Char Dhams are four very important places in India that people visit for religious reasons. These places are Rameshwaram, Jaganath-Puri, Badrinath-Kedarnath, and Dwarka. Adi Shankaracharya, a wise person, described Char Dham as three places dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one to Lord Shiva, and the last one with a mix of both.
These places are considered extremely holy, and it’s recommended for Hindus to visit them at least once in their lifetime.The origin of these four temples is still a bit mysterious and not well-known. Adi Shankaracharya, who is credited with starting the Advaita school of Hinduism, is also linked to the beginning of Char Dham. These four Hindu temples are located in different corners of India.
The Badrinath temple is in the north, Jaganath Puri in the east, Dwarkadhish Temple in the west at Dwarka, and Rameswaram in the south with the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
In India, the Char Dham Yatra has two parts: Chota Char Dham and Bada Char Dham. The Chota Char Dham includes four special places—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—nestled in the beautiful Himalayan mountains. On the other hand, the Bada Char Dham consists of four very important sites—Badrinath, Rameswaram, Puri, and Dwarka.
People visit the Chota Char Dham between April and November because the Himalayas become difficult to reach during other months due to harsh weather. The Bada Char Dham journey usually takes 12-15 days, starting from Badrinath.
If you want to know all the details about India’s Char Dhams, keep reading!
CHOTA CHAR DHAM
The most special trip in Hindu stories is believed to be very lucky if you do it from West to East. You visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in that order. But remember, you can start your journey from any of these holy places because they are all well-connected to big cities.
Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri is where Goddess Yamuna lives, and it’s where the Chardham journey begins. It’s up in the Himalayas, at a height of 3293 meters. The main things to see here are the Goddess Yamuna temple and the special hot springs at Janki Chatti. It’s an important tradition to take a dip in the holy Yamuna river. Other cool places nearby are Surya Kund, Saptarishi Kund Lake, Kharsali, and Divya Shila. Yamunotri Dham is open from Akshaya Tritiya to Yama Tritiya.
Gangotri Dham
Gangotri Dham is a special place located near the Gangotri temple, along the banks of the Bhagirathi River. According to stories, it’s thought to be where the sacred Ganga river starts. The water from this river is considered holy and is often used in Puja ceremonies. The town is easy to reach, connected to cities like Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Dehradun, and it’s an important spiritual center. The Gangotri temple opens on the special day of Akshaya Tritiya each year and closes its pilgrimage season in mid-October.
Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Dham is a special place high up at 3584 meters in the Himalayas, perfect for those who love Lord Shiva. The temple is close to the Mandakini river, with beautiful snowy mountains and thick forests all around. Other cool places to check out nearby are Chorabari Tal, Gaurikund, and the Bhairav temple. The Dham usually opens towards the end of April.
Badrinath Dham
The last place on the special Char Dham journey is the beautiful town of Badrinath. It’s up high at 3133 meters in the Chamoli district and is considered a very important home of Lord Vishnu. In addition to the Badrinath temple, there are cool things to see like Tapt Kund, Brahma Kapal, the Neelkanth Peak, and Mata Murti Mandir. The temple usually opens in April and closes around Vijayadashami.
Bada Char Dham Yatra
The Big Four Holy Places, also called the Full Four Sacred Journey, include special places to visit in all four directions of India. The Small Four Holy Places are also part of this journey and consist of Badrinath Holy Place in Uttarakhand, Puri Holy Place in Odisha, Rameshawaram Holy Place in Tamil Nadu, and Dwarkadeesh Holy Place in Gujarat.
We already talked about Badrinath Holy Place earlier. Now, let me tell you about the other holy places.
Puri
Puri is a respected city in the east and is famous as the home of Lord Jagannath. It’s an important place for pilgrims, and every year there’s a special Rath Yatra from Jagannath Temple to Shri Gundicha Temple. Puri is not just a holy place; it’s also a favorite spot for tourists, especially with attractions like Puri Beach. The best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is nice.
Rameshwaram
Located at the bottom of India, Rameshwaram is the special home of Lord Shiva, and it’s the only place where he stays. People call it the Varanasi of the South, and it’s really important for those who follow Vaishnavism and Shaivism. The main thing to see is the Rameshwaram temple, and there are also other temples for Lord Hanuman. People love the temple designs, and the best time to go on a pilgrimage is from October to April when the weather is nice.
Dwarka
Dwarka is the city of Lord Krishna, and it’s where you find the Dwarkadheesh temple, dedicated to the king of Dwarka, Lord Krishna. A lot of people come to visit the temple, especially during Janmashtami. The pilgrimage also takes you to beaches, holy lakes, and many other places. The best time to go on this journey is during winter, from October to March, when the weather is really nice.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the Complete Guide to India’s Famous Char Dhams Trip?
A: The Complete Guide to India’s Famous Char Dhams Trip is a helpful resource for anyone planning to visit the four sacred pilgrimage sites in India. These sites are Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka.
Q: What are Char Dhams?
A: Char Dhams are four holy places that people visit for religious and spiritual reasons. They include Badrinath in Uttarakhand, Puri in Odisha, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, and Dwarka in Gujarat.
Q: Why are these places considered sacred?
A: Each of these places has religious significance associated with different deities. Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Puri to Lord Jagannath, Rameshwaram to Lord Shiva, and Dwarka to Lord Krishna.
Q: What can I expect to see during the Char Dhams trip?
A: The journey includes visits to temples, beaches, and other sacred sites associated with the respective deities. You’ll experience unique rituals, cultural practices, and the spiritual atmosphere of each location.
Q: When is the best time to plan the Char Dhams trip?
A: The recommended time for the pilgrimage is usually from October to March, as the weather is more pleasant during these months.
Q: Are there any specific events or festivals to be aware of?
A: Yes, events like the Rath Yatra in Puri and Janmashtami celebrations in Dwarka are significant. It’s advisable to check the festival calendar and plan accordingly for a richer experience.
Q: Can I visit all Char Dhams in one trip?
A: Yes, the Complete Guide provides information on planning your itinerary to cover all four Char Dhams in a single journey, ensuring a comprehensive pilgrimage experience.
Q: What are some attractions besides the temples during the trip?
A: Apart from the temples, you can explore attractions like Puri Beach, sacred lakes in Rameshwaram, and other culturally rich and scenic spots associated with each Dham.
Q: How can I make the most of my Char Dhams trip?
A: The guide offers tips on preparation, cultural etiquette, and the best times to visit, ensuring a fulfilling and well-rounded pilgrimage experience.
