Chardham Yatra Packages 2020
The pilgrimage of the four most revered Hindu destinations of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath is known as the Chardham Yatra. For centuries, saints and pilgrims, in their search for the divine, have walked these mystical vales known in ancient Hindu scriptures as:-
BADRINATH :
Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four important shrines . The town is at an altitude of 3,133 mtr. above sea level, situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda and exactly between the two mountains Nara and Narayan. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver and falls in the religious itinerary of every devout Hindu.
Shri Badri - Kedareswaro Vijayate darshan in Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Temples are free for all irrespective of caste, creed or status Re-opening of the temple takes place at 4.00 p.m. for commencement of evening rituals which lasts till 8.00 p.m. During this period, Ashotothram and Sahasranamam recitations take place. Around 7.30 p.m.
It is believed that worshipping at this shrine is a means of liberating the soul from the bound of transmigration.
The temple of Shri Badrinathji is flanked by two mountain ranges known as Nar and Narayan with the towering Neelkanth peak providing a splendid backdrop. This spot was once carpeted with wild berries which gave it the name ‘Badri Van’,meaning ‘forest of berries
Facing the temple at the bank of Alakhnand river is a hot water spring known as ‘Tapt Kund’. A bath in this spring is very refreshing. A separate tank is available for women.
Tapt Kund : Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.
Narad Kund : A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.
Brahama Kapal : A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform proppitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.
Sheshnetra : 1.5kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.
Charanpaduka : 3kms. away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.
Mata Murty Temple : Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple , Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.
Mana Village : Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet .
Vasundhara : As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 kms. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms. is motorable upto Mana.
Bhim Pul : On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.
Vyas Gufa (cave) : Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.
KEDARNATH:
Kedarnath The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath one of the Holiest Hindu Temples
Kedarnath hosts one of the holliest hindu temples and is a ever most popular destination for hindu pilgrims and tourists from all over the world in a scenic spot at the origin of the river Mandakani, the shrine of Kedarnath is most venerated amongst the hindu pilgrimes.
Kedarnath is accessible by a 14 km trek through a hilly paved path (hourses or planquines are available for rent) from Gaurikund. Gourikund is a one day's Travel by road from Rishikesh,Haridwar, Dehradun and other important hill stations in the Garwal and Kumaon regions of Uttrakhand.
Location:14 kms. Trek From Gaurikund (Poni and Doli are available on this trek).
The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlings of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. At an altitude of 3,581 mt it is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
Gaurikund: At a distance of 5kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters., one can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple . This is the place where Goddess Parvathi meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath.
GANGOTRI:
Gangotri is situated at an altitude of 3,048mts above sea level in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. Located on the banks of the holy Bhagirathi River, Gangotri is one of the Char Dham of Uttarakhand.Submerged Shivling: There is a natural rock Shivling in Gangotri submerged under water which can be easily seen when winters are on their way as the water level decreases during that time. According to myths and legends this was the place where Lord Shiva sitting when he received Ganga in his matted locks.
Gangotri is the highest and the most important temple of Goddess Ganga. Gangotri is a small town centered around the Gangotri Temple of Goddess Ganga. The present temple of Gangotri was built by Amar Singh Thapa, Gorkha General in the early 18th century. The origin of Bhagirathi River, Gaumukh glacier is 18kms from Gangotri and one must cover the distance on foot. Gangotri offers scenic vistas of rugged terrains, gushing water of Bhagirathi River and snow clad peaks. The place holds great importance amongst Hindus. Gangotri temple remains closed during winters as the region is prone to heavy snowfall.
YAMUNOTRI:
The sacred shrine of
Yamunotri, source of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched atop a flank of
Bandar Poonch Parvat. The chief attraction at
Yamunotri is the temple devoted to goddess Yamuna and the holy
thermal springs at Jankichatti (6 km. Away).
The
Yamunotri temple is on the left bank of Yamuna constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble.
Close to the temple are hot water springs gushing out from the mountain cavities. Suryakund is the most important Kund. Near the
Suryakund there is a shila called
Divya Shila, which is worshipped before puja is offered to the deity. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine by dipping them in these
hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. Rice so cooked is taken back home as prasadam.The pujaris of Yamunotri come from the village of Kharsali near Jankichatti. They are the administrators of the sacred place and perform religious rites well versed in Shastras.
The Temple of Yamuna ji is the main temple of worship. Near this temple there are a few hot water springs where the water rushes out of the mountain cavities at boiling point. Surya-Kund is the most important kund. A pinch of rice or potatoes, tied loosely in a cloth, are dipped in it and after a few minutes when taken out completely cooked. These are taken home as prasad. Near the Surya Kund there is a shila called Divya-Shila which is worshipped before puja is offered to Yamunaji.
Nearby is the Jamuna Bai Kund-built about 75 years ago-which is used for a holy bath. The water is pleasantly warm and relaxing.