(THE CHARDHAM TEMPLES ARE OPENING ON 16MAY 2010)
Holy Himalayas up in the misty heights of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas that adorn the magnificent state of Uttaranchal, awaits a rejuvenating spiritual
experience for the devout.
Nestling in the lofty peaks are the four most holy pilgrimages of India -Yamunotri, Gangotri, Sri Kedarnathji and Sri Badrinathji, collectively referred to as the Char Dham ( or four
pilgrimage centres) of Hinduism. For centuries, saints and pilgrims, in their search for the divine, have walked these mystical vales known in ancient Hindu scriptures as 'Kedarkhand'
If the scriptures of HINDU RELIGION are to be believed, the holy centres of Gangotri, Yamunotri,Badrinath and Kedarnath - collectively called theChardham (meaning four sacred spots) -
are the mostsacred of all pilgrimages. Undertaking a journey to these places will not just wash away one's sins but ensure release from the cycle of birth and death. THE honour
conferred on these places is not surprising.
For one, they are all in the icy Garhwal ranges and regarded as the most sacred of all Himalayan ranges. It is also said that heaven and earth converge in these holy spots, and to be
born or die here is a boon only the very fortunate have. The Chardham must be visited from left to right -beginning with Yamunotri, going on to Gangotri, Kedarnath and culminating the
journey at Badrinath.This route follows the Hindu tradition of parikrama or clockwise circumambulation.
|
