Chardham Yatra 2025: The Char Dham Yatra holds great importance in Hinduism, and it is set to begin on April 30, 2025, coinciding with the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. This pilgrimage includes four sacred sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
A common question arises: why does the Char Dham Yatra always start at the gates of Yamunotri? While it could theoretically start from any of the Dhams, there are both religious and geographical reasons for this tradition.
Devotees cleanse themselves of sins before proceeding to other Dhams
Mythology provides a rich context for understanding the significance of Yamunotri. It is revered as the origin of Mata Yamuna, the sister of Yamraj (the god of death), who is believed to bestow freedom from fear. According to legend, Yamraj visited his sister on Bhai Dooj and blessed her, declaring that anyone who bathes in her waters would have their sins washed away, freeing them from the fear of death and granting them salvation. Thus, it is considered auspicious for devotees to begin their Char Dham journey at Yamunotri to cleanse themselves of sins before proceeding to the other Dhams.
Religious Reasons for the Starting Point
From a religious standpoint, it is believed that undertaking a pilgrimage from west to east is auspicious. The clockwise journey, starting from Yamunotri, aligns with this belief. Devotees are encouraged to take a dip in the holy waters of Yamunotri before continuing their pilgrimage, ensuring a spiritually enriching experience.
Yamunotri is situated to the west of the other sacred sites
Geographically, Yamunotri is located to the west of the other sacred sites in the Char Dham Yatra. This natural location suggests that the journey should logically begin from Yamunotri before proceeding to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each of these Dhams holds its own significance, but starting from Yamunotri allows for a structured pilgrimage that respects both religious traditions and geographical realities.
The Char Dham Yatra begins at Yamunotri due to a combination of mythological significance, religious beliefs about the auspicious direction of travel, and geographical positioning. This tradition enhances the spiritual experience of the pilgrimage, making it a cherished journey for devotees.
Prakash Kumar Pandey