New Delhi: Char Dham Yatra, considered one of the most important pilgrimages in Hinduism, has a completely different religious significance in the hearts of Hindu pilgrims. The Char Dham Yatra, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath, begins in April/May and lasts only half a year. The temple committee, Kedar-Badri Mandir Samiti, confirms the exact dates before Akshaya Tritiya. 


About Chota Char Dham Yatra 2023:


The word 'Char Dham' translates as 'the four abodes'. So, this is a journey up the Garhwal Himalayas to the four sacred temples where the holiest incarnations of Ganga, Yamuna, Vishnu and Shiva reside. Here is a brief about the four holy places:


1. Yamunotri: Named after the Goddess Yamuna, this is the first 'dham' of the yatra. A bath in the holy Yamuna is believed to be able to cleanse all sins and protect one from premature death. 


2. Gangotri: The Gangotri Dham is the second holy place and is the origin and birthplace of the River Ganga.


3. Kedarnath Temple: This Jyotirlinga is the abode of Lord Shiva, located in the Northern Himalayas, on the coast of the Mandakini River.


4. Badrinath Temple: This abode of Lord Vishnu is situated along the banks of the Alakananda River. Along with lord Vishu, the temple abodes Lord Shiva as well. 


Char Dham Yatra Dates 2023:


This year, the gates of Yamunotri and Gangotri will open on Akshaya Tritiya, which is on April 22, 2023, just like other years. Following this, people can flock to the other two temples, Kedarnath and Badrinath, beginning in the third or fourth week of May. 
Because the Char Dham Yatra travels in a clockwise route, the holy trip begins in Yamunotri. Following that, the sacred trip of Char Dham culminates at Badrinath after going through Gangotri and Kedarnath, respectively.


Listed below are the opening and closing dates of the four temples:


Opening Dates:


Yamunotri Temple – 22 April 2023
Gangotri Temple – 22 April 2023
Kedarnath Temple – 25 April 2023
Badrinath Temple – 27 April 2023


Closing Dates [Tentative]:


Yamunotri Temple – 29 October 2023
Gangotri Temple – 27 October 2023
Kedarnath Temple – 29 October 2023
Badrinath Temple – 9 November 2023