A Detailed Guide On The Char Dham Yatra In India

Posted on Monday, September 25th, 2023 by Heena Ganotra Leave a Comment

The Char Dham is known as the four pilgrimage sites in India or the four abodes of god. It is assumed that visiting these religious places helps to attain moksha (salvation) and a peaceful mind. In this guide, you will get to know about the Char Dham Yatra in India, its history, route, the best time to visit all these places and so much more. Let’s get started.

Types of Char Dhams In India

There are two types of Char Dhams in India –

1. Bada Char Dham in India 
2. Chota Char Dham in Uttarakhand

For every divine and spiritual being, paying a visit to all these places is a dream come true.

Table Of Content

Bada Char Dham Yatra
1. Badrinath	Uttarakhand
2. Rameswaram	Tamil Nadu
3. Dwarka	Gujarat
4. Jagannath Temple	Puri, Odisha

Chota Char Dham Yatra
1. Badrinath	Uttarakhand
2. Gangotri	Uttarakhand
3. Kedarnath	Uttarakhand
4. Yamunotri	Uttarakhand

Bada Char Dham Yatra

These four Dhams are spread in all four directions of India i.e. North, West, East, and South respectively. The 4 Dham names in India are –

1. Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand is also known as Badrinarayana Temple. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver. It is also named in the 108 Divya Desams devoted to preserving deities. A sacred place for Vaishnavites all around the world, it is open half of the time in a year from April to November.

History

This place was also known as Badri Vishal and was re-established by Adi Shri Shankaracharya to revive Hinduism’s lost prestige and faith. It was meant to strengthen the country in one manner. Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district is home to it. The saligram idol of Lord Vishnu was established by Adi Shankaracharya. The sages Nara and Narayana, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, are said to worship here, according to the Vamana Purana.

Best Time To Visit Badrinath

The best time to visit Badrinath is in the summer. Badrinath’s summer begins in May and ends in June. During these months, the temperature stays somewhere in the range of 8°C and 19°C. So, the Badrinath Dham is the ideal location for darshan during this period. However, because of the great possibility of avalanches from July to September due to the tumultuous weather in Badrinath, it isn’t prescribed to go during these months.

How To Reach Badrinath Temple

If ‘how to reach Badrinath’ is a question you have been wanting an answer to, rail, road, or air are all great options. However, this will depend a great deal on the base location where you want to begin your journey.

Route Map Of Badrinath Temple

Taking a route map of Badrinath along will help you know the exact details and whereabouts of the temple and its surrounding destinations.

Things To Know About Badrinath Temple

• Record-Breaking Numbers – Badrinath temple in India had the highest number of pilgrims in a year. It had recorded around 12,42,576 visits in 2019. 
• Worshipping of Other Gods – Many other gods are also worshipped here, which are Kubera, Garuda, Badrivishal, Uddhava, Narad, Narayana, and Nar.

Fairs And Festivals In Badrinath Temple

• Badrikeshwar Badri or Kedar Festival – It is an 8-day-long festival celebrated in Badrinath and Kedarnath in the month of June.
• Shri Krishna Janmashtami – Shri Krishna’s birth anniversary is celebrated with great excitement and thrill. Lord Krishna is believed to be Lord Vishnu’s incarnation.

2. Rameshwaram Temple

The famous temple is situated in the district of Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu and is arranged on Pamban island which is isolated from the central area of India by the Pamban channel. It is positioned on the Gulf of Mannar on the verge of the Indian peninsula. The Pandya Dynasty transformed the Rameshwaram temple in the 12th century. Today, Vaishnavites, Shaivites, and Smarthas hold it in high esteem as a sacred site.

History

According to ancient Hindu texts, Lord Ram constructed a bridge across the sea to Srilanka to save his wife, Sita, from Ravana. Rama and Shiva are closely associated with the temple in the town’s centre dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Shaivas and Vaishnavas consider the town and temple as holy pilgrimage places. Rameshwaram’s history is based on the island, which functions as a transit point to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and the presence of the Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Best Time To Visit Rameshwaram Temple

As Rameshwaram is in the southern part of India, there is an extreme tropical climate here. So the best time to visit Rameshwaram is between October and April when the weather is generally pleasant. Rameshwaram’s winters are mild because the minimum temperature rarely falls below 17 degrees Celsius.

