List of Char Dham Yatra Places in India with Names

Brief about the Chardham Yatra

To start with we will want you to know that there are two types of Chardham yatra. The first one is “Bada Chardham yatra“ and the second is the Chota Char Dham Yatra. Apart from Badrinath, all the other places or shrines that are included in the pilgrimages are different. And because these both are the two most important and revered Dham yatras; you must be aware of all the important things about it.

Bada Char Dham Yatra is known to be the most important holy pilgrimage with 4 temples in 4 different states of India. The temples are dotted in four directions and people have to do things according to the scriptures to get the fruit of their Yatra.

To help you with this, we have designed this blog which is loaded with information and knowledge about the places.

Significance of Chardham Yatra

There is no rocket science in this according to the Scriptures that we have in the Hindu religion, the Chardham yatra is known to be the most significant of all. It is said that those who are able to complete their pilgrimage, they attain salvation as this will wash away all their sins. And help them in attaining absolute peace of mind.

These are two important and most useful reasons why people should do this yatra once in their lifetime.

Take a look at the Char Dham Yatra in India List with Places and Names

Bada Char Dham Yatra Places and Names

Before knowing anything else, you should be aware of the 4 Dham that come under bada Char Dham. So have a look at the table below:

Name of Char Dhams	Locations of Char Dhams
Badrinath Temple	Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Dwarkadhish Temple	Rajkot, Gujarat
Jagannath Temple	Puri, Odisha
Rameshwaram	Ramanthapuram, Tamil Nadu

More information about Chardham Yatra destinations

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath is located in Uttarakhand and is one of the pious temples of Bada Chardham. It is also a true picture where the divine personality of Godhead meets the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.

Legends

There are multiple legends that are connected to Badrinath Temple and people speak of them differently. So, here we have a few legends that are often spoken by the locals more than any other.

Note: Nobody is still sure which amongst these legends are true and hence we are also clueless about it.

Legend of Badri ka Ashram or Badrikaashram

One of the prominent legends that are spoken about Badrinath Temple speaks of it as “Badri ka Ashram.” In this people say that, once Lord Vishnu atoned rigorously at this very place. He was so much lost in his atonement that he became unaware of the adverse climatic conditions.

So to protect the lord and her beloved husband; Goddess Laxmi turned herself into the Badri Tree. And that is how the legend of Badrikaashram was born. Looking and being happy with her devotion, Lord Vishnu made this ashram which then turned into a legendary and important Temple.

Legend of Narayan’s Meditation

There is another legend tailing to the temple’s establishment which says that once Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were performing tapasya at Badrinath. At that very moment, Lord Vishnu in disguise of a young child came to the place and started crying loudly. Upon being asked by Parvati, the child replied that he wanted to meditate at this place.

Lord Shiva and Parvati discovered that the child was none other than Lord Vishnu (Narayan) and so, respecting him they left the place and moved to Kedarnath.

Route to Heaven

It is also believed that Badrinath is the route to heaven. It was right from this place that Pandavas and Draupadi were able to go to the swarglok.

Legend of Nar and Narayan

Another legend that speaks about this temple says that Nar and Narayan, the two sons of Dharma, were looking for a place for their hermitage. A place from where both of them would be able to spread their religious and spiritual teachings. So, they came here to find an apt base in the Himalayas. It wasn’t difficult for them to sight the four of Panch Badri, namely Yog Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Dhyan Badri, and Bridha Badri.

They were also overjoyed to see a place that was blessed with hot and cold springs behind Alaknanda River. Looking and experiencing all of these things, they named the place as Vishal Badri and that’s how the place got its name as Badrinath.

Legend of Alaknanda River’s origin

There is another legend that speaks for the place and that a lot of people believe in. It is said that when the holy river Ganga was granted the request to descend to the earth and wash away the sins of humanity, the goddess downpour with her wrath and it is said that it was so intense that it could have submerged the entire planet in its water.

It was then when Lord Shiva bore her in his tresses and divided the river in 12 sacred rivers. One of them, River Alaknanda flows past the Badrinath Temple making it holier.

Why Visit the temple

You should visit Badrinath Ji Temple once in your lifetime because it is one of the most pious and revered temples of the world.
It helps people in the attainment of moksha or salvation by washing away all the sins of the pilgrim.
The beauty of Joshimath and the surrounding of the temple is simply inexplicable.
To offer your prayers to the lord.

Opening and Closing Dates of Badrinath temple

The kapat, kewad, or doors of Shri Badrinath Temple were opened on 8th May 2023 at around 6:15 am for the pilgrims.

The closing date of Shri Badrinath Temple for pilgrims usually remains during the third week of November. Currently the tentative closing date of Badrinath doors is on 20th November 2023.

