Char Dham are the four places in India with high pilgrimage importance. These four places are namely Rameshwaram, Jaganath-Puri, Badrinath-Kedarnath and Dwarka. Adi Shankaracharya defined the term Char Dham as the three Vaishnavite, than one Shaivite and the last a state of mixed ones. It is some of the most holy places that a Hindu should visit, at least once in a lifetime.
Origin of these four temples here is still not well known and has remained a mysterious fact. Shankaracharya is said to have established the Advaita school of Hinduism, which was also accountable for the origin of the Char Dham. Four Hindu temples are lying across the four corners of India. Badrinath temple is in the north, followed by the east temple of Jaganath Puri, the Dwarkadhish Temple located at Dwarka in the west, and Rameswaram in the south, the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Hindu pilgrimage considers it sacred to travel across India, visiting these four holy temples. They believe that their religion demands that they visit these places at least once in their lifetime. Trip has a traditional method of starting the journey from the east, or Puri then moving up in a clockwise direction. Different pilgrimage tours and Char Dham tourism organize this journey to these places. If we are speaking geographically, then we can see that these places are in a more or less perfect square, falling on the same latitude or longitude.
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Different types of Char Dham yatra packages are available, according to everyone’s budget, whereby a specified amount of money is paid by the pilgrimage group to the tourism, and they remain responsible for the rest of the journey. Before the Char Dham tour, the travel agents draw up a Char Dham map that helps the pilgrims with the rest of their journey. One could travel alone, but it would always be preferable if the person went with a travel tour or a group of his own. Therefore, Char Dham tours play an important role in the lives of Hindu pilgrims.
Char Dham in India is a term that refers to four sacred temples that are located in different parts of the country. These temples are believed to be the abodes of four different deities, and visiting them is considered to be a way of attaining salvation and blessings.
What is Char Dham in India?
- Badrinath – Chamoli district of Uttarakhand
- Dwarka – Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat
- Jagannath Puri – Puri district of Odisha
- Rameswaram – Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu
Badrinath Dham, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath and Badrinath are two very important pilgrimage destinations in India. In Uttarakhand, the city of Badrinath is located. City stands on the banks of the river Alakananda. Badrinath photos show that the town is beautifully located between the mountain ranges of Nar and Narayana.
Nilkantha Peak overcast the city with its shadow. With the passing years, the popularity of the city is improving drastically. Pilgrimage to Badrinath is known as the Badrinath Yatra, and the pilgrimage to Kedarnath is known as the Kedarnath Yatra.
Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra begins with Badrinath. Number of pilgrims is increasing every year. In the year 2006, about 600,000 pilgrims visited this city. History of Badrinath dates back to the Puranas, where it was mentioned for its importance in Hindu mythology. Word ‘Badrinath’ was derived from the word ‘Badri’ which means a popular berry that is grown there, and ‘nath’ means the lord of. Jujube trees were also known by their Sanskrit names, Badri.
Badrinath temple remains the most attractive historical object of the town. Legend says that Shankaracharya found a black stone resembling the image of Lord Badrinarayan. He then moved it to a cave and later in the sixteenth century the Garhwal King shifted the statue to the standing temple.
We can make a forty-eight hours journey from Kedarnath to Badrinath for the subsequent part of the tour, that is, the Kedarnath tour. Town is situated within a few kilometer form the India Tibet (China) border. Kedarnath Temple is also important for its mythological as well as historical importance. June and September remains the best time to visit this place. Kedarnath helicopter service is also a notable attraction, for it saves time and effort of trekking and climbing for tourists.
Other places, which could be suggested, with this place are Haridwar and Rishikesh and Gangotri Yamunotri, the sources of two important rivers of India. We could also visit places near Badrinath such as the valley of flowers Brahma Kapal Ghat, Vasundhara falls, Mata Murti Temple Mandir to name a few. We can reach Badrinath by air railway and also by road.
Jolly Grant Airport, which is near Dehradun. But mostly helicopter service is provided as it shortened the distance to only hundred kilometers. The station at Rishikesh is the one of the nearest and Kotdwar follows. National Highway 58 is the road taken for Badrinath. There is also regular bus service taking people from Rishikesh station to Badrinath.
Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and has a black stone idol of Vishnu as the main deity. Badrinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy shrines of Vishnu.
Dwarka, Gujarat
Dwarka is the western most city of India located in Gujarat. It is the holiest of the seven holy cities of India followed by Ayodhya, Mathura, Puri and others. City is legendary because the myth says that it is where Lord Krishna dwelled. Interesting fact is that due to its close proximity towards the sea, the city had been destroyed or damaged for about six times.
