"Uttarakhand is a big subject, with a diversity of culture of unfathomable depth, and a long continuum of rich history. The most sacred place of India offers endless opportunities to gather experiences and memories for a lifetime. Since ancient times, taking part in the Char Dham Yatra has been considered among the highest regard throughout the length and breadth of India. The Indian Garhwal Himalayas are popularly known as Dev Bhoomi, ‘The Abode of Gods'."
Uttarakhand is a state of pilgrimage centers that have always attracted tourists from all over the country and overseas also. Pre-historic facts of the state reveal that this state was the main centre of socio-cultural and religious activities of ‘Aryan Civilization’. This is the area where human civilization begun (Brahmavarta near Alkapuri). Most sacred caves, near Badrinath (Ganeshgufa, Naradgufa, Muchukunda Gufa, Vyas Gufa and Skand Gufa) are the major inscribed places where “Veda” and “Puranas” were originally written.
If we talk in a simple terms or literally translating to the pilgrimage to the four destinations, the Char Dham Yatra refers to the four holiest abodes in Uttarakhand, can be named as Badrinath Dham yatra, Yamunotri Dham Yatra, Gangotri Dham Yatra and Kedarnath Dham Yatra. This idea of Chota Char Dham Yatra become popular after the Indo-China war of 1962 as India started investing in road and civic infrastructure projects. These developments in roads made the area easy accessible to holy shrines and mother important places of Uttarakhand.
Unlike the Original Char Dham, Viz. Badrinath (Uttarakhand in North), Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu in South), Puri (Odisha in East), and Dwarka (Gujarat in West) that took near a month to complete, the Chota Char Dham Yatra can be covered maximum within a fortnight. Here we talk about small circuit of four seats or the Chhota Char Dham Yatra.
Yamunotri Dham Yatra: The shrine of Yamunotri is one of the four sites of Char Dham pilgrimage located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is the place from where River Yamuna originates and is regarded as the seat of Goddess Yamuna. The major attraction at Yamunotri is the temple dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna. The place is engulfed by mountains on all s ides. According to Hindu sculptures the temple was first built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in 19th century.
Gangotri Dham Yatra: Gangotri is the origin of most sacred river of India River Ganges. It is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit along with Badrinath, Kedarnath and Yamunotri. Gangotri is primarily known for its ancient temples and its religious importance. The present Ganga Temple at Gangotri was constructed by a Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century. Near the temple is located a sacred stone where King Bhagiratha is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva. Surya Kund, Pandava Gufa, Bhaironghati and Gaumukh are the other religious attractions in Gangotri. Gangotri town is the starting point of the Gaumukh, Tapovan, Nandanvan, Vasuki Tal and Gangotri-Kedartal trekking.
Badrinath Dham Yatra: Located in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand state at an impressive height of 3,313 meters, Badrinath is a holy town and one of the major pilgrimage spot for Hindu religion. It is the place where divinity meets with the serenity of nature. Badrinath is one of the holiest of the holy shrines of Char Dham Yatra in India. This holy city is an abode of countless sages who brave the extremity of weather for their religious devotion. Snuggled amidst the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath is a place of religious importance to Hindus as well as Buddhist. The main temple here dedicated to Lord Vishnu with Garbha Griha as its main shrine. The mighty river Alaknanda flows through the temple and the great Neelkanth mountain lies behind contributing to its magnificent landscape. The Yatra starts with Yamunotri, Gangotari and Kedarnath; Badrinath is the last stop for pilgrimage. The Dham is easily accessible via road and Badrinath temple can be reached by taking an easy trek. But it is seasonal in operation and remains closed during winter season.
Kedarnath Dham Yatra:Kedarnath is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations Lord Shiva located in Rudraprayag district of Geahwal region in Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is among the top paramount locations for worshipers of Lord Shiva all over the world. Set amidst beautiful hill town in Uttarakhand, the place offers captivating views of snow-capped mountains and become one with the tranquility of fresh nature in all it soothing glory. The breathtaking location near the Mandakini River at the height of 3,584 meters, the popular Kedarnath Dham enjoys the greatness of Lord Shiva. Affiliated with the Mahabharata legend characters Pandava, Kedarnath is famous as Chota Char Dham Yatra.