Timings of Badrinath Temple: 4 am to 10 pm (Remains Closed between 2 pm to 3 pm)

Note: The opening date of the temple is finalised on Basant Panchmi. And the closing date is finalised on the Vijay Dushmi or Dussehra.

Additional Information for Pilgrims

The temple of Shri Badrinath remains closed for approximately 6 months.
During this time the pilgrims visit the Narasimha Temple in Joshimath to offer their prayers to Lord Badri.
There are helicopter services that can be taken from Dehradun itself. It is one of the quickest ways to complete your visit to Badrinath.

Suggestive Route

Your city- Rishikesh- Srinagar (via Devprayag)- Rudraprayag- Karnaprayag- Chamoli- Joshimath- Badrinath

Shree Dwarkadhish Temple

The next Dham in Bada Chardham is Dwarkadhish which is popularly and commonly known as Dwarka. Located in Rajkot Gujarat, this is the ruling place of Lord Krishna- the ultimate god. The temple is beautifully located between the Ocean and the town.

Darshan Timings at Dwarkadhish Temple

Darshan	Timings
Mangla Aarti	8 am to 8:30 am
Shringar	10:30 am to 11 am
Rajbhog aarti	12 pm to 1 pm
Uthappan	4 pm to 4:30 pm
Sandhya Aarti	5:30 pm to 6 pm
Shayan Aarti	7 pm to 8 pm

Note: On multiple festivals like Krishna Chathurthi or Janmashtami the timings and duration might differ.

Mythology of Dwarka

The literal meaning of Dwarkadhish is the “Gate of Liberation.” According to the mythology or legend of Dwarka, Lord Krishna shifted his ruling capital from Mathura to Dwarka due to the repeated attacks of Jarasandha. This was done to avenge his son in law (Kansa’s Death.) Lord Krishna shifted to Dwarka after the 18th attempt made by Jarasandha. He took his entire Yadav’s dynasty to the new capital which was Dwarka.

It was Garuda who chose Dwarka as the new capital of Lord Krishna and the Yadava Dynasty. And when lord reached Dwarka he besieged Vishwakarma to help in building the new capital. But then to build the city and capital, Samudradev had to spare some land. Krishna then offered his prayers to the god in return of which he was blessed with 12 Yojana of land that equals 773 sq. km.

Why Visit the temple

To enjoy the beauty of this place.
Visit and offer your prayers to Lord Krishna.

Opening and Closing Dates of the temple:

The temple opens between 6 am and 1 pm & 5 pm and 9:30 pm. The temple remains open throughout the year.

Nearby Attractions

Kaba Gandhi No Delo
Aji Dam
Rashtriya Shala
Shri Ramakrishna Ashram
Watson Museum
Dwarkadhish Jagat Temple

Best time to visit the temple

Though the temple is open for pilgrims throughout the year, the best time to visit here is during winter which is between October and February.

Jagannath Temple

The next temple that’s a part of Bada Dham is in the Eastern state of Odisha. This is a very pious and revered temple, just like the others mentioned in the list. The entire temple is spread over 4300 sq ft.

Daily ritual and timings

Here are some quick facts on ritual and their timings so that if you wish to attend any of these, you can do that.

Ritual	Timings
Mangal Aratri	5:30 am
Day time Pahud	12:30 pm
Dwara Phita	3:30 pm
Evening Aarti	5:55 pm
Bada Sringar	8:30 pm
Sayan Aratri	9:00 pm

Legends of Jagannath Puri

There is an interesting story or history of Jagannath Puri Temple and we must say that it is highly fascinating. Initially, Lord Jagannath was secretly worshipped in the forest as Lord Neela Madhaba by Viswavasu. The king of that time named Indradyumna was a bit curious to know about this deity. So, he sent one of the highest authorities of Brahmin priests, Vidyapati, to find Viswavasu and the deity being worshipped.

But all the efforts of Vidyapati went in vain because he was unable to find both of them. In this process, Vidyapati fell in love with Viswavasu’s daughter, Lalita and then married her. After the marriage, Vidyapati requested his father-in-law to take him to the lord. It was then that Vidyapati took him to the cave blindfolded where he worshipped Lord Jagannath.

But the Brahaman dropped mustard seeds on the way which was then used by the king to reach the cave. But he reached there to find nothing but emptiness. But he was so determined to see the idol. The king heard a sudden voice where the king was ordered to construct a temple on Nilasaila. Obeying the voice, the king ordered his men to construct a temple that was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. After this, Lord Brahma was requested to consecrate the temple but it got buried under sand because the lord was under meditation for 9 years.

Later on, the king again constructed a magnificent temple that exists till date. Images of Lord Balabhadra, Jagannath, and Subhadra were made in the temple out of a divine wood.

