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Uttarakhand (उत्तराखंड), formerly known as Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the "Land of the Gods" Devbhoomi Uttarakhand (देवभूमि) due to the many holy Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers found throughout the state. Char Dham is referred to the four most holy Hindu pilgrimage of India nestled in Indian Himalayas of Uttarakhand state of India. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Sri Kedarnathji and Sri Badrinathji, collectively referred to as the Char Dham (four pilgrimage centers) of Hinduism, these four sites are the epicenter of religious activity in north India and important shrine for Hindus. These have been the most important Hindu pilgrimage centers which have been visited by devout Hindus for ages. Yamunatri, the source of the Yamuna river and seat of Goddess Yamuna; Gangotri, the source of the Ganges river and seat of Goddess Ganga; Kedarnath, where a form of the Hindu God Shiva is acclaimed as one of the twelve jyotirlinga and this is the highest of the 12 Jyotirlingas - where Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of light, it is the third of the four dhams and the holiest of all Hindu holy sites; and Badrinath, the seat of the Hindu God Vishnu. Experience the divinity and mysticism of these sacred shrines as we take you on a journey to 'Dev Bhoomi' (Abode of Gods), Uttarakhand.

Char Dham

The four most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Indian Himalayas

Traditionally, the Chardham yatra is undertaken from the west to the east. Thus, the yatra starts from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath. Moreover devotees also visit 'Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji' the pilgrimage site for the Sikhs, and are one of the highest located religious sites in the country. Thus, pilgrims visit all these places in aspiration of washing away their sins and to attain salvation by the blessings of the Lord and ensuring the release from the cycle of birth and death. The honor conferred on these places is not surprising. These are regarded as the most sacred of all Himalayan ranges. It is also said that heaven and earth converge in these holy spots, and to be born or die here is a boon only the very fortunate have. The Chardham must be visited from left to right -beginning with Yamunotri, going on to Gangotri, then Kedarnath and culminating the journey at Badrinath. This route follows the Hindu tradition of parikrama.