What is char dham?

"Char Dham" refers to the four sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The term "Char Dham" translates to "four abodes" in English. These pilgrimage sites are considered highly sacred by Hindus, and visiting them is believed to cleanse a person of their sins and help attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The Char Dham sites are:

1. Yamunotri: Located in the western Himalayas, Yamunotri is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. The Yamuna River, one of the major rivers in India, has its source at the Yamunotri glacier.
2. Gangotri: Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri is dedicated to the goddess Ganga (the Ganges). It is the source of the Ganges River, which is considered sacred by Hindus.
3. Kedarnath: Located in the Rudra Himalaya range, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (lingams of light) and is a significant pilgrimage site.
4. Badrinath: Situated in the Chamoli district, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Badrinath temple, located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, is one of the holiest shrines for Vaishnavites.

The Char Dham Yatra, or pilgrimage, is considered a spiritually significant journey for Hindus, and it is traditionally undertaken from west to east, starting with Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath. Pilgrims often embark on this journey during the summer months when the weather is more favorable. The Char Dham Yatra attracts devotees and tourists from various parts of India and beyond.