Do Dham Yatra is a popular pilgrimage tour in India that covers the Do Dham shrines of Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Do Dham shrines are considered some of the most sacred places in Hinduism and are visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The Do Dham Yatra is typically undertaken by devotees as a way to seek blessings, attain salvation, and purify their souls.
The Do Dham shrines are located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and are set amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Himalayan ranges. The shrines can be reached by road or by helicopter, with the road journey being a challenging but scenic drive through the mountains. The journey usually starts from the town of Haridwar or Rishikesh and covers a distance of approximately 800 to 900 kilometers (497 to 559 miles).
The Do Dham Yatra typically takes 5 to 7 days and can be done either as an individual pilgrimage or as part of a guided tour. The tour may include transportation, accommodation, and meals, along with visits to the Char Dham shrines, local temples, and other cultural and natural attractions. The cost of a Do Dham Yatra package can vary depending on the duration of the trip, the mode of transportation, and the type of accommodation. On average, a 5-day Do Dham Yatra package can cost anywhere from INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 per person.
Kedarnath Temple History
The Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit along with Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath.
According to Hindu mythology, the temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, as a penance for killing their cousins, the Kauravas, in the great battle of Kurukshetra. The temple is also believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, representing Lord Shiva in the form of a column of light.
Over the centuries, the temple has been destroyed and reconstructed several times due to natural calamities and political upheavals. The current temple structure was built in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya and is considered one of the most important examples of North Indian temple architecture.
Despite its remote location and harsh weather conditions, the Kedarnath Temple continues to attract thousands of pilgrims every year, who undertake the challenging trek to reach the shrine. The temple is open to visitors from April to November and is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The annual Kedarnath Yatra attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees, who come to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
History of Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath Temple is one of the most important shrines in Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit along with Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath.
According to Hindu mythology, the temple is believed to have been established by the Hindu sage Narada and was later re-discovered by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. The temple is also believed to be one of the eight sacred shrines, known as the Swayam Vyakta Kshetras, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The temple is set amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Himalayan ranges and is surrounded by the Neelkanth and Nar-Narayan peaks. The temple complex features several smaller shrines, a hot springs, and a Sabha Griha, where devotees can offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies.
The Badrinath Temple is open to visitors from April to November and is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The annual Char Dham Yatra attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees, who come to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. The temple is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and is revered by Hindus as a symbol of spirituality and devotion.
