TOUR TO FOUR DHAMS
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are the four world famous Indian spiritual pilgrimages. Tour to all of these places is popularly known as The Char Dham yatra. Indians strongly believe that this yatra is must for anybody who wishes to wash away his sins and attain salvation. Situated in lap of Great Himalayas these Dhams (Sacred Places) are world famous religious destinations. The Char Dham Yatra (Tour) starts from Yamunotri, passing through Gangotri, Kedarnath and finally ends at Badrinath. A visit to these places will impart you an experience that will stay with you forever. Millions of people from all over the India and abroad visit Char Dhams every Year in search of spiritual satisfaction.
The Four Destinations of Char Dham Yatra (Tour):
Kedarnath ' Kedarnath is venerated in India as one of the twelve jyotirlings (lingam of light) in the form of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath has got its name after the name of Lord Shiva. Kedar is yet another name of Lord Shiva the protector and the destroyer of the giant Earth. The Lord Shiva, is considered as the embodiment of all passions-love, hatred, mysticism, death and fear which are expressed through his various morphs.
Kedarnath is approachable on foot from Gaurikund, which can be reached directly from Rishikesh, Kotdwara, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon Hills.
Badrinath ' This holy pilgrimage is believed to be the place of Lord Vishnu in his aspect of Badrinarayan. Badrinath is the most important and most visited Dham among all. Probably it has been rightly said that "there were many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heaven, earth and the other world but neither is there any equal to Badrinath nor shall there be one."
Shining in the lap of Nar-Narayan Parvat, with the towering Neelkanth peak (6,597mts.) in the background, Badrinath is one of the most revered Hindu shrines of India.
Gangotri ' The Gangotri is the most sacred spot where Ganga, the untouched stream of sacred water touches the earth for the first time. This is the place from where the river Ganga was originated. That is why this place is called Gangotri.
The revered shrine of Gangotri, is situated at an altitude of about 3,400 mts.
It is said that the Pandavas came here (gangotri) to perform the great 'Deva Yagna' to atone for the death of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharat. The temple itself is situated on the right bank of the Bhagirathi.
It is surely one of the most important pilgrimages for the devout Hindus.
Yamunotri 'Yamunotri is the first milestone of the Char Dham Yatra. Yamunotri is the source of river Goddess Yamuna. It is very popular for its unique hot springs where raw rice is cooked and made into Prasad.
The revered shrine of Yamunotri, source of the shadow of the 6,315 mts. high Bandarpunchh Mountain.
The great Asit Muni used to reside at this secluded spot in ancient times. The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Jankichatti (7 km. Away).
The source of the Yamuna lies a further km. Ahead at an altitude of approximately 4421 mts. Since the approach is extremely difficult, pilgrims usually offer obeisance at the temple itself.
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