Char Dham Yatra

 The **Char Dham Yatra** is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism, referring to the journey to four holy shrines located in the Indian Himalayas. These sites are deeply revered by devotees and are believed to offer spiritual salvation. The four temples that make up the Char Dham are:

1. **Yamunotri** (dedicated to Goddess Yamuna)

2. **Gangotri** (dedicated to Goddess Ganga)

3. **Kedarnath** (dedicated to Lord Shiva)

4. **Badrinath** (dedicated to Lord Vishnu)

### Detailed Overview of the Char Dham:

1. **Yamunotri (3,293 meters above sea level)**:

   - Located in Uttarkashi district, Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River.

   - Pilgrims visit the Yamunotri temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.

   - Nearby attractions include hot springs and glaciers, particularly the Champasar Glacier, the real source of the Yamuna.

2. **Gangotri (3,100 meters above sea level)**:

   - Gangotri, also in Uttarkashi, is where the sacred River Ganga originates.

   - The Gangotri temple, devoted to Goddess Ganga, is located here.

   - The actual source of the Ganga is the Gangotri Glacier, and the origin point of the river is called Gaumukh, a trek of about 19 km from Gangotri.

3. **Kedarnath (3,583 meters above sea level)**:

   - Kedarnath, located in Rudraprayag district, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

   - The temple stands amidst the snow-capped mountains of the Garhwal Himalayas.

   - The trek to Kedarnath is a challenging yet spiritual experience, with devotees trekking approximately 16 km from Gaurikund.

4. **Badrinath (3,300 meters above sea level)**:

   - Badrinath, in Chamoli district, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is part of the larger Badrinath Dham pilgrimage.

   - It is situated between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, near the Alaknanda River.

   - Badrinath is also one of the 108 Divya Desams, revered by Vaishnavites.

### Best Time to Visit:

The Char Dham Yatra typically opens in **late April or May** and continues until **October or November**, depending on weather conditions. The exact opening dates are announced based on the Hindu calendar and local traditions.

### How to Undertake the Yatra:

- **By Road**: Pilgrims can reach the starting points of the Char Dham temples through motorable roads. However, some trekking is required to reach Kedarnath and Yamunotri.

- **Helicopter Services**: For convenience, especially for elderly or physically challenged pilgrims, helicopter services are available for Kedarnath and Badrinath.

- **Char Dham Packages**: Many tour operators offer Char Dham Yatra packages that include transport, lodging, meals, and guides.

### Significance:

The Char Dham Yatra is believed to cleanse the soul of all sins and provide moksha (liberation). It is a journey of devotion, spiritual awakening, and a deep connection with the divinity represented by nature and the deities at each of the four sacred sites.