There is an important Hindu pilgrimage circuit in the Indian Himalayas known as Chota Char Dham. Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region is home to the Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath shrine circuits. For the last two years, the yatra was conducted under strict Covid-19 guidelines. This year as slowly the restrictions in the country are lifting up, Uttarakhand announced the opening dates of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath shrines.
Yamunotri Temple
The Yamunotri shrine, the source of the river Yamuna, is located on a ridge in the Garhwal Himalayas, on the flank of Bandar Poonch Parvat. Located 7 kilometres from Yamunotri are the holy thermal springs of Janki Chatti, which is devoted to the goddess Yamuna. The temple is set to open on 3rd May 2022.
Gangotri Temple
Gangotri is also the source of the Ganges river and the abode of the goddess Ganga. When pilgrims undertake the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage, Gangotri is often visited after Yamunotri (located in western Garhwal Hills). Traditionally, Uttarkashi is the base camp for pilgrims engaged in this pilgrimage. The temple is set to open on 3rd May 2022.
Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Near the Mandakini river in Uttarakhand, India, the temple is surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayan range. The temple only opens to the general public between April and November due to severe weather conditions. The temple is set to open on 7th May 2022.
Badrinath Temple
Located in the town of Badrinath, Uttarakhand, India, the Badrinarayana Temple is a temple dedicated to Vishnu. Additionally, the temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, The temple is set to open on 8th May 2022.
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