Chardhams is a set of four pilgrimage locations in India established by Adi Shankaracharya, the Vedic scholar who spread the culture of Vaishnavism and Shaivism throughout the country. The Bada Char Dham is believed to have been built by him which are the widely famous Hindu pilgrimage site in India including Badrinath Dham in the north, Jagannath Puri Dham in the east, Rameshwaram Dham in the south, and Dwarkadhish Dham in the west.
According to Religius interest people, it is believed that Lord Vishnu takes his bath at Rameswaram, meditates at Badrinath, dines at Puri and retires at Dwarka. Knowing about the main 4 Char Dham Temples names and regions is very important for anyone looking for a pilgrimage tour in India. However, there is also a set of Chota Char Dham located in the Himalayas including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Do you know why is it important to visit the Main Char Dham Temples of India? It will be exciting to know that the journey of Bada Char Dham in India takes one across the sacred destinations of Lord Vishnu and helps one feel an overall sense of deep spiritualism. The Bada Char Dham which is also known as the Complete Chardham Yatra covers all four directions of India. Below you can find rest everything you need to know about India's famous Big Char Dham Temples.
Completion of life can only be achieved after visiting the pilgrimage centre of Lord Vishnu, Puri, a coastal city close to the Bay of Bengal which is located in Odisha of East India is widely known for its Sri Jagannatha Dham all over the world. The revered 12th century Jagannath Temple is located in the city and is one of the Bada Char Dham pilgrimage tour sites for Hindus. The city is known by several names, locally as "Sri Kshetra" and Jagannath Temple as "Bada Deula". The most important and widely celebrated festival in Puri Dham is the Ratha Yatra which starts at Jagannath Temple and ends at Shri Gundicha Temple, it is attended by millions of devotees every year.
Apart from temple tours, the city is a popular tourist spot because of its exciting sightseeing options like Puri Beach, Chilika Lake and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary which acts as a good picnic spot for visitors. People can also enjoy the intricate architecture and crafts of the city which include sand art, Pattachitra and sewing/threading art on clothes. The classical dance form, Odissi, signifies the culture and heritage of the city. Presently, the Government of India's Heritage City of Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) has selected Puri as one of its heritage cities.
Important Information
Town - Puri
Coordinates 19°48'38"N 85°49'53"E
Geographical area 16.84 km2 (6.50 sq mi)
Languages Spoken English, Hindi, Odia, Bengali
Puri temple festivals Snana Yatra, Ratha Yatra or Sri Gundicha Yatra, Dakhinayan Yatra, Prarbana Yatra, Uttarayan, Dola Purmina (Holi), Damnak Chaturdashi, Akshaya Tritiya, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Shiva Ratri
Places to Visit Near Puri Temple Sri Jagannath Puri Temple, Puri Beach, Pipili, Sakshi Gopal Temple, Chilika Lake, Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, Gundicha Temple
Religious Importance
The Puri Dham of Odisha holds great religious significance among Hindu pilgrims and devotees because of its widely famous Jagannath Temple. The Jagannath Temple is not just a place of worship but a living heritage that perfectly blends spirituality, history and architectural grandeur. Every year millions of people visit this divine location in Puri to experience and witness the culture and devotion hand in hand.
The Jagannath Dham is filled with mythological stories and legends. According to one tale, King Indrayuma of Utkala had a dream and decided to carve three deities out of the mystical log that came to the shore while floating in the river, and hence the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra were crafted. The temple is also associated with tales of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and hence widely worshipped.
How to Reach?
Puri is a popular city that is well connected with all the major cities of the country through roadways, railways and airways.
• By Airways : Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport for the Puri Dham. International travellers need to land in Delhi or Mumbai and then visit Puri City through connecting flights or trains.
• By Railways : Puri Junction is a major railway station and regular train services are available from many cities including Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.
• By Roadways : Puri has well-constructed roads that connect with major highways. After reaching the city, one can hire a taxi or local transport to reach the required destination. Cycle-rickshaws are the most economical option for travelling. The closest bus stand is near the Gundicha Temple. It takes only 15 minutes by bus from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
Best Time to Visit Puri
Jagannath Puri Dham can be visited any time of the year except for peak summers. The ideal months are said to be between October to February. These months are quite pleasant as it is a great time to explore the beaches and ancient temples nearby. Those who are planning to visit during Rath Yatra should visit between June and July.
Adi Shankaracharya, a Vedic scholar and teacher, widely spread the idea of Hinduism throughout the country and the town of Rameswaram stands as a testament to his beliefs. Rameswaram being one of the pilgrimage sites of Bada Char Dham in India, wholeheartedly invites devotees to the abodes of Lord Shiva from every part of the world. People should visit this religious site at least once in their lifetime. The Jyotirlinga installed in the Ramanathaswamy Temple is believed to be associated with the mythological character Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Ramanathaswamy Temple is also part of the 12 Jyotirlingas pilgrimage tour.
