India’s many holy landmarks make it ideal for spiritual tourists seeking inner calm and tranquillity. The Chota Chardham Yatra’ is the most religiously significant of all the spiritual journeys. So the Chota Chardham in India refers to the Hindu pilgrimage to the four holy temples, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand. These four temples are in the four distinct directions of Uttarakhand and are devoted to various gods and goddesses.
Further, these temples in Uttarakhand attract devotees from all over the globe due to their significance in Hinduism. Additionally, the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham are also the source of two of India’s most respected, sacred, and revered rivers: the Ganga and the Yamuna. The Kedarnath Dham is devoted to Lord Shiva, whereas the Badrinath Dham is the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu of Shiva.
The ‘Char Dham Yatra’ often begins at Haridwar, an important Hindu religious destination frequented by millions of pilgrims. Numerous devotees visit this site annually to purify themselves in the sacred Ganges River. Like Haridwar, other locations in Uttarakhand are vital in maintaining the Hindu religion.
So when you are on your way to Chardham Yatra, there are several Chota Chardham places that you may visit. So this holy Yatra is one of the most excellent methods to discover the majestic region of Uttarakhand. Therefore, if one gets the ‘Calling,’ one must go on this pilgrimage, which can transform one’s view on religion and faith. Moreover, it is the ideal moment to delve deeply into spirituality.
Since the temples are at high altitudes, with unpredictable roadways, rough terrains, prolonged travel, and trekking to reach some destination, you can go for your Chota Chardham Yatra with LIH Travel’s Chardham Yatra by helicopter.
The Chota Chardham places are here below.
Places to visit in Chardham Yatra
1. Haridwar
Ideally, your Chota Chardham yatra begins from Haridwar. Haridwar, situated 230 kilometres from Delhi, is accessible by car from the airport or train station. Further, you require six hours to get here from Delhi. Take a break for lunch at any roadside Dhaba. Khatauli, on its way to Haridwar, offers plenty of lunchtime alternatives.
Observe the evening Aarti at Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri Ghat. It is bizarre when the priests pay respect to Goddess Ganga, the Sun, and Lord Shiva during sunset aarti at the ghat. Moreover, the dazzling display of many lit diyas enhances the location’s attractiveness.
Other prominent attractions in Haridwar are the Mansa and Chandi Devi Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple, etc.
At sunrise the following day on your Chota Chardham Yatra, you might like to do Surya Pranam (worship to the sun deity) at Saptarshi Ghat. As you navigate the tiny hilly paths, you will appreciate the splendour of the mountainous area. Further, stop at Kempty Falls and then continue your trip.
2. Gauri Kund
Gauri Kund Lake is a famous Hindu pilgrimage place located 28 kilometres from Guptkashi and 8 kilometres from Sonprayag. This kund is in the Uttarakhand district of Rudraprayag. Gauri Kund is nestled on the picturesque banks of the Mandakini River. It also serves as the starting point for treks to the Kedarnath Temple for the Chota Chardham yatra.
Further, it is situated at a lofty height of 2,000 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas. Furthermore, the breathtaking panorama of steep terrains and lush vegetation around the Mandakini River is a sight. Again, Gauri Kund has hot springs that are now bathing places.
3. Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti, located at an altitude of 2,650 meters above sea level, is prominent for its hot water springs. Further, the Janki Chatti has the region’s last settlement and serves as the primary centre for pilgrims heading to Yamunotri. In addition, this is the location from where the real ascent to Yamunotri begins.
Further, Pilgrims may take a hot bath in the area’s renowned hot water springs during this extraordinary stopover, which replenishes them for the remaining climb and calms their stressed bodies.
Additionally, for the pilgrims who can’t trek, dolls and pony rides are available. The snow-covered summits, stunning waterfalls, treks through lush woods, hot water springs, etc., are among the most remarkable things to see here.
4. Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the prominent Chota Chardham places, Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located on the banks of the Bhagirathi, is among Uttarkashi’s ancient and holiest temples. The temple provides a breathtaking view of the river Bhagirathi and the landscape.
Its prominence is included in several Chota Chardham Yatra Routes, allowing visitors to visit this temple together with the other four holy sites. You may also shop for puja supplies since there are a few stores nearby. Moreover, you can find idols of other gods, such as Ganesha, Parvati, Shiva, Nandi, etc. So if you are travelling to Gangotri from Uttarkashi, you shouldn’t miss out on this temple.
5. Tapovan and Nandanvan
Numerous trekkers, vacationers, and even more active pilgrims walk ahead of the Gaumukh Glacier to the lovely Tapovan and Nandanvan locations. From this location, you get breathtaking vistas of Shivling Peak that will leave you awestruck and adoring nature. However, only hardy trekkers should attempt it since it needs individuals to be in ideal mental and physical condition. In addition, they must be strong, fit, and well-prepared for any unintentional falls, natural disasters, snowstorms, etc.
Conclusion
Envision a world beyond your imagination, like a spiritual paradise in which God’s presence is observed and intensely felt.
The purpose of the ChotaChardham yatra is to experience this imagination. The journey may be lengthy, tough, and not for the faint-hearted, but it is undoubtedly intellectually and sensually satisfying.
