The history of Char Dham Yatra in Hinduism is a significant aspect of the faith. The Yatra attracts millions of pilgrims annually, who undertake the journey to seek spiritual enlightenment and divine blessings. Each site has its unique story and significance. Discover the history and spiritual significance of the original Char Dham Yatra — Badrinath, Dwarkadhish, Jagannath Puri, and Ramanathaswamy, which are dedicated to different Gods and symbolize distinct spiritual aspects. A sacred journey across India’s four corners.
1. Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also known as Badrinarayan Temple, located in the Chamoli district. Legends say Vishnu meditated here under a Badri tree, while Goddess Lakshmi protected him from the harsh Sun by assuming the form of a Badri Tree. It was re-established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, and the temple stands as a symbol of devotion and enlightenment. The Badrinath Temple is built in traditional Garhwali style, with a striking bright facade and a conical-shaped roof. The black stone idol of Lord Badrinarayan, seated in a meditative posture, is a rare depiction and draws spiritual seekers from all over the world.
Nearby attractions include Tapt Kund (a hot spring), Mana Village (India’s last village near the Tibet border), and Vyas Gufa (associated with the Mahabharata). The temple opens annually in May and closes at the end of October or early November. Preferred time to visit is September to October to avoid heat and heavy rain.
How to Reach
- By Road: Badrinath is reached through a scenic drive from Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath. Daily buses and taxis run from Haridwar and Rishikesh (about 300 km away).
- By Train: The closest railway station is at Rishikesh (about 295 km), which is well connected with major cities.
- By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 310 km). Helicopter services to Phata or Govindghat are also available during peak season.
2. Dwarkadhish, Gujarat
The Dwarkadhish Temple, or Jagat Mandir, is one of the four holy Char Dham pilgrimages along the coast of Gomti. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is revered here as the King of Dwarka, the temple dates back more than 2,500 years, with the existing structure coming into being in the 16th century. It is said by legend that the first city of Dwarka was constructed by Krishna himself and subsequently covered by the sea.
The temple’s gleaming five-story spire, ornate carvings, and 56-pillared hall are icons of eternity and architectural perfection. Dwarka is road-connected with major Gujarat cities. You can drive or use buses from Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad. Dwarka is the closest railway station. By Flight, the closest airport is Jamnagar Airport (JGA), which is 130 km away. From the airport, taxi and bus services are accessible to Dwarka.
How to Reach
- By Road: Dwarka is well-connected via NH-51 to Jamnagar (130 km), Rajkot (220 km), and Ahmedabad (450 km).
- By Train: Dwarka Railway Station (DWK) is connected to major cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Varanasi.
- By Air: The closest airport is Jamnagar Airport (JGA), approximately 130 km. Taxis and buses can be used to get to Dwarka.
3. Jagannath Puri, Odisha
Jagannath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra, located in the coastal town of Puri in Odisha. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath — a unique and tribal-inspired form of Lord Krishna — the temple is revered for its deep spiritual power and centuries-old rituals. The temple was constructed during the 12th century by the ruler Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
With time, it became not only a Vaishnavite centre but also a symbol of unity, drawing millions of devotees from different walks of life. One of the most enduring images of the temple is the Rath Yatra, a yearly chariot festival where Lord Jagannath and his elder brother Shri Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra are mounted on huge wooden chariots and pulled through the streets by devotees — a grand spectacle of devotion and community spirit.
The architecture of this temple in Kalinga style is a brilliant one. It is about 65 meters high spire of which the deity is made of wood and is ritually replaced every 12 to 19 years, at Nabakalebara ritual. Numerous festivals are celebrated here, like Snana Yatra, Netrotsava, Ratha Yatra (car festival), Sayan Ekadasi, Chitalagi Amabasya, Srikrushna Janma, Dussehra, etc. The most important festival is the world-famous Rath Yatra (Car Festival) & Bahuda Yatra. A large crowd is gathered to witness Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath during this festival.
How to Reach
- By Road: Well-connected by NH-316 to Bhubaneswar (60 km) and Cuttack.
- By Train: Puri Railway Station has direct trains from major Indian cities.
- By Air: Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport (60 km); taxis and buses are easily available.
4. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
Ramanathaswamy is one of the most sacred destination, situated in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. The Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, makes Rameswaram both a Jyotirlinga shrine as well as a highly sacred pilgrimage for Shaivites and Vaishnavites. As per the Ramayana, Lord Rama, having defeated Ravana, prayed to Lord Shiva here to purify himself of the sin of having slain a Brahmin. He had asked Hanuman to fetch a Shiva lingam from the Himalayas, but as it was not on time, Lord Rama requested his wife, Sita to prepare a lingam using sand. Sita’s sand lingam, known as Ramalingam, and the one Hanuman fetched, known as Vishwalingam, both are there in the temple even today.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is famous for having long, massive corridors that are among the longest in Asia, and more than 1,200 sculpted pillars. The temple also boasts 22 holy wells (theerthams) inside its complex, each containing water said to have special healing effects. Pilgrims perform a ritual bath before making their prayers. Rameswaram is also near Dhanushkodi, said to be the beginning of Ram Setu, the divine bridge constructed to access Lanka.
How to Reach
- By Road: Well-connected by road to Madurai (170 km), Tiruchirapalli, and Chennai via state and national highways.
- By Train: Rameswaram Railway Station (RMM) has trains from Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore on a daily basis.
- By Air: The closest airport is Madurai Airport (IXM), which is around 170 km away. Taxis and buses can be used to get to the temple.