What is the Significance of the Char Dham Yatra?

The Char Dham yatra, popularly known as Teerth Yatra, covers four holy destinations of the Hindus namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. They are all location in the awe-inspiring beautiful Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand state of India. These locations are not just significant for the old aged Hindus but for people across all age groups across the world.

Uttarakhand tour packages can include Rishikesh and Haridwar along with the Char Dham circuit as the state is well known as Dev Bhoomi.

Religious Significance

The Hindus believe that this trip washes away all their sins, that obviously happen in the age of Kalyug, and cleanses their soul for utmost salvation. The four goals of life described in the early Indian texts are Kama, Artha, Dharma and Moksha. This yatra is an action in pursuit of the fourth goal – Moksha.

Yamunotri

This is the source of the sacred Yamuna river and therefore the first point in the yatra. The Yamunotri Temple with the famed black marble idol of the goddess, the nearby kunds, or hot water springs along with ashrams, waterfalls along the trekking route, make for an enchanting and scenic trek.

Gangotri

The second stop of the circuit, here’s where the Ganga river emerges from Gaumukh in Gangotri glacier. The town is located on the banks of river Bhagirathi and other than the Gangotri temple, the Bhagirath Shila and Pandava gufa, are highly recommended.

Kedarnath

It is the most popular one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The shrine is open from April to Karthik Purnima in November due to extreme weather conditions. The stone temple is an impressive structure probably built in the 8th century on the banks of Mandakini river.

Badrinath

The most important and the last chapter of Char Dham yatra, the Badrinath temple and town are in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The architecturally beautiful temple housing Lord Vishnu in the form of Nara-Narayana near Alaknanda river. Badrinath is also the starting point of many mountaineering expeditions.

The Infectious Positivity

The Char Dham Yatra is largely a trekking activity. For those in good health, there are scenic trekking routes to take along with other pilgrims and rest stops on the way offered along with accommodation and guides by several Char Dham tour packages.

The climb, lush greenery and mountain air is a huge health motivator for a lot of people. This yatra makes for a great active break from routines as well as a spiritual journey even if one is not religious. It is believed that sages and ascetics of ancient and present India live for long years precisely because they take abode in the mountains meditating for long periods of time. For adventure-seekers there are hiking and rafting opportunities at various points of the trip. Scientifically proven, the frequencies, aural vibrations of the bells, mantras and chants in Sanskrit, have a calming and invigorating effect on the listeners’ mind and body.