The word ‘chardham’ means the journey through four divine destinations and the word was used by the Hindu Philosopher and reformer Sri. Adi Sankaracharya. The four destinations are situated in the four direction in India ie. Badrinath in north, Rameshwaram in south, Puri in east and Dwaraka inside the west direction. After mid 20 century the chardham places are located within a single state i.e. in Uttarakhand, the land of God and the places comprises of Yamunotri, Gangothri, Kedarnath & Badrinath dham.
The pilgrims believe that the Chardham yatra plays a crucial role in removing all our sins and shall obtain moksha after death. Every human must experience this once in a lifetime.
Although there is a matter of belief but the places are also well known by the peace, purity and beauty offered by these locales. The yatra is around 10-11 days and people from all over the world came to experience this sacred feeling every year.
To start with, the first place will be Haridwar, the holy city which located on the banks of the holy river ie. River Ganga. This is considering as the base or place to begin the Chardham yatra. The river Ganga is very well known for its holiness, the holy water and lots of pilgrims came here to have a zip or to take a dip in the holy water, and it’s the way of a new beginning. The evening aarti is the major part which adds more elegance to Haridwar. It is a way of prayer offered to Goddess Ganga.
So, we got a well peaceful beginning and move on to the other destination i.e. Yamunotri. Yamunotri is the main source of river Yamuna. There will be a 6km walk to the main temple from the town of Janki Chatti which will offer a warm-up session and gives the real feel of exploring a destination. The people who can’t walk this long may utilize the facilities of horses and doli which are available. The walk won’t be tiring is filled with the tremendous views of Himalayas and river flowing at one end.
By receiving the Goddess Yamuna, we continue our journey to the next- Gangotri. The journey to Gangotri is most exotic and enchanting experience. The sounds of the Bagirathi river and the power and force of the river will awestruck you for sure. The divinity will shower and one can experience it in the place and the surroundings are the perfect companion which offers you peace of mind.
The next place we are heading at is Kedarnath. The journey should begin early in the morning due to the weather and climate constraints. We begin our journey filled with lot of energy and faith reciting the name of Lord Shiva. There will be 14 kms distance which will test both yor mental and physical strength and perseverance. The Kedarnath town is located at a height about 3,583 m (11,755 ft.). You will appreciate the beautiful creation of God with the magnificient Himalayas in the background which will leave you speechless. By gaining the blessing from Lord Shiva, we move further to the final destination- Badrinath.
Badrinath located in the Chamoli district is known as the ‘holy town’. The place is more developed than the other dhams. Badrinath is situated at a height of 3,100 meters (10,170 ft.) and the source of river Alakananda, the other name of river Ganga. The main holy place in the Badrinath temple is gold plated and looks majestic and royal.
Chardham yatra is one such way to attain moksha other than doing good deeds by visiting “Char Dhams” or “four abodes” and become one with God and it washes away all the sins but frees one from the recycle of birth.
