|
 Char Dham Yatra or the journey to four revered places is a pious ritual. According to the Hindu mythology, the Char Dham yatra of great significance. Every year a number of pilgrims take this arduous yatra to four holy places in Uttaranchal-Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Gangotri is the place high in the Garhwal Himalayas from where the holy Ganges originates. According to the legend, it was here the Ganga descended on the earth, when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. The temple of Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga stands on the bank of the river. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Nearby is 'Bagirath Shila', which is the rock on which King Bhagirath worshipped the Lord Shiva.
Yamunotri is situated in the western region of the Garhwal Himalayas and is at a height of 3,235 metres above sea level. Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna. The shrine of Yamunotri is located on the Bandar Poonchh peak. The temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur. There are a few thermal water springs around the temple, which contain various medicinal properties. Devotees to the shrine of Yamunotri take a dip in these hot water springs.
Kedarnath is perched at an altitude of 3,584 metres at the source of the Mandakini river. The temple of Kedarnath is one of the four Char Dhams in Uttaranchal. Kedar is another name of the Lord Shiva. The temple at Kedarnath is believed more than 1000 years old. The garbha griha or the sanctum sanctorum at the temple has conical rock formation and Mandapam.
Badrinath is located on the bank of the Alaknanda and is situated at an altitude of 3,133 metres above sea level. Though the temple is believed to date back to the Vedic times, it was built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Also known as Badri Vishal, the temple at Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Though Badrinath has various hotels and guesthouses, many tourists prefer to stay at Joshimath.
How to Reach Char Dham
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant near Dehradun and Rishikesh is the nearest railhead for all the four Dhams. Yamunotri is about 213 kilometres from Rishikesh. Gangotri is 249 kilometres from Rishikesh. Kedarnath is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund, which is about 230 kilometres from Rishikesh. Badrinath is about 300 kilometres from Rishikesh. | 
