These destinations namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, collectively known as Char Dham. These pilgrimage centers draw the maximum numbers of pilgrims each year, thus becoming the most important hubs of religious travel in the whole of Northern India. Traditionally, the pilgrimage begins from the West and ends in the East. Thus, the Char Dham Yatra commences from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Each of these four sites is devoted to a specific deity. Yamunotri is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna who goes along the pilgrims to the high altitudes of the picturesque Rawai Valley. It is believed that a bath in the waters of the Yamuna protects the devotee from untimely death. Gangotri is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. The shrine overlooks the River Bhagirathi, another name of River Ganga – the name having been derived from the myth of the ancient King Bhagirath’s penance that succeeded in bringing her upon the earth from the heaven. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also a part of the Panch Kedar. It is the northernmost Jyotirlinga and is close to the source of the holy River Mandakini. Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated on the bank of the River Alaknanda. According to legend, Lord Vishnu meditated here while his consort Lakshmi took the form of a berry (Badri) tree to offer him shade.

Before embarking on this journey, one has to be prepared to experience physical as well as mental hardships on the Himalayan roads. The Char Dham Yatra is one of the quite accessible yet most arduous journeys. The Yatra route in the state is usually bustling with activity, especially during the summer. The scenic beauty of the mountains solemnly provides strength to the pilgrims as they move towards their destination.

बद्रीनाथ धाम से जुड़ी रोचक बातें

1. पुराणों के अनुसार बद्रीनाथ धाम में पहले भगवान शिव अपने परिवार के साथ वास करते थे। एक बार भगवान विष्णु तपस्या के लिए एक शांत स्थान की तलाश कर रहे थे लेकिन उन्हें कोई ऐसा स्थान नहीं मिला और अंत में वह बद्रीनाथ धाम में आए और इस स्थान को देखकर मोहित हो गए । लेकिन उन्हें यह नहीं पता था कि यहां भगवान शिव अपने परिवार के साथ वास करते हैं।

2.इस स्थान के लिए भगवान विष्णु ने एक बालक का रुप लिया और जोर -जोर से रोने लगे । एक बालक को इस तरह रोते हुए देखकर माता पार्वती उन्हें चुप कराने लगी।लेकिन वह बालक चुप नहीं हुआ।

3. भगवान शिव इन सब के बारे में जानते थे । उन्होंने माता पार्वती से उस बालक को छोड़ने के लिए कहा। लेकिन मां ने शिवजी की बात नहीं मानी और उस बालक को सुलाने के लिए चली गई।

4.उस बालक को सुलाने के बाद माता पार्वती बाहर आ गई । जिसके बाद भगवान विष्णु ने अंदर से दरवाजा बंद कर लिया ।

5.जब भगवान शिव वहां आए तो उन्होंने शिवजी से कहा कि मुझे यह स्थान पसंद आ गया है। आप केदारनाथ चले जांए।

6. जिसके बाद बद्रीनाथ भगवान विष्णु का धाम बन गई।

7. इससे जुड़ी एक और कथा का शास्त्रों में वर्णन है । एक बार माता लक्ष्मी भगवान विष्णु से रुठकर अपने मायके चली गई । जिसके बाद भगवान विष्णु ने माता लक्ष्मी को मनाने के लिए कठोर तप किया।

8.भगवान विष्णु को ढुंढते हुए मां लक्ष्मी उसी स्थान पर पहुंची जहां वह तपस्या में लीन थे।

9.भगवान विष्णु एक बेर के पेड़ पर बैठकर तपस्या कर रहे थे। जिसके बाद से ही मां लक्ष्मी नें उन्हें बद्रीनाथ का नाम दिया।

10. बद्ररीनाथ धाम में की जानें वाली आरती को एक मुस्लिम शायर ने लिखा है। यह शायर फकरुद्दीन (बदरुद्दीन) था जो चमोली जिले के नंदप्रयाग के रहने वाले था। फकरुद्दीन यह आरती केवल 18 वर्ष की उम्र में लिखी थी।

It is also referred to as ‘Chhota Kashi’ as there are many ancient temples in the city and on the banks of river Beas. The river Beas flows through the town and hills, which makes this town more scenic.

Lying on the banks of River Beas, Mandi also displays some old palaces and temples that can be dated back to the 5th Century AD. Serving as a gateway to some famous valleys such as Kullu, Manali, Spiti and Lahaul, Mandi is must on your north India itinerary which never fails to enchant its visitors. Mandi is also the nearest town to various treks like Prashar lake and Janjheli.

Needless to say, Mandi is a hill retreat that will always surprise you with its exotic wildlife; whether a nature enthusiast, a wildlife photographer or an avid bird watcher, you are sure to be treated with one of the most spellbinding wildlife spectacles of your life.

Not to mention, the famous ‘Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary’ sits as Mandi’s greatest wildlife attraction, offering a close engagement with its proud residents like Monals, Pheasants, Barking Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Palm Civet and Leopards that often leave the visitors astounded with their sudden appearance and sight. The sacred Shikari Devi Temple en-route to the sanctuary is a site of much religious significance and a place must visit when on an expedition here.

Last but not the least, Mandi is a true shopaholic’s delight. The town is known for its excellent local handicrafts, woollens and exotic silver jewellery crafted to perfection. So, when in this pristine little town, don’t leave before grabbing something for yourself and family back home to treasure for life.

Ajbar Sen was the first great ruler of Mandi. He was probably the first to assume the designation of Raja. He consolidated the territories that he had inherited and added to them new ones that he wrested from the hands of his neighbours. He built a palace here and adorned it with four towers.

He also built the temple of Bhut Nath and his Rani constructed that of Trilok Nath. Down the line of descendants was Raja Sidh Sen, who succeeded Raja Gur Sen in 1678 AD. Mandi had never been so powerful before his reign and after that never was. He captured great areas from the adjoining areas. it was during his reign that Guru Govind Singh, the tenth guru of the sikhs visited Mandi in the close of the 17th century.

He had been imprisoned by Raja singh, the chief of Kullu, from whom he had sought assistance against Mughal troops and his followers believe that Guruji escaped by using miraculous powers. Raja Sidh Sen, who is also considered to be a posessor of great miraculous powers, entertained his with great hospitality. He built the great tank before the palace.