History of Chota Char Dham Temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath temples in Uttarakhand
The Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand was called Chota Char Dham in India. It includes Char Dham, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. These four ancient and sacred Hindu temples are located in Uttarakhand.
These Hindu temples are open only from May to October. Pilgrims should first visit Yamunotri Dham followed by Gangotri Dham and then Kedarnath Dham and finally Badrinath Dham.
Chota Char Dham is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages in the world, for a Hindu to visit Char Dham in his life is nothing less than a heavenly journey.
Chota Char Dham is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. Pilgrimage Chota Char Dham sites located in the Himalayas, the Garhwal region of the Indian state of Uttarakhand – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are the sacred names of Chota Char Dham.
Where does the small Char Dham journey begin?
Now we know about Chhoti Char Dham Yatra, to start the journey to these pilgrimage places first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri. Then take holy water from these places and perform Jalabhishek at Kedarnath Shivling and then after visiting Badrinathji, a form of Lord Vishnu, the small Char Dham Yatra is completed.
When should Chota go for Char Dham?
Due to heavy rains and landslides during the monsoon, the trip to Chhota Char Dham is postponed for some time. In May and June, tourists come in large numbers. Therefore, very little time is given for ‘Darshan’. Therefore, Char Dham Yatra is best from late May to July and mid-September – October.
What is Chota Char Dham Yatra and why is it so important?
Chhota Char Dham, means to visit or visit four holy pilgrimage places, Char Dham is very revered for Hindus. The Chota Char Dham or four temples are Yamunotri Dham, Gangotri Dham, Badrinath Dham and Kedarnath Dham.
1. Yamunotri Dham,
Yamunotri Dham is named after the Goddess Yamuna, the journey of Chota Char Dham starts from Yamunotri Dham. Yamunotri is located about 3300 meters above sea level. Yamunotri temple opens for devotees on the day of Akshaya Tritiya and then closes during Diwali. Taking a bath in the holy waters of the river Yamuna provides freedom from all sins and protects against untimely death.
2. Gangotri Dham,
Gangotri Dham is the birthplace of the holy Ganges River, However, it is known as Bhagirathi at its source. The temple was built by Amar Singh Thapa. The Ganges river is very revered among Hindus. Gangotri Dham is the second Dham in the journey of Chota Char Dham.
3 Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Dham is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas situated on the banks of the Mandakini River, the third Dham in the journey of Chota Char Dham is Kedarnath Dham. Kedarnath Temple is situated at an altitude of about 3600 meters above sea level. Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Shiva. According to the Puranas, the temple was built by the Pandavas. The best way to reach Kedarnath is through Rishikesh.
4. Badrinath Dham
Badrinath Dham is a form of Lord Vishnu located on the Garhwal Hill. The fourth and final Dham is Badrinath Dham in the journey of Chota Char Dham. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites among the Vaishnavas. The Badrinath temple is very important as it is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. It is considered to be the last stop for the Uttarakhand Char Dham. The Char Dham Temple is one of the most attractive temples.
When does snow fall in 4 Dham temples?
Both Chota 4 Dham or Bada Char Dham are very important in Hindus.The snowfall in the 4 Dham temples starts from the first week of October to Diwali.
When does Chardham Yatra begin?
The Chardham Yatra begins every year with the Akshaya Tritiya. The gates of Yamunotri and Gangotri are opened for pilgrims. However, the gate of Badrinath Dham opens on the day of Basant Panchami, and the door of the Kedarnath temple is opened on the day of Maha Shivaratri.
How to reach Char Dham?
airplane
The nearest airport of Char Dham is Jolly Grant Airport, also known as Dehradun Airport, which can be easily reached by taxi from here.
Indian Rail
The nearest railway stations from Char Dham are Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Kotdwar. Char Dham can be easily reached from the station by buses, taxis and private cabs.
By helicopter?
Char Dham Yatra can also be done by helicopter. Traveling by helicopter will not only save time but will also give you the pleasure of seeing the natural beauty and easily reach religious places. The helicopter service starts from Delhi, Dehradun.
Some followings and suggestions during Char Dham Yatra
During the winter season, keep warm clothes while traveling.
Don’t forget to carry a blanket, raincoat, torch, muffler, sweater and canvas shoes.
Take chocolate, dry fruits and glucose with you on the go, as they can provide you with instant energy when you feel tired.
Do not carry jewelry, credit / debit cards and any valuables with you. Keep these things in your hotel
No pictures are allowed inside the temple.
Drink only packaged or boiled water.
Always travel in groups because if you have any problems, your friends or relatives can help you.
Women should not wear sarees as they can be very difficult to walk. Instead of saris, she can wear salwar kameez.