As the sacred portals of three esteemed Himalayan shrines – Badrinath Dham, Kedarnath Dham, and Gangotri Dham – prepare to swing open, the revered Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage in Uttarakhand is set to commence.
Scheduled to kickstart the spiritual journey is the opening of Shri Badrinath Dham on Sunday, May 12th, at 6 am. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks, this shrine is a beacon of devotion for countless pilgrims.
Following suit, the gates of Shri Kedarnath Dham, dedicated to Lord Shiva, will welcome devotees two days earlier, on May 10th, starting at 7 am. Pilgrims from far and wide are anticipated to converge at this significant site to partake in sacred rituals and seek divine blessings.
The auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya will witness the inauguration of the gates of Shri Gangotri Dham, the revered source of the holy River Ganga. Situated at a towering altitude and adorned with intricate carvings on white granite, the Gangotri Temple stands as a testament to spiritual reverence.
Gangotri, nestled in the upper reaches of Uttarakhand, amidst the soaring, snow-capped Himalayas, experiences heavy snowfall between December and March, adding to its mystique and allure.
The Char Dham Yatra, an odyssey encompassing the pilgrimage to the four sacred sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, holds profound significance in Hinduism.
Traditionally spanning from April/May to October/November, the Char Dham Yatra’s timing is contingent upon weather conditions. During the winter months, when the region is blanketed in snow, the portals of these Himalayan temples, visited by multitudes annually, remain closed.
Thousands of devout individuals embark on this challenging expedition each year, driven by a quest for spiritual enlightenment and divine blessings.
Ajendra Ajay, Chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, affirmed the committee’s commitment to enhancing passenger facilities in its forthcoming budget. This strategic move aims to accommodate an even larger number of devotees on this sacred pilgrimage.
As the countdown begins for the unveiling of these hallowed portals, anticipation mounts among pilgrims, eager to embark on a journey of faith and spiritual renewal.
