Chardham Yatra | Trekveda
March 20, 2020
Chardham Yatra | Trekveda
In the Land of God Uttarakhand, located these four pilgrim-destinations namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, known as Char Dham. Char Dham Yatra starts from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Each of these four sites is devoted to a specific deity. Yamunotri is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna who goes along the pilgrims to the high altitudes of the picturesque Rawai Valley. It is believed that a bath in the waters of the Yamuna protects the devotee from untimely death. Gangotri is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. The shrine overlooks the River Bhagirathi, another name of River Ganga – the name having been derived from the myth of the ancient King Bhagirath’s penance that succeeded in bringing her upon the earth from the heaven. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also a part of the Panch Kedar. It is the northernmost Jyotirlinga and is close to the source of the holy River Mandakini. Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated on the bank of the RiverAlaknanda. According to legend, Lord Vishnu meditated here while his consort Lakshmi took the form of a berry (Badri) tree to offer him shade.
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On this day you drive to Barkot/Kharsali from Haridwar via Mussoorie, and Kempty Fall. Treat your eyes with the whole beauty of mountains while driving to Barkot. It will take 7 to 8 hrs to reach Barkot. Drive early as possible to reach on time and after reaching Barkot relax while day explore the majestic environment and restore your energy for the next day.
On this day from Barkot/ Kharsali you drive to Jankichatti/ Phoolchatti, and from there the trek to Yamunotri starts that is around 6kms. As you walk by, you pass through lush green valleys. You witness Conifers, Rohodendrones, cacti’s, and several other species. Later reach Yamunotri see the beauty of this pilgrimage. Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. At Yamunotri, Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as “Prasad”. Here near the temple “Pooja” can be offered to Divya Shila.
On this day Drive to Uttarkhashi, it is a drive of 5 to 6 hrs. After reaching the hotel take a rest and then explore the destination. Visit the nearby Vishwanath Temple and Shakti temple in Uttarkashi. Vishwanath temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India. Re-constructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architectural style. It is situated at the heart of the town. Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple. It has a big ‘Trishul’ of about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90 cms.
On this day you drive to Gangotri from Uttarkashi via Gangnani. Stop by Gangnani take a holy dip in the Garm kund. And start your journey to Gangotri from there via Harshali village you reach Gangotri the holy place known for Hindus. Take a dip into holy Bhagirathi River, which is the origin of River Ganga. Later on stay connected to the majestic beauty for an hour or two then drive back to Uttarkashi again. The temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. The whole drive us of 2 to 3 hrs.
On this day drive to Guptakashi via Moolgarh and Lambgoan. Witness the Mandakhini River at Tilwara. The river Mandakhini comes from Kedarnath. Also visit Ardh Narishwar Temple. And later reach Sitapur. The place name Gupt Kashi means “Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himself at Guptkashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled.
On this day start early in the morning after you move from Guptakashi to Kedarnath via Phata as we reach to Kedarnath, after freshening up perform Pooja at the temple and Darshan of Shri Kedarnath. In the evening also visit Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi behind the temple, overnight stay there.
On this day after breakfast, drive to Badrinath. Pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal & Aarti in evening. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors. There are other interesting spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the “Mukh” of the Saraswati River. Just within the 3 Kms of Badrinath. Overnight stay at Badrinath.
On this day wake up early to watch the Badrinath temple beauty and perform puja, later in the afternoon drive back to Rudraprayag or Pipalkoti.
On this day you drive to Rishikesh or Haridwar from Rudraprayag its around 5 hrs journey. As your trek ends this day.