Modern city that stands here now is the seventh in a row. Temple at Dwarka was built in the sixteenth century. King Vajra who was the great grandson of Krishna is believed to have built it. Five times every day, a flag is hoisted at the top of the temple. Two gateways had been built for the pilgrims to enter. Entry had been named ‘Swarga Dwar’ and the exiting gateway or the exit is called the Moksha Dwar.
Temple offers an excellent view where the river Gomti flows towards the sea. There are also other shrines in this city dedicated to deities such as Devaki, Balarama, Vasudeva, Subhadra, Devaki, Satyabhama Devi, Jambavati Devi and Rukmini Devi. Word ‘Dwarka’ has derived its name from the word ‘dvar’ that means in Sanskrit doors or gate. City termed as the most holy place in India and also a component of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Vaishnavas, especially, have a particular deference the city. Jagat Mandir temple is also situated in this city. Also near this city, there is the Nageswara Jyotirlinga which is included in the twelve shrines of Lord Shiva. Along with Puri, Jyotirmath and Sringeri, Dwarka houses the Dwarka Pitha, which is a member of the four Mathas. Lord in this temple has an attire of Kalyana Kolam, which is essentially a wedding costume for the royal families. Out of 108 Divya Desam, it is one of them.
Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. It is located in the Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat, on the western shore of the Arabian Sea. Temple is also known as Jagat Mandir, or the universal temple, and is believed to be the site of Krishna’s kingdom. Dwarka is one of the four Chardham as well as one of the seven Sapta Puri, or holy cities of India.
Jagannath Puri, Orissa
Temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu or Krishna. It is located in the Puri district of Odisha, on the eastern coast of India. Temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, where the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in huge wooden chariots. Jagannath Puri is one of the four Chardham as well as one of the seven Sapta Puri, or holy cities of India.
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Jagannath Puri is the next Holy Dham. Being of the oldest city, it is located on the banks of Bay of Bengal. Lord Jagannath is worshiped here, which is another name for Lord Krishna. Along with her brother, Subhadra is also worshipped here. Only place in India where she is worshipped. Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are her two brothers.
Oldest temples of India and it may be assumed that it is about a thousand years old. Anantavarman Chodaganga along with Raja Tritiya Ananga Bhima Deva built it. No pilgrimage journey seems to be complete without traveling to the temple of Puri. Being a holy land this place had several other names in the puranas such as Nilachala, Sankha Kshetra, Neeladri, Srikshetra, Jaganath Puri, Purushottama Dhama to mention a few.
Puri had a notable resemblance with the Greek word ‘polis’ which means a city or town. Puri is famous for its festival of Ratha Jatra. It is the festival of divine Chariots. During this time of the festival, the three Gods, Jaganath, Balaram and Subhadra are taken out of their temple.
He lived about five hundred years ago and gathered a large number of followers. Some of the famous people had gathered as his followers. His popularity was at such a limit that even many kings and ministers followed his preaching and became his disciple. There are other festivals organized in this city such as the Chandan Yatra, Gosani Yatra, Maha Shiva Ratri, Megha Mala, Boita Bantam and Jhulon Purnima in the month of August. Jhulan Purnima is also celebrated with Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi. There are also very important monuments and relics in this place such as the Gundicha Temple, Loknath Temple, Jambeswar Temple, Mangala Temple at Kakatpur, the famous Sun temple at Konark and Siddha Mahavir Temple at Puri.
Ceremony is held as they are placed in the chariot procession. Various dates are there but the festival takes place in the July month. There are a number of mathas present in the city other than this temple. Traveling to this town one can realize that they city has an aura of Hindu religion and the tradition carried out. Presence of other religions such as Buddhists, Sikhs, Muslims and Christians makes it a secular town. Another legend says that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who had been termed as the reincarnation of Lord Krishna.
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the universe. It is located in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, on an island that is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The temple is believed to be the place where Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, worshiped Shiva to absolve his sins after killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or luminous manifestations of Shiva.
Last place of the Char Dham is the Rameswaram. It had its location in Tamil Nadu, it has an exciting location, and it is located in the Mannar Gulf, which is located at the gulf’s. Legend of Ramayana states that this was the famous place where Lord Rama instructed to build Ram Setu. Setu was a link between India and Lanka where Sita was captured by the demon Ravana.
Ramanatha Swamy Temple had been built in dedication to Lord Shiva. Sri Rama consecrated this temple. Place provides an important link between the Char Dham. Journey to Benaras remains incomplete without a visit to this place. God here is in the form of a Linga and it has the name of Sri Ramanatha Swamy. Deity is a member of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
The Char Dham in India are not only places of worship but also sources of inspiration and enlightenment. They represent the four aspects of life: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation). By visiting the Char Dham in India, one can attain peace and happiness in this world and beyond.
