What is Char Dham?
Char Dham (literally “four abodes”) refers to highly revered pilgrimage circuits in Hinduism. Two well-known circuits are the All India Char Dham, founded by Adi Shankaracharya and spread across the four corners of India, and the Chota Char Dham (smaller Char Dham), a Himalayan circuit in Uttarakhand. Visiting these sites is believed to help devotees attain spiritual merit and liberation (moksha).
All India Char Dham
The All India Char Dham was established by the revered philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya. It comprises four sacred sites in the four cardinal directions of India: Badrinath (North), Dwarka (West), Puri (East), and Rameswaram (South). Together they represent the unity of sacred geography across the country and the diversity of Hindu worship—Vishnu, Krishna/Jagannath, and Shiva—making the pilgrimage a journey across traditions as well as regions.
Badrinath (Uttarakhand) – North
Badrinath, in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badrinarayan. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams and is also the fourth stop in the Chota Char Dham (Uttarakhand) circuit. The temple sits on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is open only from April–May to October–November due to harsh winters. Pilgrims traditionally visit Badrinath after the other three dhams in the All India circuit.
Dwarka (Gujarat) – West
Dwarka, on the western coast of Gujarat, is associated with Lord Krishna, who is believed to have established his kingdom here. The Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir) is dedicated to Krishna as the “King of Dwarka.” The city is one of the Sapta Puri (seven sacred cities) and holds a central place in Vaishnava tradition. Pilgrims consider a visit to Dwarka essential for completing the All India Char Dham yatra.
Jagannath Temple, Puri (Odisha) – East
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Vishnu/Krishna), along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The temple is famous for the annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival), when the deities are taken out in grand processions. Puri is one of the Sapta Puri and one of the four dhams in the All India circuit. The temple’s kitchen is one of the largest in the world, serving thousands of devotees daily.
Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) – South
Rameswaram, on the southern tip of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is closely linked to the Ramayana: Lord Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva here before crossing to Lanka. The Ramanathaswamy Temple has long corridors and sacred water bodies (theerthams) where pilgrims bathe. Rameswaram is also one of the 108 Divya Desams and is the southern dham in the All India Char Dham circuit.
Chota Char Dham (Uttarakhand)
The Chota Char Dham (“small four abodes”) is a Himalayan pilgrimage circuit in the state of Uttarakhand. All four sites lie in the Garhwal region and are traditionally visited in the order: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. The circuit is usually undertaken between April–May and October–November, when the temples are open and the weather is manageable.
Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple lies at an altitude of about 3,293 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is the first dham in the Chota Char Dham circuit. The sacred thermal spring at Surya Kund and the Divya Shila (a rock pillar) are important spots for worship before entering the temple.
Gangotri
Gangotri is the source of the Ganga (Ganges) River and is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The temple is situated at approximately 3,100 metres in the Uttarkashi district. It is the second dham in the Chota Char Dham circuit. The actual origin of the river is at Gaumukh on the Gangotri Glacier; devotees often trek there for a fuller pilgrimage.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the highest of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is located at around 3,583 metres in the Rudraprayag district. The temple is the third dham in the Chota Char Dham circuit and is one of the most revered Shiva shrines. The present structure is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple remains closed in winter; the deity is worshipped at Ukhimath during that period.
Badrinath (Chota Char Dham)
Badrinath in the Chota Char Dham circuit is the same temple as in the All India Char Dham: dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badrinarayan), located on the banks of the Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is the fourth and final dham of the Uttarakhand circuit. Thus Badrinath is unique in being part of both the All India Char Dham and the Chota Char Dham.