the third of the Char Dhams, is at an altitude of 3580 metres and about 220 km from Rishikesh. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have built this temple in the 8th century and it sits next to the Mandakini River with the Kedarnath mountains forming a lovely backdrop. It is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and Hindus find great spiritual satisfaction from the pilgrimage. One has to trek 14 km up a steep slope to reach the holy temple.

Badrinath Dham

The last is Badrinath, where Lord Vishnu resides. A trip brings alleviation from suffering and salvation of the soul. A trip is just as arduous as the others since the temple is at a height of about 3130 metres and pilgrims trek over rough terrain. What is significant about the temple is that people learn the value of thinking of the welfare of mankind, drawing inspiration from Lord Vishnu who is said to have meditated under a Badri tree here for a thousand years for the benefit of mankind. Badrinath is about 300 km from Rishikesh. Pilgrims bathe in the Tapt hot water spring close to the temple before Darshan. The hot water spring also has healing properties.

1. The main reason for undertaking the Char Dham Yatra is to fulfill a spiritual obligation, which is each Hindu’s duty.
2. The second reason is that it is a test of physical endurance to see if you have what it takes to withstand the rigors of traveling at high altitudes, trekking over steep mountain sides and enduring the cold and the icy cold biting winds that can chill you to the bone, even in summer.
3. The third reason is to find a sense of spirituality if you do not have it. A visit can awaken this spirit inside you. Youth today is unaware of the rich folklore, our legends, the mythology and the symbolism so inherent in Hindu religions and rituals. Aarti at each temple and chanting of mantras is a soul moving experience and will kindle an interest in you to know more about our past.
4. The fourth is more mundane and down to earth. The scenery up here in Uttarakhand is quite different. The air is fresh and pure. You are more attuned to nature here and have plenty of chances to on adventure treks, water rafting, mountain climbing and discover the exhilaration of taking on challenges and enjoying it in peaceful environs far removed from the noise and pollution of cities.

People go off on tours purely for worldly pleasures; the Chardham tour is for a different purpose altogether. The pilgrimage may even help you rediscover your soul, and your identity and give you a sense of purpose in life. Char Dham, in a greater sense, is a goal. Achieving it helps you fortify yourself to do more.