Need to Know Before Visiting Char Dham in India: Tips and Insights
How to Plan Your Trip to Char Dham in India?
Visiting Char Dham in India is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips and insights on how to plan your trip to Char Dham in India:
- Choose your route: There are two main routes to visit Char Dham in India: clockwise and anti-clockwise. The clockwise route starts from Badrinath and ends at Rameswaram, while the anti-clockwise route starts from Rameswaram and ends at Badrinath. Both routes have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preference and convenience. You can also choose to visit only one or two temples out of the four if you have limited time or budget.
- Book your tickets: The best time to visit Char Dham in India is between April and November when the weather is pleasant and the temples are open for pilgrims. This also means that this period is the peak season for tourism and you may face high demand and prices for flights, hotels, and tour packages. Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance to avoid any hassle or disappointment. You can also look for some online deals and discounts that may offer you cheaper rates and better services.
- Pack your essentials: Visiting Char Dham in India involves traveling through different terrains and climates, so you need to pack your essentials accordingly. Some of the things that you should pack are:
- Clothing: You should pack comfortable and modest clothing that covers your arms and legs, as you will be entering sacred places. You should also carry some warm clothes, as the temperature may drop at night or in higher altitudes. You should also bring some rain gear, as the monsoon season may bring unexpected showers.
- Footwear: You should wear sturdy and comfortable footwear that can withstand long walks and rough roads. You should also carry some extra pairs of socks and sandals, as you may need to remove your shoes before entering the temples.
- Accessories: You should carry some essential accessories such as sunglasses, hats, scarves, umbrellas, water bottles, snacks, medicines, toiletries, etc. You should also bring some religious items such as flowers, incense, prasad, etc. if you wish to offer them to the deities.
- Documents: You should carry some important documents such as your passport, visa, identity proof, travel insurance, etc. You should also keep some copies of these documents in case of any loss or theft. You should also have some emergency contacts and helpline numbers handy in case of any trouble or emergency.
Follow the rules:
Visiting Char Dham in India is a matter of faith and respect, so you should follow the rules and etiquette of each temple. Some of the rules that you should follow are:
- Dress appropriately: You should dress modestly and respectfully when entering the temples. You should avoid wearing any leather items or revealing clothes. You should also cover your head with a scarf or a cap if required.
- Maintain cleanliness: You should maintain cleanliness and hygiene when visiting the temples. You should not litter or spit in or around the premises. You should also avoid eating or drinking inside the temples. You should also wash your hands and feet before entering the temples.
- Respect the rituals: You should respect the rituals and customs of each temple. You should not touch or disturb the idols or the priests. You should also not take any photographs or videos inside the temples without permission.
Planning a trip to Char Dham in India requires careful consideration and thorough preparation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to these sacred sites. Remember to research the best time to visit, arrange transportation and accommodation in advance, pack appropriate clothing and essentials, and create a detailed itinerary.
FAQs
What is the Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage to four sacred Hindu shrines located in different parts of India: Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameshwaram.
What is the significance of the Char Dham?
Char Dham are considered the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. Visiting these shrines is believed to cleanse one’s sins and help attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
When does the Char Dham Yatra start and end?
Char Dham Yatra typically begins in April or May and continues until October or November, depending on the weather conditions.
Which shrine should be visited first in the Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham Yatra starts from the west and moves eastward, beginning with Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and ending at Badrinath.
How can one travel to the Char Dham?
Pilgrims can travel to the Char Dham by road, train, or air. Many tour operators offer packages that include transportation, accommodation, and guided tours.
Is the Char Dham Yatra difficult?
Yatra can be challenging due to the high altitudes and rugged terrain, especially for elderly pilgrims or those with health issues. Facilities like palkis (palanquins) and helicopter services are available to make the journey easier.
What is the best time to visit the Char Dham?
Best time to visit is during the summer months of May to June and the autumn months of September to October, avoiding the monsoon season due to heavy rains and landslides.
Are there any specific preparations needed for the Char Dham Yatra?
Pilgrims should prepare for the Yatra by ensuring they are in good health, carrying necessary medications, and packing appropriate clothing for the varying weather conditions.
What are the darshan timings at the Char Dham temples?
Darshan timings vary for each temple and can change based on the season. It is advisable to check the specific timings for each shrine before planning your visit.
Is it necessary to book the Char Dham Yatra through a tour operator?
While it is not necessary, booking through a tour operator can make the journey more convenient and organized, especially for first-time pilgrims.