How To Reach Rameswaram Temple?

• By Air: Madurai Airport is the closest airport to Rameshwaram, approximately 149 kilometres away. The Tuticorin Airport is also 142 kilometres away, making it possible to fly to Rameswaram. Buses, taxis, and rented taxis can be taken from outside the airport to reach the city.
• By Road: The local transportation association oversees regular bus services to various other cities and locations. Various routes can also be taken by car to get to Rameshwaram.
• By Rail: The rail link to the city can be made through the Rameshwaram railway station. The trains cover all major routes, and it is well connected to many parts of the country.

Route Map To Rameswaram Temple

The route map of Rameswaram Temple can greatly help you understand the route you’ll be taking and the number of ways through which you can reach your destination.

Things To Know About Rameswaram Temple

• One of the famous Jyotirlinga in India:- The Ramanathaswamy Temple or Rameswaram Temple is named one of the 12 famous Jyotirlinga in India. It is a great divine place for the worship of Shiva. A walk around the temple corridors always feels great.
• The place where Lord Rama worshipped Shiva:- It is considered as a place where Lord Rama worshipped lord Shiva and took blessings from him before heading to Srilanka to free his wife Sita.

Fairs And Festivals In Rameswaram Temple

Festivals such as Thiruvananathal Pooja and Palliyarai Pooja are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. You can plan your char dham yatra in a way that makes it possible for you to experience the glory of festivals here.

3. Dwarka Temple

Dwarka temple is also known as Dwarkadheesh temple or Jagat Mandir. This is a Hindu temple based in Gujarat’s Dwarka city. It is solely dedicated to Lord Krishna who was named the “King of Dwarka”.

History

This temple was constructed in Chalukyan style during the 15th-16th century. It is believed to have been constructed over Hari-Griha by Vajranabha, Krishna’s grandson. A great Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya, a philosopher and theologian from the eighth century established the Sharda Peeth at this location.

Best Time To Visit Dwarka

The best time to visit Dwarka Temple is from November to February. The weather in Dwarka is cool and ideal for visiting there. The temperatures range from 8°C to 23 °C. But if you have a keen desire to enjoy festivals like Janmashtami in Dwarka, then visiting during August and September is also a good idea.

How To Reach Dwarka Temple

Dwarka city is located in Gujarat and it has good road connectivity to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Vadodara. There are various ways to reach Dwarkadheesh Temple via road, airways, or railways. You can also look at the road map of the Dwarkadheesh Temple.

• By Air: Jamnagar Airport is approximately 137 kilometres away. There are a lot of repeated flights to and from the airport from popular cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Taxi services to Dwarka are available from the airport.
• By Rail: An important railhead is the Dwarka railway station, which is connected to the Ahmedabad-Okha rail route. It is the station where trains arrive from Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
• By Road: Dwarka is well-connected with various Gujarati cities, including Ahmedabad, Porbandar, Rajkot, Vadodara, Amerli, and numerous others, which are served by both state-run and confidential transports oftentimes travelling to Dwarka. 

Route Map of Dwarka Temple

Following the route map of Dwarka Temple can help you know the whereabouts of the temple and its surrounding tourist sites.

Things To Know About Dwarka Temple

• Around 5,000 years old:- Dwarka is one of India’s ancient cities. It is also known as the mythical Dvaraka, a city that Lord Krishna built. It is said that Lord Krishna established the Dwaraka kingdom 5,000 years ago. The 9 lakh palatial structures of the kingdom were made of silver and gold. A major attraction here is a submerged portion of Dwarka.
• Enormous Janmashtami Celebrations:- The city of Dwarka celebrates Janmashtami in a grand style. The prayers and cultural events will keep the entire city and the local markets open until midnight.

Fairs and Festivals in Dwarka Temple

Janmashtami, Makar Sankranti, National Kite Festival, and Modhera Dance Festival are celebrated here with unlimited joy and happiness.

4. Jagannath Temple

A significant part of the char dham yatra, the Jagannath temple is devoted to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu and one of the three pre-eminent divinities in Hinduism. Puri is situated in the province of Odisha on India’s eastern coast. The current temple was built by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It was rebuilt after the tenth century on the site of other temples in the compound but not the main Jagannatha Temple.

