Char Dham Yatra: Four Doors of Moksha

Char Dham Yatra is very important for a Hindu. Somewhat similar to the importance of Haj for a Muslim. Char Dham yatra that means journey to four circuits namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The importance of this yatra cannot be played by simply terming it as a journey. This journey is very special. It’s a travel to spirituality, self-realisation and a search for the truth. Many of us driven away by the hustle bustle of day to day materialistic life, we forget the purpose of being a human and our responsibilities to almighty. A Char Dham yatra will not help you break your slumber but expose you to truth of the world and utmost serenity.

Here are those four exclusive doors to moksha:

Sri Yamunotri Dham: As the name suggests, it is source of River Yamuna and home of goddess Yamuna, sister of Yamraj. Temple in Yamunotri is recently built as the original one faced wear and tear by weather and other elements. The temple is simply mesmerising and tranquilising. Nestled in an isolated part of the Himalayas, yamunotri temple is very calm and relaxing. Ritual duties such as the making and distribution of prasad (sanctified offerings) and the supervision of pujas (ritual venerations) are part and parcel of life here. There is hot springs also known as Garam kunda where raw rice cooked and distributed among devotees.

Sri Gangotri Dham: As the name suggests, Gangotri is source of river Ganges and home of goddess Ganga. As per legend, Ganga a river of heaven was brought to earth in order to relieve the earthlings of their sins. By the way there are loads of legends attached to this fantastic river. Gangotri is a small village with some amazing restaurants and guesthouses. The best thing at Gangotri is evening aarti, which is simply fabulous. People come here for trekking tours as well.

Sri Kedarnath Dham: It is affiliated to lord Shiva. And besides its association with Shiva, Kedarnath is considered as Shankaracharya’s samadhi. The temple here is really impressive. The most remote of the four dhams, Kedarnath is enveloped by mesmerising snow-capped peaks.

Sri Badrinath Dham: As the term suggests, this place is dedicated to lord Badrinarayan. The journey to this place normally begins from either Kedarnath. Badrinath is the most critical destination of the char dham. To travel to Hemkund Sahib, you need to travel by same route. Badrinath is relatively crowded place. However, it is facilitated with the entire latest and necessary infrastructure. And this has been main reason for such huge influx of tourists here.