Chardham Yatra: A Mystic Journey to The Path of Moksha
Chardhams perched in the high altitudes of Uttarakhand pulls pilgrims from different corners of the nation. The yearnings for sin ablution, for union with God, for a retreat into a world of spirituality away from the chaos of mortal world are the major things that make them undertake such a difficult journey up there. Know more in details about this unique journey to the path of ‘moksha’.
No one knows why the four holiest of pilgrimage places for Hindus are located in Uttarakhand and that too within close proximity to each other. Perhaps the Gods like to stick close to each other. Perhaps the Himalayas are closer to heavens and remote from human dwellings. Perhaps the air is purer and the Sun shines brighter. Whatever the reason there is a mystic enchantment to the four holy places of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, the land of Gods. Yamunotri is associated with Goddess Yamuna; Gangotri with Goddess Ganga; Badrinath with Lord Vishnu and Kedarnath with Lord Shiva. Every Hindu believes it is his sacred duty to go on a char dham yatra once in his life time and bathe in the Ganges to wash away his sins and doing both means he is set on the path of “Moksha” or liberation from the eternal cycle of birth and death.
Chardham of Uttarakhand
When you go off on a vacation to Goa, to Shimla, to Manali or to Ooty, it is all about having fun, enjoying a smooth travel experience and coming away refreshed. Undergo hardships on a vacation? Perish the thought. That would not make it a vacation. This is why most resorts and vacation paradises are so easy to approach and so enjoyable.
Gods, however, do not make it easy for humans to attain Moksha. If the sages attained wisdom it was only through years of penance and meditation undertaken in cold, harsh, forbidding environments. There are innumerable legends of human beings who sought a boon from Vishnu, Shiva and other Gods but never got it the easy way. Even in our everyday life we can see that success comes only to those who work hard and with commitment after which they enjoy material benefits. So why should it be different for spiritual gains? You have to work hard for it, ordained the Gods.
If the arrival at Yamunotri and taking part in the Arti is a transcendental experience, it is achieved only after you cross hard, rocky terrain on foot over a distance of 13 km from Hanuman Chatti after undergoing hours of uncomfortable travel. There is something liberating, spiritually, in having undergone physical discomfort to experience spiritual joy. Bathing in the Yamuna frees a devotee from the cycle of death.
Gangotri is no less important for Hindus. This is where you will find the temple of Goddess Ganga. Legend states that Ganga descended to Earth but knowing how devastating her force would be, Lord Shiva allowed her to land on his matted locks and split the river into five streams that later on joined in the Panch Prayags or confluences. Ganga stands for purity and bathing in the Bhagirathi (another name for Ganga) washes away sins. Here again you have to undergo trek on foot to reach the temple and it is by no means easy. Similarly the path to Kedarnath Temple is through a winding uphill rocky road in cold, inhospitable surroundings. You also have to walk and undergo hardship if you must reach Badrinath temple for the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
At the end there is a sense of peace, a certain pride of achievement, a feeling of fulfillment in having completed your sacred duty. However, as anyone who has trekked over the inhospitable terrain will say, it is the journey over the wild and rugged countryside that arouses the latent mysticism. The majestic splendor of the Himalayas, the winding valleys and the swirling waters of the rivers imbue in you a sense of awe at the creations of the Almighty. Words cannot describe it. Only those who have done it know it.
Author Bio:
This guest post is submitted by Devendra Singh. Devendra Singh is a traveller & blogger who loves traveling, rafting, mountaineering and making new friends. Currently working with NamasteIndiaTrip.com, a leading travel company that offers various tour packages for India and International.
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eweekendbreaks is a travel plateform where you can read about travel destination, travel tips, travel reviews and many more.