 The Chardham (four sacred spots) is the term given to four most holy pilgrimages of India. Nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings of the majestic Himalayas are the four most sacred holy centers of Hinduism - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath - collectively called the Chardham. It's believed that undertaking a journey to these places not just wash away one's sins but also ensures salvations from the cycle of birth and death. For centuries, saints and devotees have been frequenting these sacred shrines in their search for the salvation and divine.
All the four holy shrines of Chardham are located in the icy Garhwal ranges In Uttaranchal and regarded as the most sacred of all Himalayan ranges. The four dhams receive holy water from four most scared rivers of India - Yamuna (in Yamunotri), Bhagirathi (in Gangotri), Mandakini (in Kedarnath) and Alaknanda (in Badrinath). It is believed that heaven and earth converge in these holy spots, and to be born or die here is a boon only the very fortunate have.
The Chardham is visited from left to right, following the Hindu tradition of parikrama or clockwise circumambulation. Pilgrims begin their Chardham Yatra with Yamunotri, the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna the shrine is situated atop the Bandar Poonch Peak at an altitude of 3,165 m above sea level, opposite to Gangotri.
The next stopover of Chardham Yatra is the shrine of Gangotri dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The sacred shrine is situated at an altitude of 3,043 m, on the right bank of Bhagirathi River. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, came down to earth in the form of a river as a reward for King Bhagirath's penance of several centuries.
The third halt of Chardham Yatra is sacred shrine of Kedarnath situated amidst the picturesque Kedarnath range at an altitude of 3.581 m. Located on the head of river Mandakini, Kedarnath is among the most holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus. In this shrine stands one of the twelve ' Jyotirlingas' of Kedar or Lord Shiva.
The Chardham Yatra culminates on arrival at sacred shrine of Badrinath, situated
on the right bank of Alaknanda River at an altitude of 3,133 m. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the 15 m high temple shrine is built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a bull and spire. The temple is divided into three parts the 'Garbha Griha' or sanctum sanctorum, the' Darshan Mandap' where the rituals are conducted, and the 'Sabha Mandap' where devotees assemble. The complex has 15 idols including the 1 m tall idol of Badrinath. Beautifully sculpted in black stone, it represents lord Vishnu seated in a meditative pose.
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