CHARDHAM (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri)
With the majestic and mystifying Himalayas as the backdrop,
the four most holy pilgrimages of India never cease to amaze
travelers and visitors. Char Dham, or the four pilgrimage
centers, comprising of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and
Yamunotri are frequented by the religious minded as well
as those intrigued by the remnants of bygone years. The
holy river, Ganges, and her tributaries flow buoyantly past
the four Dhams. According to the legend, Goddess Ganga descended
upon Earth in the form of a river to help the suffering
humanity. As the Earth would be unable to endure the force
of her descent, the holy Ganges was split into channels,
each of which also came to be considered as sacred. Four
of these channels flow past the four Dhams, namely Alaknanda
(in Badrinath), Mandakini (in Kedarnath), Bhagirathi (in
Gangotri) and Yamuna (in Yamunotri). The four Dhams are
blessed not only with extraordinary scenic beauty but also
with a long history. This has contributed ancient temples
to the panorama of these holy lands.
Home