Rameswaram Temple is located in Ramanathapuram district of South India, the place is part of Pamban Island which is also known as Rameswaram Island. The temple is located at the tip of the Indian Peninsula which is connected with the Indian mainland by Pamban Bridge on the Pamban Channel in the Gulf of Mannar. Rameswaram is known as the Varanasi of southern India and holds great significance among Vaishnavites and Shaivites. The architecture of the temple highlights the marvellous Dravidian style of architecture and craftsmanship. Along with Ramanathaswamy temple, there are several other attractions which capture the sights of tourists visiting the 4 Char Dham temples of India.
Important Information
Town - Rameshwaram
Coordinates -9.288°N 79.313°E
Geographical area - 55 km2 (21 sq mi)
Languages Spoken - Tamil, English, Hindi
Rameshwaram Temple Festivals Ar -udra Darshanam, Ramalinga Pratishta, Mahashivaratri, Vasanthosatsavam, Navratri and Dussehra, Thirukalyanam
Places to Visit Near Rameshwaram Temple Kalam National Memorial, Gandamadana Parvatham, Pamban Bridge, Agnitheertham, Jada Theertham, Ram Setu, Dhanushkodi
Religious Importance
The Ramanathaswamy Temple of Rameswaram holds a huge significance among the pilgrims and devotees visiting the temple because of its world-renowned abode Lord Rama. Every year millions of devotees visit this divine destination in Tamil Nadu to experience and witness the perfect blend of culture and devotion.
The temple located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu has a rich history that dates back to thousands of years. The maintenance and expansion of the Ramanathaswamy Temple were looked after by several emperors and dynasties over the course of time. Jayaveera Cinkaiariyan and Raja Raja Chola donated a huge amount for the renovation and restoration of the temple. The religious and historical significance of the temple is reflected by inscriptions and records that survived over the years.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a living legacy that flawlessly combines spirituality, history, and architectural magnificence. According to mythological stories and legends, the temple is associated with Lord Rama. Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshman and loyal devotee Hanuman, travelled to Rameswaram on their way to Lanka to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to seek his blessings and guidance before starting the epic battle against Ravana. Lord Rama is believed to have established a lingam of Lord Shiva at this location.
How to Reach?
Rameswaram known as the "Varanasi of the South" is a popular religious destination that is well connected with all the major cities of the country through roadways, railways and airways.
• By Airways : Madurai International Airport in Tamil Nadu is the nearest airport for reaching Rameswaram. The distance from Madurai to Rameswaram is around 163 kilometres. Chennai International Airport is also an alternative option for visitors.
• By Railways : Rameswaram Railway Station is a major railway station. Regular train services are available frequently from many cities. Mandapam station which is just 2 kilometres from the temple, brings travellers from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur, Palakkad and Bengaluru.
• By Roadways : Rameswaram has well-constructed roads that connect with major highways. After reaching the city, one can hire a taxi or local transport to reach the required destination. People coming from northern parts of the country can travel through buses, cars or rented taxis. Regular bus services make the journey easy and convenient.
Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram
Visiting the sacred location of Rameshwaram gives a blissful experience to the travellers and one should visit this beautiful location between October to April. The town experiences a tropical climate making it a location that can be visited throughout the year. The seasons here are quite pleasant to enjoy the beaches and other sightseeing options.
The Dwarkadhish Temple is a complete combination of rich history, religious significance and architectural splendour, making it a must visit destination for pilgrimage tourism. The Dwarkadhish Dham continues to draw tourists and pilgrims from all over the world, making it a timeless symbol of faith and cultural heritage in India. The holy city of Dwarka is located in the state of Gujarat which is a part of West India. The city faces the Arabian Sea and is situated close to the Gulf of Kutch. The Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the Char Dham in India along with Badrinath, Rameshwaram and Puri Dham. Dwarka is also part of the 'Krishna Pilgrimage circuit' which includes the seven revered temples (Sapta Puri) in India.
The Dwarkadhish Temple is a renowned Hindu temple founded by Adi Shankaracharya and dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna is known by many names, one of the names is Dwarkadhish, literally meaning 'King of Dwarka'. The main temple structure is a compilation of five storey buildings which is supported by 72 pillars and is known by the name of Jagat Mandir. The temple dates back to the 16th century. The Dwarkadhish Temple attracts a large number of pilgrims every year during the festival of Janmashtami.
Important Information
Town - Dwarka
Coordinates - 22°14'47"N 68°58'00"E
Languages Spoken -, Hindi, Gujarati
Dwarka Temple Festivals - Krishna Janmashtami, Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, Diwali, Holi, Dussehra and others
Places to Visit Near Dwarka Temple - Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bet Dwarka, Dwarka Beach, Rukmini Devi Temple, Dwarka Lighthouse
Religious Importance
The religious city, Dwarka is known by many names throughout its history such as 'Moksha Puri', 'Dwarkamai' and 'Dwarka Vati'. The city is also mentioned in the holy book of Mahabharata. According to tales, the people of Gujarat believe that this city was built after the historic Dwarka city, Kingdom of Krishna which submerged into the ocean after the Mahabharata war. Krishna started to live here after defeating his uncle Kansa at Mathura. The culture of Gujarat is highly associated with Lord Krishna's migration from Mathura to Dwarka. People from various places visit the temple to attain peace and get rid of their sins. During the pilgrimage tour, tourists can also visit the beaches, sacred rivers and other sightseeing locations.
