Char Dham is a term used to refer to the four sacred pilgrimage sites in India. These four pilgrimage sites are located in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand state in northern India. The Char Dham sites are known as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Yamunotri: The first site in the Char Dham Yatra is Yamunotri, located at an altitude of 3,293 meters in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The Yamuna river, one of the holiest rivers in India, originates from the Yamunotri glacier. The Yamunotri temple, dedicated to goddess Yamuna, is the main attraction of the site.

Complete history of Yamunotri?

Yamunotri is a sacred Hindu town located in the Uttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River, one of the holiest rivers in India.

The history of Yamunotri is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Yamunotri is the place where the goddess Yamuna, daughter of the sun god Surya and sister of Yama, the god of death, made her first appearance on Earth. It is said that by taking a dip in the holy waters of Yamuna, one can wash away their sins and attain salvation.

The actual history of the town of Yamunotri dates back to the 19th century when it was established as a pilgrimage site. The current temple at Yamunotri was built in the 19th century by the Maratha ruler, Maharani Guleria of Jaipur. The temple is made of stone and has a black marble idol of the goddess Yamuna.

Over the years, Yamunotri has become an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, and thousands of devotees visit the town every year to take a dip in the holy waters and offer prayers at the temple. The town is located in a remote and mountainous region, and the journey to Yamunotri involves a trek of several kilometers through difficult terrain.

In recent years, the Uttarakhand government has taken steps to improve the infrastructure in Yamunotri and make it more accessible to visitors. This has included the construction of roads, guesthouses, and other facilities to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.

Despite the challenges of the journey, the natural beauty of the region and the spiritual significance of Yamunotri continue to draw visitors from all over India and beyond.

Gangotri: The second site in the Char Dham Yatra is Gangotri, located at an altitude of 3,048 meters in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The Ganges river, considered the holiest river in India, originates from the Gangotri glacier. The Gangotri temple, dedicated to goddess Ganga, is the main attraction of the site.

Complete History of Gangotri.

Gangotri is a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,100 meters. It is the origin of the holy river Ganges, which is considered one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism.

The history of Gangotri dates back to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath, an ancestor of Lord Rama, meditated and prayed to the Hindu god Lord Shiva for a thousand years to bring the holy river Ganges down to earth. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted his wish and the river Ganges flowed down from the heavens, passing through Lord Shiva's matted locks to reduce its force, and finally reaching the earth at Gangotri.

The Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is the most famous attraction in Gangotri. It is believed to have been built in the 18th century by the Gurkha general Amar Singh Thapa. The temple has undergone several renovations since then, and the present structure was built in the early 20th century.

During the British colonial period, Gangotri was part of the Garhwal Kingdom, which was later merged with the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. The town remained a small pilgrimage center until the mid-20th century, when it began to attract more visitors due to improved road connectivity.

In 1962, the Indian government started the construction of the Gangotri dam to harness the hydroelectric potential of the Bhagirathi River. The dam was completed in 1971, and today it is an important source of power for the region. However, the construction of the dam has also had a negative impact on the local environment, and has led to concerns about the impact on the flow and purity of the Ganges.

Today, Gangotri is a popular pilgrimage destination and a base for trekking and mountaineering expeditions to the surrounding Himalayan peaks. It is also known for its scenic beauty, with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and lush forests attracting tourists from all over the world. The town remains an important cultural and religious center, and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Kedarnath: The third site in the Char Dham Yatra is Kedarnath, located at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The Kedarnath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. The temple is located near the Mandakini river, which is considered holy by Hindus.

Complete history of Kedarnath.

Kedarnath is a town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The town is named after the famous Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism collectively known as Char Dham. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata.

The exact history of Kedarnath is not well documented, but it is believed that the temple was built in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya, a famous Hindu philosopher and theologian. The temple was later renovated and expanded by various rulers and devotees over the years.

In 2013, Kedarnath and the surrounding areas were severely affected by flash floods and landslides, causing extensive damage to the temple and the town. Thousands of people lost their lives, and the town was left in ruins. The government and various organizations carried out massive relief and rehabilitation efforts to restore the town and the temple.

Today, Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The temple is open to devotees from April to November, and the town offers various facilities and accommodations for visitors. The government and various organizations continue to work towards the development and preservation of the town and the temple.

Badrinath: The fourth and final site in the Char Dham Yatra is Badrinath, located at an altitude of 3,133 meters in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is located near the Alaknanda river, another holy river in India.

Complete History of Badrinath.

Badrinath is a sacred town situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the Himalayan region at an altitude of 3,415 meters above sea level. The town is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, which is a tributary of the Ganges River. Badrinath is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism and is a part of the famous Char Dham Yatra. Let's take a look at the history of Badrinath.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, meditated at this location for several years. It is believed that his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, protected him in the form of a Badri tree, hence the name Badrinath. The area surrounding the town was inhabited by local tribes known as the Jadhs. They were known for their worship of Lord Badri, and the town is said to have been established around the 9th century AD.

The present-day temple in Badrinath is said to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya, a great saint and philosopher in the 8th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. The temple was renovated by the kings of the Garhwal dynasty in the 17th century, and it is now a popular destination for pilgrims from all over India.

The town of Badrinath has seen many changes over the years. In the 19th century, it was part of the Kingdom of Tehri Garhwal, which was later annexed by the British. During the British rule, Badrinath became a popular tourist destination for British officials and was also featured in several travelogues.

In recent times, Badrinath has undergone significant development to accommodate the increasing number of tourists and pilgrims. The town now has many hotels, lodges, and restaurants that cater to visitors, as well as several shops selling souvenirs and religious items.

In addition to the temple, Badrinath is also known for its natural beauty. The town is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountains, and there are several hot springs and waterfalls in the area that attract visitors. The town is also a starting point for several treks and expeditions in the Himalayas.

In conclusion, Badrinath has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. It is a place of great significance in Hindu mythology and is revered by pilgrims from all over India. The town is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its natural beauty and scenic surroundings.


The Char Dham Yatra is considered one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus, and millions of devotees from all over the world visit these sites every year. The yatra usually starts in April/May and ends in October/November, depending on the weather conditions in the region. It is believed that a visit to the Char Dham sites washes away all sins and helps the devotee attain salvation.