History

The temple was built with the help of Kalinga Architecture during King Indradyumna. It was rebuilt by the Ganga dynasty king Anantavarman Chodaganga in the 10th century CE. The widely popular Odisha Temple covers an area of 4,00,000 square feet. It has a wall that is 20 feet high and a pinnacle that ascents to a level of 192 feet, and remains on a raised stone stage that covers 10 sections of land. The four enormous halls—the Bhogmandapa (the offering hall), the Nata-mandir (the dance and music hall), the Jagamohana, and the Deul—are sufficient evidence of the magnificent architecture of the time. 

Best Time To Visit Jagannath Puri

Jagannath Puri is crowded all year round, with the exception of peak summer months (April through June). Between October and February, when neither the scorching heat nor the high humidity will hinder your outdoor plans, then it is the best time to visit Puri. If you want to enjoy the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, then you need to travel to Puri during June and July to receive blessings from god.

How To Reach Jagannath Temple

• By Air: The airport closest to Jagannath Temple is Biju Patnaik Airport, which is in Bhubaneswar and is about 60 kilometres away. You can reach via airways quite easily.
• By Rail: Puri is the final stop on the East Coast Railway. It is well connected to major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Okha, Ahmedabad, Tirupati, and many more via direct express trains. The Kolkata (Howrah) Puri Howrah Express and the Jagannath Express are two well-known trains that provide direct service to the city.
• By Road: Roadways is another option that is best for getting to Puri because the closest bus stop is near the Gundicha Temple. This bus stop has direct connections to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack and can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes. Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, and Calcutta are some neighbouring cities.

Route Map of Jagannath Temple

It is located in Puri in Odisha and is known for its extensive cultural heritage and religious sites. Understanding the Jagannath Temple Road Map can help you make your trip easy and convenient.

Things To Know About Jagannath Temple

• Rath Yatra: The deities are paraded outside the temple on two sets of three chariots during the annual Rath Yatra. The deities are carried by the first chariot to the river that divides the Jagannath Temple from the Mausi Maa Temple. The three boats carrying the idols cross the river. The second chariot enters and it transports the gods and goddesses from the river to the Mausi Maa Temple, where the ceremony is performed.
• No food wastage in the temple: There is no food wastage at all in the temple, all the food is completely utilized. No Parsadam is wasted in any manner and it is also a sin in ancient Hindu mythology to waste food.

Fairs and Festivals in Jagannath Temple

The festivals celebrated in this temple are Snana Yatra, Ratha Yatra, Netrotsava, Sayan Ekadasi, and Srikrushna Janma.

Chotta Char Dham Yatra In Uttarakhand

While we’ve covered the temples for Bada Char Dham, here are the temples in Uttarakhand that make up the Chotta Char Dham Yatra in India.

1. Badrinath Temple

Since it’s also a part of Bada Char Dham, all the essential information has already been covered above. 

2. Gangotri Temple

All the insights related to the Gangotri Temple are available here, you can read this and get some basic ideas about this divine place. The temple is situated in the town and nagar panchayat of the Uttarkashi locale. 

History

Due to the earthquake in 1803, the Gangotri Temple collapsed, and it was rebuilt by Gorkha Maharaja Amar Singh Thapa in 1807. The temple is made with the Nagara style of architecture. It was explored by the Britishers during the early 1800s & is built up of white marble stone. It is based on the left bank of the Bhagirathi River. The Pujaris and Clerics who work in the temple have a place in the town of Mukhwa. The water from Gangotri is conveyed to propose to Ruler Shiva. It is accepted that this water has nectar in it and will calm the throat of Shiva who swallows the toxin.

Best Time To Visit Gangotri Temple

Gangotri stays cold practically around the year, yet the best opportunity to visit this spot is in the middle of April, June, September, and October. Check the weather of Gangotri Temple before you plan your trip to avoid any surprises.

How To Reach Gangotri Temple

Planning your chota char dham yatra? Understand how to reach Gangotri Temple and explore the options so you can choose the one that suits your budget and preferences.

Route Map of Gangotri Temple

If you want to check out the Gangotri Temple along with its nearby locations, keep the route map of the Gangotri Temple handy to not miss anything.

