Char Dham Yatra : Death Of 11 Pilgrims
With nearly twice the number of pilgrims embarking on the Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand since it commenced on May 10, the state government has reported the death of 11 pilgrims in the first five days.
- The pilgrimage to Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath Dham commenced on May 10, while the doors to Badrinath Dham opened on May 12.
- Over 1.55 lakh pilgrims have already journeyed to Kedarnath, over 70,000 to Yamunotri, and over 63,000 to Gangotri. Within just three days, Badrinath Dham has welcomed over 45,000 pilgrims.
- The Chota Char Dham Yatra is a significant pilgrimage in India, particularly in the state of Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods. The term ‘Char Dham’ in Hindi translates to ‘four religious destinations’.
- This Yatra or pilgrimage is a tour of four holy sites nestled high up in the Himalayas.
- The pilgrimage sites are Yamunotri and Gangotri in Uttarkashi district, Kedarnath in Rudraprayag and Badrinath in Chamoli.
- While Kedarnath is the highest at around 11,700 ft, Gangotri is the lowest at around 10,200 ft.
- The Yamunotri temple is lodged in a narrow gorge close to the source of River Yamuna, the second-most sacred Indian river after River Ganga, in Uttarkashi district. It is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
- Gangotri: Located in the Uttarkashi district, Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the most sacred of all Indian rivers.
- Kedarnath: Located in the Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Badrinath: Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- The Yatra is believed to be completed in a clockwise direction, starting from Yamunotri, proceeding towards Gangotri, onto Kedarnath, and finally ending at Badrinath.
- The high-altitude shrines remain shut for around six months every year, opening in summers (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November).
- Some devotees even do a Do Dham Yatra or a pilgrimage to two shrines – Kedarnath and Badrinath.
