The Chardham yatra is one of the most sought-after spiritual tours of the country. The ‘Chardhams’ or the four pilgrimage centers of Hinduism; namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath are situated atop the Garhwal Himalayas and amid the magnificent snow-capped peaks.
These four dhams of the Chota Chardham circuit of pilgrimage carry immense spiritual significance. It is often believed that a visit to the Chardhams could offer one with Moksha or release from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Thus, all devout Hindus make it a point to visit the holy Chardhams at least once in their lifetime.
The route to the Chardhams is dotted with many incredible sightseeing places. Thus, apart from the four dhams, you could consider visiting those places as well in case you have sufficient time in hand. Each of these places is infused with the elements of divinity and mythical aura. A comprehensive Char Dham Yatra Package will include all these vital Chardham yatra sightseeing places in its itinerary. Read on to learn more about the places to visit during Chardham Yatra:
Start of Yatra
The Chardham yatra starts off from Haridwar. Haridwar is an ancient holy city of Uttarakhand lying on the Himalayan foothills. It is a plain land that receives the River Ganga for the first time after it has descended from the mountains to reach the plains. Haridwar is commonly referred to as ‘Gateway to God’s abode’. Actually Haridwar offers one entry to the four dhams situated in higher altitudes. Before proceeding uphill from Haridwar, you could consider visiting places such as:
Har Ki Pauri
Har-Ki-Pauri is an important landmark of Haridwar. As per myths, Har-ki-Pauri had been the place where King Bhagirath had undertaken rigorous penance to please Lord Shiva and get salvation for his ancestors whose souls could get respite only if the pure waters of River Ganga touched the ashes of their bodies. Lord Shiva pleased by Bhagirath penance ordered Ganges to descend on to earth and offer salvation to Bhagirath ancestors. In that way Bhagirath could free the souls of his ancestors from the bondage of birth and rebirth. Till today it is a custom among pilgrims to take a holy dip at Har-ki-Pauri in order to get moksha from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The evening Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri is a world famous daily event.
Mansa Devi Temple
The hilltop temple of Mansa devi temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Wish fulfillment and anyone visiting the temple can get their wishes fulfilled. A cable car ride can take you up the hill to the temple of Mansa devi.
Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi temple can be reached by bus from the Mansa Devi temple. This temple belongs to Goddess Chandika and is a much revered Siddha peeth.
On the Yamunotri Route
Yamunotri dham belongs to River goddess Yamuna. Chardham parikrama begins from the Yamunotri dham perched at a height of 3293m above the sea level and comes within Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. Yamunotri dham marks the source of River Yamuna. The places to visit in and around Yamunotri are-
Divya Shila
Divya Shila is a massive rock lying just outside the Yamunotri shrine. Pilgrims consider the rock to be holy enough. They pay their tribute to this rock first and later enter the temple of Yamunotri.
Surya Kund
Surya Kund is a thermal spring located in vicinity to Yamunotri temple. Surya kund is believed to be the seat of Surya dev; father of Goddess Yamuna as per myths. The temperature of Surya kund is nearly 88 degrees.
Hanuman Chatti
Hanuman Chatti is a small hamlet 13kms away from Yamunotri. The hamlet stands at the meeting point of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Hanuman Chatti is the base camp for the Yamunotri trek. This picturesque hamlet is dotted with numerous temples of which the one dedicated to Hanuman ji is the most famed one.
On the Gangotri Route
Gangotri dham is the second dham in the Chota Chardham Circuit. The temple at Gangotri belongs to River Goddess Ganga who according to myths had descended on to the earth to offer salvation to King Bhagirath ancestors. Gangotri dham marks the origin of River Ganges and is perched at a height of 3100m above sea level. The places to visit in and around Yamunotri are-
Jalmagna Shivaling
Jalmagna Shivaling mostly remains under water. Only when water level drops a part of the submerged Shiva Lingam is visible. According to myths this is the place where lord Shiva had received Devi Ganga on to his matted tresses.
Pandava Gufa
This ancient cave is believed to have been the dwelling place of the Pandava brothers during their Swargarohini or ‘ascent to heaven’.
Bhagirath Shila
This huge piece of rock is said to be that same rock sitting on which King Bhagirath had performed rigorous penance to please Lord Shiva.
On the Kedarnath Route
Kedarnath dham is the third of the Chardhams in the Chota chardham circuit. It belongs to Lord Kedarnath; a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple comes within Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district and is perched at a height of nearly 3584m above the sea level. The places to visit in and around Kedarnath dham are-
Vasuki Taal
According to myths, Lord Vishnu used to take bath in this pond in the ancient era. A trek of 8kms from the Kedarnath temple takes you to this taal.
Bhairav Temple
This temple belongs to Lord Bhairavnath who is believed to be Kedarnath town’s guardian deity. A trek of 1km from Kedarnath temple can make you reach the temple of Bhairavnath.
On the Badrinath Route
Badrinath dham is the fourth and last of the Chardhams in the Chota chardham circuit. It belongs to Lord Badrinarayan; a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Badrinath temple comes within Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district and is perched at a height of nearly 3133m above the sea level. The places to visit in and around Badrinath dham are-
Tapt Kund
This thermal spring is situated in close proximity to Badrinath temple. The waters of the spring are said to have great healing power.
Narad Kund
This kund or pool has been named after sage Narada who is believed to have composed the Narada Bhakti sutra at this very spot.
Mana Village
This village on the Indo-Tibet border is the last of human habitats and is notable for its neatness and cleanliness. The village houses Ganesh temple and Vyas cave; the 2 notable tourist attractions.
Bheem Pul
This bridge made of natural rock is said to have been built by Bheema, one of the Pandava brothers by throwing a massive piece of rock over River Saraswati.
