Chardham is an annual pilgrimage tour that starts in month of May and run till month of October. The Yatra by road begins from Haridwar or Dehradun and cover visit to 4 dhams and beautiful place lying enroute. The Chardham road trip become more beautiful with stops at famous places to enjoy the picturesque scenes and temples. You must have read about significance of all 4 temples and ways to reach. In this informative article of Chota Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand, get to know about famous places you must visit during Char Dham Yatra.
1. Haridwar
Famous spiritual city where Aarti at banks of River Ganga and temples are flourished to welcome pilgrims. Vaishno Devi Temple, Anandamayi Ashram, Chandi Devi temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Saptarshi Ghat are best attractions in Haridwar. Many pilgrims plan Chardham yatra from Haridwar and enjoy 10 days pilgrim tour.
2. Saptarishi Kund- Barkot
Saptarshi Kund in Barkot is a pilgrimage site located in the Uttarkashi district which holds immense religious importance for Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, Saptarshi Kund is the place where the seven great sages (Saptarshis) performed penance (Tapasya) and attained spiritual enlightenment. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering Himalayan peaks, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
It is a sacred stopover in Haridwar to Yamunotri where devotees’ prayers and seek blessings before continuing their yatra. The trek to Saptarshi Kund is moderate and offers a rejuvenating experience. It passes through dense forests, gurgling streams, and picturesque meadows. Many devotees perform rituals, offer prayers, and take holy dips in the kund’s pristine waters to cleanse sins. Barkot to Saptarshi Kund distance is very less where you can either trek to or hire local transport to reach the site. Yamunotri Temple, Janki Chatti, and Hanuman Chatti, are famous places in Yamunotri.
3. Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple- Guptkashi
Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple is in Guptkashi- an important place en route Chardham. It serves as a stopover for pilgrims on their way to the Kedarnath Temple. According to Hindu mythology, Ukhimath is the sacred place where Lord Kedarnath stayed during the winters while the Kedarnath Temple remained closed due to heavy snowfall. The main deity of the Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Omkareshwar. The temple is intricately carved and adorned with religious motifs that attract devotees from far and wide. Set amidst picturesque surroundings, it offers stunning views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks and lush green valleys. The tranquil ambiance adds to the spiritual experience of visitors.
The town comes alive during religious festivals such as Mahashivratri, when devotees throng the temple to participate in special prayers and rituals.
4. Triyuginarayan Temple
It is a sacred Hindu shrine known for its association with the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per Hindu mythology, at Triyuginarayan Temple Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. The eternal flame (Akhand Jyoti) burning in front of the temple is symbol of their wedding that makes it immense important for devotees. The temple’s architecture reflects traditional Garhwali style, with intricate carvings and a tranquil ambiance. The sanctum sanctorum houses the sacred deity of Lord Vishnu in the form of Narayana, alongside a silver idol of Goddess Parvati.
One of the main attractions of Triyuginarayan Temple is the eternal flame burning perpetually in front of the sanctum. This flame has been burning continuously since the time of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s wedding, symbolizing the eternal bond of marriage. Many pilgrims visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a blissful married life. Nearby attractions are the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, is a popular nearby attraction. Visitors can also explore other nearby temples and scenic spots, including Koteshwar Temple and Gaurikund.
Read More: Complete Travel Guide to Plan Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
5.Tungnath Temple
This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and nestled in the serene surroundings of Chopta in the Rudraprayag district. It is situated in the picturesque hill station of Chopta, which is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India” due to its breathtaking beauty and lush green meadows. At an altitude of approximately 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) above sea level, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Its lofty location offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Tungnath Temple is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, which comprises five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Here Lord Shiva’s arms appeared, making it one of the holiest sites for Shaivites. The temple’s architecture reflects traditional Himalayan style, with a simple yet elegant structure made of stone and wood. The sanctum sanctorum houses the sacred idol of Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam, alongside idols of other deities. Tungnath Temple is accessible via a moderate trek of approximately 3.5 kilometers from Chopta.
The trek passes through dense forests of rhododendron and oak trees, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and alpine meadows along the way. Thousands of devotees undertake the trek to Tungnath Temple every year to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience the spiritual ambiance of the Himalayas. Visit to Tungnath brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. Chopta serves as a base for trekking to other scenic spots in the region, including Chandrashila Peak, Deoria Tal, and Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary.
6. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
The Temple of Lord Shiv is near Rishikesh, lies in the picturesque Mandakini Valley, surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is the sacred place where Lord Shiva took the poison Halahala to save the world from destruction. His throat turned blue (Neelkanth), earning him the name Neelkanth Mahadev. The temple’s architecture reflects traditional North Indian style, with intricate carvings and a majestic facade.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the sacred Shiva Lingam, worshipped by devotees with great reverence. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple holds immense spiritual significance for devotees. Visit Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for health, prosperity, and spiritual fulfilment. The serene ambiance and natural beauty of the surroundings add to the temple’s spiritual aura. Tourists throng during Mahashivratri festival when special prayers and rituals are performed.
How to Visit all Places During Chardham Tour
Before booking Chardham Yatra tour package, you must list all the places you want to visit during the yatra. Create a custom Chardham travel itinerary. GMVN Chardham packages by the government has fixed travel route, but custom travel plan is always good. You can add stopovers with Chardham tour and travel agency. Call and discuss all your travel requirements for type of vehicle appropriate as per number of passengers and budget of yatra. For a Chardham group tour, you can Book Tempo Traveller in Haridwar and proceed to your journey.