How to Reach?
Reaching the glorious city of Dwarka is very accessible because of the well-established roadways, railways and airways.
• By Airways : The nearest airport to Dwarka city of Gujarat is Jamnagar Airport, which is approximately 145 kilometres away. After reaching, tourists can hire taxis or take local bus facilities to reach Dwarka city. People coming from abroad have to connect through international airports like Delhi and Mumbai. Regular flights run from major cities to Jamnagar on a frequent basis.
• By Railways : Dwarka city of Gujarat is well connected by rail and the Dwarka railway station is the closest railway station of the city. Regular train services are available frequently from many major cities including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and several others. Popular trains include the Saurashtra Mail, Porbandar Express, Okha Express and many other trains.
• By Roadways : Dwarka has a robust network of buses and cabs, making it accessible by road from various cities in Gujarat and neighbouring states. The Gujarat State Road Transport operates buses that connect to different cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Jamnagar. There are private bus operators too. Taxis, cabs and local transport are also convenient options for those seeking a more personalised and direct mode of transportation.
Best Time to Visit Dwarka
The time of October to March is the perfect time to visit this pilgrimage centre due to the pleasant weather. Every year, a huge number of devotees visit this religious destination to offer their prayers and seek devotion. It is advised not to visit during summer as the temperature is unbearable.
Badrinath, Uttarakhand (North India)
Badrinath is a magnificent location in North India where divinity meets the serenity of mother nature. Badrinath temple was established and built between the ninth and sixteenth centuries and is situated at a height of 3,133 metres. The Badrinath Temple is the last of the Bada 4 Chardham pilgrimage sites that is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Badrinath is also the source of the Alaknanda River. Adi Shankaracharya established the Char Dhams in four different directions of the country which include Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka and Rameshwaram and widely spread the culture of Hinduism among people.
Over several years, the temple has undergone several renovations and restorations yet holds a huge significance for being the home to the Badri avatar of Lord Vishnu. Badrinath is also one of the four locations of 'Chota Char Dham Yatra'. The idol inside the shrine is a 3.3 feet tall black stone statue representing Lord Vishnu in a meditative pose. The Badrinath Dham is also home to several other deities like Narshimha, Kuber, Garuda and many other small shrines.
Important Information
Town - Badrinath
Coordinates - 30.744°N 79.493°E
Geographical area - 3 km2 (1 sq mi)
Languages Spoken - English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Marccha, Garhwali
Rameshwaram Temple Festivals Badrikeshwar or Badri-Kedar festival, Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Mata Murti festival, Gauchar Mela, Makar Sankranti, Diwali and others
Places to Visit Near Rameshwaram Temple Tapt Kund, Vasudhara Falls, Narad Kund, Valley of Flowers, Alkapuri Glacier, Hemkund Sahib, Timmersain Mahadev
Religious Importance
As per Hindu beliefs, visiting the sacred location of Badrinath will help attain salvation, also referred to as Moksha. People travel from far off destinations by trekking or helicopter services to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Vishnu.
There are numerous tales and stories that surround the sacred site of Badrinath and each of the tales enhances the site's glory. References to Badrinath Temple are mentioned in the Hindu scriptures like Vishnu Purana, Mahabharata, Skanda Purana and several other religious books. Some stories tell that the construction of the temple is related to King Pururava while other modern references relate to Adi Shankaracharya. According to some other folktales, the statue inside the shrine symbolises spiritual enlightenment that is associated with Lord Vishnu meditating under the Badri tree in the Himalayas. Another popular story associated with the location states that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati both meditated here for several years.
How to Reach Badrinath Temple?
Badrinath is the abode of Lord Vishnu and is well connected with all the major cities via roadways, railways and airways.
• By Airways : Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the closest airport to Badrinath Temple and is at a distance of approximately 310 kilometres. The airport is connected to major cities of the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore and many others. After reaching Dehradun, opt for rented cabs or take a bus to reach the sacred location.
• By Railways : Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Badrinath as it is around 295 kilometres from the temple and other direct trains run from Haridwar too. Tourists after reaching can take buses or hire taxis to reach the Badrinath Dham within 9-10 hours.
• By Roadways : Badrinath is well connected to the motorable roads of Uttarakhand. People can hire a cab or take buses from cities like Haridwar, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Rishikesh and Delhi to reach Badrinath Dham via NH7. Hikers and pilgrims also do trek to reach the holy abode of Lord Vishnu.
Best Time to Visit Badrinath
The sacred land of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath experiences cold climates almost throughout the year, yet the peak season to visit this place is between the months of May to June and September to October. Summer is said to be the ideal time to visit this place. Badrinath experiences heavy snowfall during winter so it is advised to visit the pilgrimage centre in early winter to witness the idol of Lord Vishnu.
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