In the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi or the Land of the Gods. Surrounded by the serene heights of the mountains, the holiest shrines of India such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are located here and known as Char Dham. Each year, millions of devotees and tourists gather at these places in the summer months to get a glimpse of the deities. However, when winter approaches these lands, it gets covered by heavy snow and makes it inaccessible for everyone. The temple doors also become closed, and it is believed that the deities decide to reside in the lower regions of the mountains, known as the “Winter Char Dham.”
This wintertime tour is extremely popular among devotees and tourists. At Ojas Travel, you can find the most comfortable and finely tailored Char Dham tours. The meticulously crafted itinerary of the tours will make a smooth journey, and you can bring home a basket full of memories. Let’s delve into more information about the Winter char dham yatra.
Ukhimath
Situated in the Rudraprayag district, Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar Temple is the winter residence of Lord Kedarnath (Lord Shiva). A peaceful destination for those seeking spirituality and tranquility amid the lower sect of the Himalayas. Each year, the holy symbol of Lord Kedarnath is carried to this temple, and the deity is worshipped for 6 months until the winter land of Kedarnath temple doors open again.
Surrounded by the beautiful snow peaks of the Himalayas, with the mountains of Neelkantha and Kedarnath visible from the site, Ukhimath is an ideal place for the seekers of spirituality and the lovers of nature. This winter abode of Lord Kedarnath is also famous for the revered temples of other Hindu deities such as Devi Parvati, Lord Aniruddha, Lord Shiva, Devi Usha and many more.
Pandukeshwar
According to the local legend, the Pandava brothers are named Pandukeshwar (famous characters from the Hindu epic Mahabharata). The brother prayed to Vasudeva (Lord Shiva) as the Udhava Idol, which is the symbol of Lord Badrinath. Since then, the deity here is worshipped in the winter months. This place is also famous as Yogdhayan Badri. The place is very accessible as it’s located in the centre of Badrinath and Joshimath. Devotees and visitors of Badrinath visit this wonderful location to worship the two temples here.
Kharsali
Kharsali, Uttarakhand, is known as Khushimath. This tranquil hamlet offers the best of winter travel. Kharsali is the abode of the deity Yamuna in the cold months. During winter season, this place becomes the residence of the goddess, as Yamunotri becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. There are many charms of Kharsali, like a deep forest of conifer and oak, beautiful meadows, thermal springs and many more. The temple of the goddess is made of unique materials like lentils, wood and stone. If you are looking for adventure and thrill, spend a night at this place just to admire the twinkling stars. This is one of the many reasons Kharsali is one of the top camping spots in India.
Mukhwa
The goddess Yamuna resides in Kharsali in the winter months, but the Goddess Gangotri settles in Mukhba Temple, Uttarakhand. This is a small picturesque village located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River near Harsil. Due to snowfall in the main Gangotri temple area, the place became inaccessible. This is the reason the deity Gangotri is moved to this lower region of Himalaya to the Mulhba village. According to the local legend, Chaman Rishi conducted Ashwamedha Yagna with Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers, characters of the Hindu epic Mahabharata) in this place.
This quaint hamlet has two temples of Ganga, one is made in modern style with marble and concrete and the other one is made of brass and deodar.
Other than the temples, Mukhba has many attractions like the snow-capped mountains of Jaonli, Shrikanth, Hindyani, and Sumeru, beautiful valleys, and deep pine forests. The valley of the hamlet is one of the most picturesque ones in the entire region. The serenity of this place can make anyone turn to spirituality.
The winter Char Dham circuit is not only for pilgrims or spirituality seekers, it’s for everyone who has been touched by wanderlust. Also, when you travel with Ojas Travel, your tour becomes the best memorable ones. The journeys made with this best travel agency in India are unparalleled because only Ojas Travel offers the premium experience and itineraries that can make this Winter Char Dham a perfect tour. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today!
