The Four Dhams of Uttarakhand
1. Yamunotri (3,293m) – The Source of River Yamuna
The pilgrimage begins at Yamunotri, the sacred source of the Yamuna River, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The trek to Yamunotri (6 km from Janki Chatti) is a moderate uphill walk through forests and hot springs. The Yamunotri Temple and the Surya Kund (hot water spring) are the key attractions, where devotees cook rice as a prasad (offering).
2. Gangotri (3,100m) – The Origin of River Ganga
Next is Gangotri, the source of the holy River Ganga, which is worshipped as Goddess Ganga. The Gangotri Temple, built by a Gorkha king in the 18th century, stands near the river’s origin. A 19 km trek leads to Gaumukh Glacier, the actual source of the Ganga. Pilgrims believe that a dip in the icy waters of Gangotri washes away sins.
3. Kedarnath (3,583m) – The Land of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is the most challenging shrine to reach. Pilgrims undertake a 16 km trek from Gaurikund through scenic valleys and rugged terrain. The Kedarnath Temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya, is surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.
4. Badrinath (3,300m) – The Abode of Lord Vishnu
The final destination, Badrinath, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badrinarayan). The Badrinath Temple, nestled between the Nar and Narayan mountains, is one of the most significant Vaishnavite shrines. Devotees take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund (hot water spring) before seeking blessings.
The Four Dhams of Uttarakhand
1. Yamunotri (3,293m) – The Source of River Yamuna
The pilgrimage begins at Yamunotri, the sacred source of the Yamuna River, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The trek to Yamunotri (6 km from Janki Chatti) is a moderate uphill walk through forests and hot springs. The Yamunotri Temple and the Surya Kund (hot water spring) are the key attractions, where devotees cook rice as a prasad (offering).
2. Gangotri (3,100m) – The Origin of River Ganga
Next is Gangotri, the source of the holy River Ganga, which is worshipped as Goddess Ganga. The Gangotri Temple, built by a Gorkha king in the 18th century, stands near the river’s origin. A 19 km trek leads to Gaumukh Glacier, the actual source of the Ganga. Pilgrims believe that a dip in the icy waters of Gangotri washes away sins.
3. Kedarnath (3,583m) – The Land of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is the most challenging shrine to reach. Pilgrims undertake a 16 km trek from Gaurikund through scenic valleys and rugged terrain. The Kedarnath Temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya, is surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.
4. Badrinath (3,300m) – The Abode of Lord Vishnu
The final destination, Badrinath, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badrinarayan). The Badrinath Temple, nestled between the Nar and Narayan mountains, is one of the most significant Vaishnavite shrines. Devotees take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund (hot water spring) before seeking blessings.
