Why taking A Char Dham Yatra Will Change your life

Char Dham Yatra is a journey through which a pilgrim pay homage to the four spiritual abodes nestled at different places I.e. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is one of the most reverenced journeys in India for which millions of devotees embark every year with the hope of getting powerful and healthy blessings from the Almighty.

There may be millions of temples in India but every temple holds a special significance and a very special history. Among them are these four temples where many centuries ago, the almighty himself took a spiritual refuge and somehow, made these places a very holy land. The journey starts with paying homage at the first Dham I.e. Yamunotri and which is then followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath and ending at a subtle note at Badrinath.

What is Char Dham Yatra

Char Dham Yatra simply indicates about a spiritual journey to the four temples hidden deep away in the Himalayas. The four sacred destination of this Yatra are Yamunotri (at an altitude of 3,291 m above sea level in Uttarkashi district), Gangotri (at an altitude of 3,048 m above sea level in Uttarkashi district), Kedarnath (at an altitude of 3,583 m above sea level in Rudraprayag district), and Badrinath (at an altitude of 3,133 m above sea level in Chamoli district). And all these four destinations are located in the state of Uttarakhand so, they are easily accessible from Delhi.

As per some legends, the famous saint Adi Shankaracharya followed this journey and was then granted with a wish of getting freed from the cycle of birth. All these four temples have somewhat greatly contributed to the rich history of India and many of them actually defined spiritualism to all over India. That is why it is almost a spiritual dream of every India to once to set their foot on this journey and follow the path of self-discovery.

Historical Significance of the Four Spiritual Abodes

It is not unknown that many of the famous temples of India have a very important history and they somewhat refined the India culture. So, below is the list of all the four-spiritual destinations with their notable history and how they were founded.

Yamunotri Temple

As per legends, Sage Asit Muni used to live here and he made it a habit to take a holy dip in both River Ganga and River Yamuna. But as the days went by, he got old and it then became nearly impossible for him to take a 3 hours trek to River Ganga. So, then a thin stream of River Ganga appeared here for him. That’s why it is popular because of magical presence here and it is also believed that Yama, the elder brother of River Yamuna promised a blessing to her as that whoever takes a holy dip in this water will be forgiven from hell.

Gangotri Temple

Gangotri is famously believed to be river form of Goddess Ganga who descended the earth to resolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s predecessors. It is also believed that when King Sagara defeated thousands of demons from mother Earth then, he sent his horse with a flag of victory tied to his neck to all the parts of India. But, the son of his second wife didn’t like it and tied the horse to a sage’s hut and when king Sagara found the situation, he destroyed the home of that Sage. The Sage with a big swirling rage announced a curse upon them with which all the sons of King Sagara died. So, King Bhagirath prayed here for forgiveness and then, Goddess Ganga descended towards the earth in the form of a river to wash away all his sins.

Kedarnath Temple

As per legends, Pandavas came here at this place to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for killing their kin but, Lord Shiva went into hiding by turning into a bull because he somehow, don’t want to agree to their plea. So, after searching for a while Lord Bhima found him and tried to reach him by catching their tail. When they got forgiveness for their sins then, they made a temple here at a place but due to deplorable weather condition, the temple couldn’t withstand and fall. But many centuries after, Sage Adi Shankaracharya built a temple here at this and is belied to be so strong that it can withstand any wrath.

Badrinath Temple

As per legends, the temple was earlier a Buddhist shrine till the 8th century but later, Sage Adi Shankaracharya converted it into a Hindu temple. And after that many different religious stories surrounded this temple, some of them are that if a pilgrim pays their heartily homage at this temple then, they surely attain salvation after death. Apart from these religious beliefs, the location alone attracts millions of pilgrims as it is perched atop those Himalayas where the natural beauty is almost surreal.

Other Reasons to embark on this Journey

• Spiritually, all these four abodes are believed to be the only gateway that leads one away from their sins and finally, opening the gates of heaven for them. There are many who find salvation after walking this spiritual journey.
• Scientifically, there are many researchers who studied the special powers that surrounds these places but somehow, find it unable to explain that what drives these places to offer a peaceful, tranquil, and spiritual aura to all their visitors.
• As per self-discovery, many lost wanders often walk this journey with the hope of finding themselves and that peace at the end. It is a journey where people go through self-realization and find a way to detox your soul.
• As per picturesque point, you may wonder the realness of these places because the scenery is almost surreal and you may find yourself walking in a world of free-spirit. Ranging from snow-clad towering mountains and a world free of technology, you will be astonished by the pure beauty of these places.