Chardhams of Uttarakhand are often referred to as Chota Chardhams which implies that it is but a replica of the greater Chardham circuit. All pious Hindus long to make a yatra of the Chardhams at least once in their lifetime. Not only from different corners of the nation but from different corners of the globe as well pilgrims make a trip to the Chardhams in the hope of attaining Moksha. Many find the greater Chardham yatra quite tedious and time-taking.
If you are unable to embark on the journey of the greater Chardham circuit, worry not. Even a pilgrimage trip to the Chota Chardhams will let you reap the same fruits; i.e. salvation and ablution of mortal sins. This is because when you
travel to Uttarakhand Chardhams, you actually replicate the pilgrimage trip of the Greater Chardhams. Uttarakhand with its Chardhams which consist of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in its circuit thus has rightly been given the metaphor of ‘Dev Bhoomi’. The four dhams of Uttarakhand are considered a source of immense spirituality and once you reach the Chardhams, it marks a major and indeed a real holy turning point of your life.
Now what are the 5 major reasons to travel to the Chardhams? Let’s see
1- Desire to wash away mortal sins:
We all commit hundreds of sins knowingly or unknowingly and all want to be free from the sins we commit in this mortal world so that we can die peacefully and in a painless manner when death ultimately comes to us. Also, we all wish to have respite from the cycle of birth and rebirth. All these desires take us to the Chardhams where according to common belief God Himself resides. Going there we can have a union with God and thus get respite from all our sins, worries and sorrows. This particular belief actually draws us to the Chardhams. Hindus believe that after receiving the blessings of God and taking the holy dip, all their above wishes will be fulfilled.
2- Scenic Beauty:
If you are a nature lover, the journey to Chardhams would really be enjoyable for you. Nature comes in its sublime and pristine form and with awe-inspiring magnificence. The panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas, the crystal clear blue sky, the cool breeze, gurgling streams, a wide variety of flora and fauna would indeed delight you and keep your camera busy.
3- Passion for Adventure:
The course to Chardhams is rugged enough and if you love adventure, then you would quite enjoy this trek along the rugged terrain. Tour operators may arrange kayaking, river rafting, rock climbing, and other such adventurous activities for you on special request during your Chardham trip. It’s because Chardhams with its rugged peaks, steep slopes, and forceful river courses have ample scope for thrilling adventures.
4- Desire to Visit Other Near-by Tourist Places:
The pilgrimage trip to Chardhams gives you many additional treats. You can visit many nearby tourist attractions in the course of the journey such as Harsil, Chopta, Valley of Flowers etc.
5- Fascination for Uttarakhand Cuisine:
Chardhams is the Abode of Gods and the environs out there are replete with deep spirituality. If you are a food lover and a pious Hindu all at the same time, still you can have enough at the Chardhams because Uttarakhand cuisine is quite famous nationwide for its unique taste that pampers all taste buds. Though non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited here, yet the vegetarian thalis and the typical Uttarakhand street foods sold in the restaurants would really satiate your taste buds.
So now you know why you should visit the Chardhams. What are you waiting for then? Plan your Chardham trip soon!
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