Great Four Shrines
The Char Dham: A Spiritual Journey Across India At the heart of India's sacred map lies the Char Dham — the 'Great Four Shrines' — a profound pilgrimage circuit that beautifully unites the Hindu faith from the Himalayas to the ocean.
These four cardinal points represent a sacred embrace of the entire subcontinent:
Badrinath (Uttarakhand)
Majestic shrine high in the Himalayas.
Dwarka (Gujarat)
Ancient kingdom on the western coast.
Puri (Odisha)
Eternal city by the Bay of Bengal.
Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)
Hallowed shores in the deep south.
Three of these divine sites — Badrinath, Dwarka, and Puri — are glorious abodes of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver. The circuit is completed by Rameswaram, sanctified by the presence of Lord Shiva, the great Ascetic. Undertaking the Char Dham Yatra is more than a journey; it is a spiritual quest that connects every corner of India, symbolizing the ultimate unity and devotion of millions of Hindus.
The Divine Journey
Chota Char Dham of Uttarakhand
Nestled high within the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand lies the Chota Char Dham, a sacred pilgrimage known as the “Himalayan Chardham Circuit.”
This revered journey of the soul links four incredibly holy sites, each a luminous beacon of faith:
Yamunotri & Gangotri : These pristine shrines mark the glorious origins of India’s most sacred rivers, the Yamuna and the Ganga. They are dedicated to the benevolent Mother Goddesses, inviting devotees to seek purity at the source of life.
Kedarnath : A sublime dwelling, this is the mighty and peaceful abode of Lord Shiva, the Great Ascetic, drawing pilgrims to a landscape of profound spiritual energy.
Badrinath : The supremely beautiful temple and the majestic seat of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, offering blessings of grace and salvation.
Yamunotri
- Situated at: 3,293 meters above sea level.
- District:Uttarkashi
- State: Uttarakhand
- Built by: Raja Sudarshan Shah of Tehri.
- Built in: 1835
- Motorable road: Up to Janki Chatti.
- Trek: 6 kms (one way) trekking from the base Janki Chatti.
Gangotri
- Situated at: 3,048 meters above sea level.
- District:Uttarkashi
- State: Uttarakhand
- Built by: General Amar Singh Thapa of Gorkha battalions.
- Built in: 18 Century.
- Motorable road: Up to Gangotri Temple.
- Trek: No trekking, easy motorable road.
Kedarnath
- Situated at: 3,584 meters above sea level.
- District:Rudra Prayag
- State: Uttarakhand
- Built by: Pandavas – Yudhisthira, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev
- Built in: The exact date is unknown.
- Motorable road: Up to Gaurikund.
- Trek: 16 kms (one way) trekking from the base Gaurikund.
Badrinath
- Situated at: 3,299 meters above sea level.
- District:Chamoli
- State: Uttarakhand
- Built by: Adi Shankaracharya
- Built in: 9th Century.
- Motorable road: Up to Badrinath Dham.
- Trek: No trekking, easy motorable road.
The Timeless Rhythm of Himalayan Pilgrimage
Each year, the majestic peaks of the Himalayas become the destination for millions of devoted hearts. Following the sacred traditions of Hinduism and responding to the powerful forces of the mountain climate, these revered temples observe a beautiful, seasonal rhythm.
The spiritual heart of the Himalayas awakens with the change of seasons, marking the start of the Hindu pilgrimage.
The sacred portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri—sources of the revered rivers—open on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya, a day believed to bring eternal fortune. This same auspicious day also announces the eagerly awaited opening date for the majestic Kedarnath.
Moving forward in the spring calendar, the majestic Badrinath officially welcomes the pilgrims, with the official announcement of opening the doors of Badrinath Dham on the first day of Basant Panchmi.
This annual schedule is a timeless rhythm, inviting millions of devotees to ascend the divine heights and renew their faith.
As the snowy embrace of winter descends, the temples compassionately close their doors. This sacred pause occurs in the autumn, with the final closing dates falling between Bhai Dooj and Vijayadashami, completing the cycle of the year.
The closed temples stand as silent sentinels, awaiting the next spring when their portals will once again be unlocked, inviting devotees to renew their spiritual journey. This annual opening and closing is not just a schedule; it is the living pulse of faith in the Himalayas.
Embrace the call of the divine and embark upon this sacred Char Dham Yatra in 2026 with Vagari Tourism. We are devoted to ensuring your journey is a blend of profound religious experience, seamless convenience, and absolute safety, allowing you to focus solely on your devotion.
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For those seeking to undertake this soul-stirring pilgrimage in 2026, the expected dates for the divine Darshan are:
Yamunotri Temple: April 19, 2026
Gangotri Temple: April 19, 2026
Kedarnath Temple: April 22, 2026
Badrinath Temple: April 24, 2026