Things To Know About Gangotri Temple

• It is closed for 6 months a year: The Gangotri Temple is located at more than 3000 meters above sea level, which is why it is covered for most of the year and is open only during the summer season for pilgrims.
• Gaurikund- a pool made of a waterfall: A pool named Gaurikund is situated near the Gangotri Temple in the western region. The bulging part of the rock in the pool is called shivling.

Fairs And Festivals In Gangotri Temple

The whole Gangotri valley acutely observes Hindu celebrations. This incorporates Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra. There are numerous celebrations and fairs that individuals of Gangotri celebrate on a nearby level devoted to their neighbourhood divine beings and goddesses.

3. Kedarnath Temple

A part of chota char dham yatra, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is based in the district Rudraprayag of Uttarakhand in India. In the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the temple is near the Mandakini River on the Garhwal Himalayan range. Between the long periods of April and November, the temple is shut to the overall population because of the extreme climate. A stone structure of unknown date can be found at a height of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), 223 kilometres (139 miles) from Rishikesh, on the banks of the Mandakini River, a Ganga tributary.

History

The lord of the field is the meaning of the name Kedarnath. It comes from the Sanskrit words kedara, which means field, and natha, which means lord. According to the Kashi Kedara Mahatmya text, it gets its name from the fact that the crop of liberation grows there. Maha Shivratri is celebrated here with full warmth.

Best Time To Visit Kedarnath Temple

You can get all the information related to the best time to visit Kedarnath Temple to maximise your travel experience. It will help you in planning for your journey better. 

How To Reach Kedarnath Temple

Explore how to reach Kedarnath Temple beforehand so you know what mode of transportation suits you and your pocket best.

Route Map Of Kedarnath Temple

You can follow the route map of Kedarnath Temple so you know the exact location you are at and understand what locations you can cover.

Things To Know About Kedarnath Temple

• Bhaironath Temple protects Kedarnath Temple: One of the less popular realities of Kedarnath is that The Bhairo Nath temple is situated at a very small distance from Kedarnath temple and is called a gatekeeper of the Kedarnath ji.
• It is accepted that Bhaironathji watches the Kedarnath Temple by fending off evil while the temple stays closed. In this way, the Bhaironath Temple is visited ceremoniously at the opening and shutting of Kedarnath.
• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India: The Lingam at Kedarnath is one among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is said to have favoured the Himalayas with the righteousness of Lord Shiva. The history of this jyotirlinga dates back to the era when the act of austerity was performed by two incarnations of Lord Vishnu such as Nar and Narayana.

Fairs And Festivals In Kedarnath Temple

Festivals like Vinayak Chathurthi and Deepawali are celebrated in Kedarnath Temple during September and October.

4. Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple is located at an elevation of approximately 3,291 meters in the western Garhwal Himalayas and is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. The Yamuna, India’s second-holiest river, flows from Yamunotri. As a result, Yamunotri Temple is one of the four Chota Char Dham sites that pilgrims visit. A serene atmosphere surrounds Yamunotri Temple thanks to the majestic mountains, the mesmerizing springs of Surya Kund and Gauri Kund, which release hot and cold water, respectively, and the graceful River Yamuna.

History

King of Tehri, Naresh Sudarshan Shah constructed this temple in 1839. It was made using granite stones. On the highest point of the temple, there is a yellow-hued conelike moulded tower at the top with red lines. In his early years, Sage Asti Muni bathed every day in the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers. When he got old and couldn’t get to Gangotri anymore, Ganga appeared as a small stream next to the Yamuna River to help him carry on his religious practices. Yamuna Devi is said to be the daughter of Saranyu Devi, the Goddess of perception, and Surya Devta. Also known as Yami, Yamuna is the sister of Lord Yama, the God of death.

Best Time To Visit Yamunotri Temple

Summer season is viewed as the best season to observe the genuine magnificence of Yamunotri. Assuming that you wish to find its interesting society, visit this devout spot during celebrations like Basant Panchami and Phool Devi. Check the details on the weather in Yamunotri to avoid any last-minute hassles.

How To Reach Yamunotri Temple

If you are looking to know how to reach Yamunotri Temple, remember there are a lot of options. However, choose the one that is the most comfortable for you.

Route Map Of Yamunotri Temple

You can look out at the route map of Yamunotri Temple by visiting this page. It will make your journey a lot smoother and easier. 

