Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra represents one of the sacred yatra for Hindus. Yamunotri is pure because Yamuna is the river Goddess; Gangotri is the cleanser; Kedarnath is freedom from the cycle of birth and death because of Lord Shiva and Badrinath is liberation and the temple of Lord Vishnu. It has been adopted into mainstream culture through its popularization by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century.
Char Dham Temples: History and Location
Yamunotri Temple
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Yamunotri, at 3293 meters, marks the origin of the sacred Yamuna River. The 19th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna showcases beautiful architecture and a black marble idol.
Gangotri Temple
Gangotri, situated amidst breathtaking scenery at 3100 meters, is considered the source of the Ganga River. The 18th-century temple, built by Amar Singh Thapa, honors Goddess Ganga.
Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, stands at 11,755 meters in the Himalayas. This ancient temple, mentioned in the Mahabharata, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Badrinath Temple
Badrinath, at 3,133 meters, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple, surrounded by serene Himalayan landscapes, features a black stone idol of Badri Narayan in a meditative pose.
Char Dham Yatra: Opening and Closing Dates
The Char Dham shrines typically open in late April or early May and close in late October or early November, depending on the Hindu calendar and weather conditions. Consult local authorities or travel agencies for precise dates.
Winter Seats of Char Dham Temples
During winter closures, alternative places of worship are:
- Yamunotri: Kharsali
- Gangotri: Mukhba
- Kedarnath: Ukhimath (Omkareshwar Temple)
- Badrinath: Joshimath (Narasimha Temple)
How to Reach Char Dham Temples
The Char Dham temples are located in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. Access is available by road, rail, and air, followed by trekking or road travel to the temple bases.
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport, with destinations 210-320 km away. Taxis are available from the airport.
Nearest Train Station
Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railhead, 200-295 km from the temples. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh.
Travel by Road
Road travel is possible from major Uttarakhand cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Taxis and buses serve the temple base points.
Helicopter Services
Helicopter services are available for faster travel to the Char Dham temples. Key helipads include:
- Yamunotri: Kharsali
- Gangotri: Harsil
- Kedarnath: Phata, Sitapur, Guptkashi
- Badrinath: Ghangaria, Phata, Badrinath town
Pooja and Aarti at Char Dham Temples
Each temple offers unique Aarti rituals:
Yamunotri
- Morning Aarti: Around 6 AM
- Evening Aarti: Around 6 PM
Gangotri
- Morning Aarti: Around 6 AM
- Evening Aarti: Around 6 PM
Kedarnath
- Morning Aarti: Rudra Abhishek Puja (from 4 AM)
- Evening Aarti: Around 6:30 PM
Badrinath
- Morning Aarti: Mangala Aarti (4:30 AM - 6:30 AM)
- Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM
The Aarti rituals enhance the spiritual experience of the Char Dham Yatra.