Why Visit the temple

To witness the nature defying flag on the top of the temple. The flag is changed everyday and it flows in the opposite direction of the wind.
The temple has no shadow on the ground whatsoever. Isn’t that mind-boggling?
Even though the temple is located beside the sea- as soon as you enter the main temple, you will not hear a single thing.
The conduct of breeze also reverses in Jagannath Puri.

Opening and Closing Dates of Jagannath Temple

The temple opens at 5:30 am and closes 10 pm everyday

Best time to visit Jagannath Temple

The best time to visit Jagannath Temple is not in any month but during events or festivals. That’s when you get the best of everything and people get a lot of amusement. Here are a few festivals that are celebrated with a lot of zeal at the temple.

Festivals	When they are celebrated	What happens at the festivals
Puri Rath Yatra	It is celebrated in either June or July.	The idols of Balabhadra, Jagannath, and Subhadra are mounted on huge raths or chariots. The chariots are taken from Bada Danda to the Gundicha Temple.
Makar Sankranti	It is celebrated in the month of Pausa.	New and special dresses are made for the deities. Candy with boiled rice and fruit juices are offered to the lords.
Snana Yatra	The celebration takes place either in May or June.	The deities of the temple are taken for a procession to the revered Snana Bedi.
Dola Yatra	It takes place in Phalguna month according to the Hindu Calendar.	Special rituals are performed by the priests after the deities are taken to Dolavedi.
Chandan Yatra	It is a 21-day festival that is celebrated between April and May.	The deities are taken to the Narendra Tank where the boats are beautifully decorated and the deities with images of Lord Shiva are kept for worshipping.

Rameshwaram Temple

Rameshwaram is the 4th Temple in the Chardham Yatra and equally important as the other ones in the list. It is the abode of Lord Shri Ram and is the worshipping place of Lord Shiva.

Note: It is said that people should definitely visit Varanasi and Rameshwaram to complete their pilgrimage journey. And the same is written in the folklore of Ramayan. It is also said that people who visit Rameshwaram and do not visit Panchmukhi Hanuman temple; their pilgrimage won’t be successful. So make sure you do both the things written here.

History

There have been a lot of dynasties, rulers, and kings who have ruled over the city, including the British East India company. It is the Rameshwaram Temple that has made this town famous. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu both. First because the shiv ling was worshipped here by Lord Rama.

Rameswaram is believed to be the very place from which Ram started his journey to rescue his wife Sita. The Rama Setu is also known as Adam’s Bridge which is also known to be starting from here itself.

Why Visit the temple

You can witness the Rama Setu which is the bridge made by the monkey-Sena of Lord Rama.
You can also visit Dhanuskodi Town.
Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the place and surroundings.

Opening and Closing Dates of the temple

The temple remains open between 5 am and 1 pm and then 3 pm to 9 pm.
The temple remains closed between 1 pm and 3 pm.
You can visit here throughout the year.

Attractions near Rameshwaram Temple

Other attractions near the temple are:

Dhanushkodi Temple	Ram Tirtham
Lakshman Tirthan	Agni Tirtham
PanchMukhi Hanuman Temple	Jatayu Tirtham
Kaveri and Jada Tirtham	Ramanathaswamy Temple

Chota Char Dham Yatra Places and Names in Uttarakhand

Brief about Chota Chardham Yatra

The Chota Chardham is the pilgrimage that includes Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. And all of these dhams are in devbhoomi which is Uttarakhand. People visit these dhams to wash away their sins and feel the goodness of the temples.

So here are a few important things that you should know about the Chota Chardham as well!

Kedarnath Dham

One of the most important and pious dhams of Chota Chardham is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and is named Kedarnath. We have a few things you must know about it.

Important things to know about Kedarnath Dham

The trek to Kedarnath starts from Gaurikund. This is the place where Goddess Parvati (Gauri) meditated to marry Lord Shiva.
The total trek that a person has to do is approximately 14 km from Gaurikund.
The statue of Nandi is placed right in front of Lord Shiva’s shrine because the bull guards him.

Why Visit the temple

It is one of the most pious temples of Chota Chardham and an important pilgrimage destination in the world.
It is one of the Panch Kedars and probably the most popular and visited of them all too.
Kedarnath Temple is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India.
It is peaceful, beautiful, and rejuvenating to visit here.

Opening and Closing Dates of the Kedarnath Temple:

The date of opening Kedarnath Temple’s doors is calculated and declared by the priests of Omkareshwar Temple of Ukhimath according to the Hindu Panchang.
The opening date of Kedarnath temple is declared on Mahashivratri, the most auspicious day of Lord Shiva’s devotees.
The gates of this holy temple were opened on 6th May 2023 and the tentative timeline of the closing of this temple is in the third week of November 2023.

Timings of Kedarnath Temple

The temple remains open for approximately 6 months and the timing is between 4 am to 8:30 pm (remains closed between 4 pm and 5 pm).