CHAR DHAMS

GANGOTRI

“At Gangotri…I can never forget those excursions which brought me new vigour and cheerfulness, great peace of mind and noble fancies.” (Swami Tapovanam)

Ganga, perhaps the most celebrated river on earth begins at Gangotri which literally means Ganga Uttari or Ganga descending. It marks the legendary source and at this spot, is named Bhagirathi, after King Bhagiratha, who is credited to have brought her to earth, following severe penance. The Shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level amidst beautiful surroundings along the right bank of Bhagirathi.

YAMUNOTRI

“The way to Yamunotri is delightfully lovely…If there is a road to Nandanam Gardens it must be like this.” (Swami Tapovanam)

Yamunotri,the source of the Yamuna, lies at an altitude of 3235 mts above sea level. The actual source is a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champasar glacier) located about 1 km further up. It is not frequented generally, being rather inaccessible and hence the shrine is located on the foot of the hill. The sacred shrine of Yamunotri, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas.

BADRINATH

“ As soon as a devotee’s eyes fall on the lovely Lord of Badrinath his or her heart sheds all sinful tendencies and feels great devotion and happiness.” (Swami Tapovanam)

Badrinath is one of the oldest places of worship dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated on the bank of Alakananda and between the two mountain peaks Nara and Narayana. The towering Neelkanth peak provides a stunning back-drop. 

There are references in the Vedas to Badrinath, but it was Sri Sankaracharya who re-enshrined the temple. Badrinath has strong ties to Kerala - the rawal who conducts the poojas is from Kerala and modes of worship too have similarities.

KEDARNATH

“ An all- pervading Divineness and Spirituality which declares the relationship between the place and the rishis and the Gods – in short, a landscape full of beauty, peace, and holiness.” (Swami Tapovanam)

The shrine of Kedarnath is one of the twelve ‘jyothilingas’ of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the temple was built by the Pandavas. In course of time Sri Sankaracharya renovated it and appointed priests.