Chota Char Dham literally means the small four seats or abodes. Basically it refers to the small circuits of four seats and so called as Char Dham. It is considered as the most revered Hindu pilgrimage circuit. Situated in Garwhal section of northern state of Uttarakhand, the Char Dham is comprised of four abodes namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. It’s pertinent to mention that Chota Char Dham is different from longer Char Dham which is comprised of Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram. Badrinath is the only common destination between the two formats of Dhams. With the passage of time, people have started to term Chota Char Dham as the Char Dham.
Chota Char Dham yatra has observed great surge in popularity in recent years. The importance of this dham has remained same as ever before. However the other aspects of this Dham have also emerged. Uttarakhand has become pioneer in “religious tourism” as people across the world throng this place adding to revenues of the state. Char Dham is important destination for Hindus throughout South Asia, including Bengalis, Marathas, Gujaratis and people from Bihar and UP.
The number of people arriving these circuits has already crossed thousands. The peak season is generally from April until Diwali that is normally till November. Only time to avoid Char dham is rainy season as the risks of landsliding and road blocking are higher. Travelling gets tough in case of rain.
The Char Dham Yatra Pilgrimages:
Sri Yamunotri Dham: It is source of the Yamuna River. While arriving here, you get to visit Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun.
Sri Gangotri Dham: It is source of the Ganga river. The aarti ceremony performed in Sri Gangotri Dham is especially memorable, as is the temple. In fact it can better described as a stately affair that sits on the banks of Ganga. Adventure pilgrims can make on overnight travel of 17 km on foot to Gaumukh.
Sri Kedarnath Dham: It is dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the 12 jyotirlinga. It is also known as Samadhi place of Adi guru Shankaracharya. Located in the most remote place as compared to others, Sri Kedarnath Dham is flanked by mesmerising snow-capped peaks.
Sri Badrinath Dham: It is dedicated to Badrinarayan. It is one of the most crowded destinations in Char Dhams. The temple of Badrinath is very beautiful and inscribed with paintings. The design of temple resembles Buddhist monasteries.
There are loads of things about Char Dham which cannot be explained in words but only experienced after visiting that place!
Chota Char Dham yatra has observed great surge in popularity in recent years. The importance of this dham has remained same as ever before. However the other aspects of this Dham have also emerged. Uttarakhand has become pioneer in “religious tourism” as people across the world throng this place adding to revenues of the state. Char Dham is important destination for Hindus throughout South Asia, including Bengalis, Marathas, Gujaratis and people from Bihar and UP.
The number of people arriving these circuits has already crossed thousands. The peak season is generally from April until Diwali that is normally till November. Only time to avoid Char dham is rainy season as the risks of landsliding and road blocking are higher. Travelling gets tough in case of rain.
The Char Dham Yatra Pilgrimages:
Sri Yamunotri Dham: It is source of the Yamuna River. While arriving here, you get to visit Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun.
Sri Gangotri Dham: It is source of the Ganga river. The aarti ceremony performed in Sri Gangotri Dham is especially memorable, as is the temple. In fact it can better described as a stately affair that sits on the banks of Ganga. Adventure pilgrims can make on overnight travel of 17 km on foot to Gaumukh.
Sri Kedarnath Dham: It is dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the 12 jyotirlinga. It is also known as Samadhi place of Adi guru Shankaracharya. Located in the most remote place as compared to others, Sri Kedarnath Dham is flanked by mesmerising snow-capped peaks.
Sri Badrinath Dham: It is dedicated to Badrinarayan. It is one of the most crowded destinations in Char Dhams. The temple of Badrinath is very beautiful and inscribed with paintings. The design of temple resembles Buddhist monasteries.
There are loads of things about Char Dham which cannot be explained in words but only experienced after visiting that place!
