Chaar Dham Yatra: A True Test of Every Hindu’s Quest Towards Spiritual Enlightenment
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, collectively called the Chaar Dham Yatra-the four abodes of god, are the places which every Hindu associates with his/her spiritual quest.
These four destinations symbolize the three most important sects of Hinduism- Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. The Chaar Dham Yatra was started by Adi Shankrachyra about 1000 years ago.
According to the pilgrims the Chaar Dham journey not only washes away all the sins one incurs in life but also sets the soul on the path to salvation.
The origins of Chaar Dham Yatra are very ambiguous, as almost every Hindu myth and belief is connected to it.
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Yamunotri
According to the Hindu mythology, Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the God of death and Yamunotri is the place from where Yamuna originates. It is also the hermitage of the revered sage Asit Muni.
Yamunotri is famous for its thermal spring and glaciers. Champasar glacier also known as Yamunotri, is located at Kalind mountain at the height of 4421meters above sea level.
Gangotri
Gangotri is the place of origin of holy river Ganga. It lies close to the holy rock or 'Bhagirath shila', where the King Bhagirath worshipped lord Shiva, to bring down Goddess Ganga from the heaven to earth in the form of river.
The Gangotri temple was built by emperor Amar Singh Thapa in about 18th century. The temple is located amidst a pleasant surrounding of deodar and pines. The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3048mts.
Badrinath
Badrinath also has a historical significance because the temple was set up by Adi Shankarachrya in the ninth century. It is also known as Badrinarayan temple. After seeking knowledge of Vedas he came to Badrinath and settled with his disciples there. The location with its overwhelming natural beauty, is very peaceful and serene. Maha Vishnu is the presiding deity. At present it is located in the Chamoli district.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath temple is one of the most important destination in Chaar Dham yatra. It is the worshipping place of Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is situated near the Mandakini river (Ganga).
According to the temple priests the temple was founded in the 9th century by Adi shankarachrya, though the topic has remained a subject of debate between the Hindu priest and scientist. According to the scientists the temple remained buried in glaciers for more than 400 years. They prove this by resorting to the marks of glaciers visible outside the temple building.
For its extreme climatic conditions the temple is open only between the end of April (Akshya Tritriya) to Karthik purnima (November).
Kedarnath tragedy
The flood in June 2013 affected the Kedarnath the most although somehow it did not cause any harm to the temple, which was miraculous. The surrounding premises and the other buildings in the market area were wiped out by the floods. The disaster caused a great loss to human life and property. Though the state and central government were quick to take necessary action for its rehabilitation, there is still a long way to go.
-By Rituparna Chakrobarty