Things To Know About Yamunotri Temple

• Sacredness – Yamuna is considered one of the most sacred rivers in India. It is named after one of the seven sacred rivers of India and five great rivers of India. That is why Yamunotri Temple is very famous.
• Significance of Bhai Dooj with River Yamuna:- As per Skanda Purana, Yamuna satisfied her sibling Yama (Divine force of death) by fasting on the Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. The day is otherwise called ‘Yama Dwitiya’ and is later celebrated as a celebration of ‘Bhai Dooj’.

Fairs And Festivals In Yamunotri Temple

The fairs and festivals celebrated in Yamunotri Temple are Vasant Panchami, Phool Dei, and Olgia.

Tips To Follow While Visiting 4 Dham Yatra In India?

• Know the best time to visit: Before moving out for a new journey to Char Dham Yatra, it’s always better and more productive to research properly regarding the best time to visit a place. It will help you create the best memories at the right moment.
• Analyze flight costs: Contrasting flight costs is one of the most incredible methods for obtaining the best outcomes. You can get the most reduced toll by looking at the flight costs from numerous aircraft. You can analyze the flight costs on our site where a wide range of flight booking choices are available.
• Save ahead of time: Booking trips ahead of time can assist you with profiting from the most reduced charges. It is by and large prescribed to book at least 1-2 months ahead of time. Carriers typically have special costs on flights leaving in the following couple of weeks or months, so it pays to early book.
• Use aircraft miles: On the off chance that you’re a continuous explorer, you might have collected miles from past flights. Most carriers permit you to recover these miles for limited tickets, so it merits checking if you can utilize your miles to get a less expensive flight.
• Join a loyalty program: Joining a reliability program can assist you with getting the best arrangements on flights. Aircraft give individuals select limits and offers, so make a point to pursue reliability programs before you book your flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which god is worshipped in the Badrinath Temple of Uttarakhand?

A: Badrinath is popular for worshipping Lord Vishnu (likewise called Badri Vishal and Badri Narayan) and is outfitted with Shankh (Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a lifted stance and two arms laid on the lap in Yogamudra.

Q: How much time is required for Char Dham Yatra?

A: There are two courses to finish the Chardham yatra, either by street or by helicopter. You want at least 10 to 12 days to finish the Chardham yatra by street and if you pick Chardham by helicopter in 2023, it will be done in around 4 to 5 days.

Q: Which month is better for Char Dham Yatra?

A: The best considered month for char dham yatra is from April to June. During the summers, the weather is at an optimum level and conditions are also favourable for travel.

Q: Is a medical certificate required for the Chardham yatra?

A: Yes, it is extremely important to carry a medical certificate along with you as it ensures that you are medically declared fit to travel in these harsh weather conditions.

Q: What are the precautions for Char Dham yatra?

A: During October and November, wear thick woollen clothing to keep warm, and wear lighter woollen clothes during the summer. You should bring along a woollen blanket, a raincoat, an umbrella, a torch, the bare minimum of luggage, and canvas shoes.

Q: What medicines are required to carry for the Chardham yatra?

A: If you want to avoid diseases like malaria or even just the itchy discomfort of mosquito bites, always bring a repellent with you. Always keep a kit of the most basic medicines for diarrhoea, fever, and other common emergencies on you.

Q: How to prepare for the Chardham yatra?

A: You should always research for basic details like the best time to visit Char Dham, what medicines to carry, safety precautions that need to be undertaken, and always carry dry and packaged food.

Q: Is char dham yatra difficult?

A: Mountain sickness can be caused by the rocky terrain and high Himalayas. According to an article published in The Indian Express, the Kedarnath trek is one of India’s most risky. People are affected by exhaustion, shifting weather, and a decrease in oxygen levels. To get easy access, you can take Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath maps.

Q: Should I carry cash or a card during the Char Dham yatra?

A: Cash is essential when travelling in remote areas and ensure that you have sufficient cash and a debit or credit card on hand as a backup. Warm clothing and rain gear are essential for your Himalayan adventure.

If you are looking to travel to these divine places, then booking a holiday package can be a good option for you and Shipra Travels can help you in this pursuit. With a wide range of religious and adventure packages available, you will face absolutely no problem with customisations. Our travel experts will take up your queries end-to-end so you can have a perfect journey.