This Yatra or pilgrimage is a tour of four holy sites – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath – nestled high up in the Himalayas.
Chardham- Yatra
The Chardham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage that takes devotees through four sacred shrines located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This journey is not just a spiritual quest but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas. Here’s a detailed description of the Chardham Yatra:
Overview
The Chardham Yatra consists of the following four holy sites:
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Yamunotri: The first stop on the pilgrimage, Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple, located at an altitude of 3,235 meters, is near the source of the Yamuna River. Pilgrims often perform rituals and take holy dips in the thermal springs, believed to have healing properties.
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Gangotri: The second destination, Gangotri, is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is situated at an altitude of 3,042 meters and is the source of the holy Ganges River. The temple, made of white granite, is surrounded by stunning landscapes, and devotees perform rituals to seek blessings.
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Kedarnath: The third site, Kedarnath, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Positioned at an elevation of 3,583 meters, the Kedarnath temple is one of the most sacred and visited temples in India. It is surrounded by towering peaks and offers a tranquil atmosphere for meditation and prayer.
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Badrinath: The final destination, Badrinath, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters. The Badrinath temple is adorned with intricate carvings and is famous for its sacred thermal springs, where devotees can take baths to cleanse themselves spiritually.