All About It

• Difficulty - Moderate
• Best Season - May June September October

Do Dham Yatra includes the divine darshan of Kedarnath temple and Badrinath temple. Both
Kedarnath and Badrinath are located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. You can plan
the Dodham yatra from, Haridwar, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun which is the nearest
airport, or can start from Haridwar and Rishikesh which are the closest railway stations. Do
Dham yatra with Tungnath generally completed in 6 – 7 days, Kedarnath Dham is believed to be
one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains Lord Shiva disguised
himself as a bull to avoid the Pandavas who wished to pray to him for absolution from the guilt
of killing the Kauravas, their blood relatives. On being detected by the Pandavas, Lord Shiva
plunged into the ground and only the hump of his bull body remained outside. According to
Hindu mythology, the Pandavas built a temple on this site, which later became the sacred
Kedarnath temple. Home to the sacred meditation shrine of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath Dham is
located between the majestic Narayan and Nar mountain ranges. It is one of the country’s most
revered pilgrimage sites and makes for the final leg of the Do Dham Yatra. Featuring
picturesque landscapes and an idyllic atmosphere, the place is a paradise for devotees, nature
lovers, and adventure enthusiasts. Tungnath is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world
and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples located in the Rudraprayag district, in the
Indian state of Uttarakhand.

Highlights

Kedarnath and Badrinath are two of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, each with its own unique significance and attractions. Here are the highlights of each:

Kedarnath Highlights

1. Kedarnath Temple:

   • Ancient Shiva Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and is the most prominent of the Panch Kedar temples.
   • Spiritual Significance: It is believed to have been established by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata to seek forgiveness for their sins during the Kurukshetra war.
   • Architecture: The temple’s stone construction is resilient, standing strong even in the face of natural calamities, including the devastating 2013 floods.

2. Breathtaking Scenery:

   • Surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas: The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including Kedarnath and Kedarnath Dome.
   • Mandakini River: The temple stands near the origin of the Mandakini River, adding to the serene and sacred atmosphere.

3. Trekking Experience:

   • The Kedarnath Trek: The 16-18 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is challenging but rewarding, passing through picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and small villages.
   • Helicopter Rides: For those unable to trek, helicopter services are available, offering an aerial view of the stunning surroundings.

4. Spiritual and Mythological Spots:

   • Gaurikund: The base for the trek, associated with Goddess Parvati, where she is said to have performed penance to win over Lord Shiva.
   • Shankaracharya Samadhi: The final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher who is believed to have established the temple.

Badrinath Highlights

1. Badrinath Temple:

   • Temple Dedicated to Lord Vishnu: It’s one of the Char Dham and one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines for Vaishnavites).
   • Colorful Architecture: The temple is adorned with a bright facade and intricate carvings, standing out against the backdrop of the Neelkanth peak.
   • Mata Murti Ka Mela: A festival celebrating the descent of the Ganges into the Earth is a major attraction.

2. Natural Beauty:

   • Situated on the Alaknanda River: The temple is located along the banks of the Alaknanda River, adding to its serene ambiance.
   • Neelkanth Peak: The snow-capped peak visible from the temple is often called the 'Garhwal Queen' for its majestic presence.
   • Tapt Kund: A natural hot water spring believed to have medicinal properties, where pilgrims take a dip before entering the temple.

3. Spiritual and Mythological Spots:

   • Charan Paduka: A rock believed to bear the footprints of Lord Vishnu.
   • Vasudhara Falls: Located near Badrinath, these falls are believed to be a cleansing force for those who have attained spiritual merit.
   • Mana Village: The last Indian village before the Tibet/China border, this village is rich in mythology and is believed to be the place where the Pandavas passed through to ascend to heaven.

4. Cultural and Historical Significance:

   • Brahma Kapal: A place on the banks of the Alaknanda where rituals for ancestors are performed.
   • Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa: Caves where it is believed that Sage Vyasa composed the Mahabharata, and Lord Ganesha wrote it down.

Who should attend?

Attending Kedarnath and Badrinath is a spiritually significant journey for many, particularly for Hindu devotees. Here’s a breakdown of who typically undertakes this pilgrimage:

1. Hindu Devotees

• Spiritual Seekers: These temples are among the most revered in Hinduism, especially for those following Shaivism (devotees of Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavism (devotees of Lord Vishnu).
• Pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra: Kedarnath and Badrinath are two of the four holy sites in the Char Dham Yatra, making them essential stops for those undertaking this sacred pilgrimage.

2. Cultural and Heritage Enthusiasts

• People Interested in Hindu Mythology: These sites are rich in stories and legends connected to ancient Hindu texts and mythology.
• Cultural Travelers: Those interested in India's rich heritage often visit to experience the traditional rituals, architecture, and the cultural significance of the temples.

3. Adventure Enthusiasts

• Trekking Enthusiasts: The route to Kedarnath involves a trek, offering an adventurous aspect to the pilgrimage. The rugged terrain and high-altitude paths appeal to those who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities.
• Nature Lovers: The journey to both temples passes through scenic landscapes, including the majestic Himalayas, rivers, and valleys, attracting nature enthusiasts.

4. Health and Wellness Seekers

• People Seeking Peace and Solitude: The serene environment and spiritual aura provide a perfect setting for meditation and introspection.
• Those Looking for a Digital Detox: Given the remote locations, these pilgrimages can be a way to disconnect from the modern world and find mental peace.

5. Senior Citizens and Families

• Elderly Devotees: Many elderly people undertake this pilgrimage as a fulfillment of lifelong spiritual aspirations.
• Families: It’s common for entire families to visit together, seeking blessings and experiencing the pilgrimage as a shared spiritual journey.

6. General Tourists

• Tourists Seeking Unique Experiences: Even non-religious tourists may visit for the sheer beauty of the location, the architecture of the temples, and the unique cultural experience.