Char Dham Yatra in Garhwal Himalayas

Spirituality drives one to undertake tough journeys in life and one such journey is the Char Dham Yatra in the Garhwal Himalayas. The four most holy pilgrimages of India - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, collectively called the Char Dham. Char Dham yatra is not only significant for Hindus but attracts tourists from various nationalities and religions. Char Dham, the four sacred spots are considered the most sacred of all pilgrimages. It is strongly believed that undertaking this journey will not only wash away your sins but also release you from the cycle of birth and death.

The Char Dham yatra beings with commencing the journey at Yamunotri; going on to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and culminating the journey at Badrinath. The temple devoted to goddess Yamuna at Yamunotri attracts many tourists. The temple remains closed during the winter months of Nov. to April. The holy thermal springs at Jankichatti, which are 7 kms away is also a famous tourist attraction. For reaching Yamunotri, one has to undertake a 220 km journey from Rishikesh to Hanumanchatti, where the motorable road ends. The remaining 13 km journey has to be covered on foot or on ponies.

Gangotri, the second sacred place on the Chardham yatra is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year. The 18th-century temple was constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. There are many stories attached to this holy spot like the temple is near the spot where the goddess Ganga is said to have first descended on earth from heaven, in answer to the prayers of King Bhagirathi. It is believed that Lord Shiva received Ganga into his locks to break the great force of her fall. From there it emerged into many streams and the one which started from Gangotri was called Bhagirathi. The Pandavas, it is said, came here to perform the great 'Deva Yajna' to atone for the death of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata. Another tourist attraction besides the temple is Gaumukh located at a distance of 18 kms from Gangotri. Pilgrims also trek to Nandanvan, Tapovan (6 km from Gaumukh), and Kedartal (18 km) from Gangotri.

Kedarnath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated against the backdrop of the majestic Sri Kedarnathji range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption here.

The last holy spot on this yatra is Badrinath, one of the most revered Hindu shrines of India. Encircled by a beautiful valley, the Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. May to October every year the temple usually remains open. Built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya the philosopher-saint of the 8th century, the temple has been renovated several times due to damage by avalanches. Other attractions at this spot are the Tapt Kund, where devotees take a holy dip in the natural thermal springs on the banks of the river Alaknanda, before entering the Sri Badrinathji Temple. The water of the Kund is believed to have medicinal properties.

This strenuous yatra is undertaken by many and as they say, those who are prepared the best, enjoy the journey the most.

Important Things to Keep in Mind for Char Dham Yatra

The ideal time or peak season to go for a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October, except monsoons. The gates for Char Dham Yatra open during Akshay Tritiya. The Yamunotri is located at an altitude of 3,235m whereas Gangotri is at an altitude of 3,200m, Kedarnath at 3,581 m, and lastly Badrinath at a height of 3,133m.

Still, cameras, home video cameras are normally not allowed inside the temple. A BSNL number works through the journey, though there are facilities of STD and ISD booths. Physical fitness is essential to this trip to face harsh weather conditions and do the strenuous uphill walks. Also, ensure you do not suffer from altitude sickness. Do carry a first aid kit for a precautionary basis.

Do take travel and health insurance. Since the temperature is very unpredictable do pack to face extreme cold conditions, rain as well as light woolens for a sunny day. Some helpful accessories on this trip would be - sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, woolen cap, flashlight, water bottle, camera, and binoculars are recommended, rain gear, other utility items like toilet kit, pocket knife. Do carry cash as card payments are not acceptable in most places. Do your accommodation and tour bookings well in advance, especially during the peak season.

Spirituality and religion run deep in India. Right from the yoga ashrams to a multitude of shrines, there is no dearth of travel places in India to find peace of mind and soul. Char Dham Yatra in Garhwal Himalayas is just a leaf of the giant Indian spiritual tree.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7064753

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