Char Dham Yatra is not just a spiritual journey but one that is filled with stories that amaze you. Whether it's the story of how these Dhams were built or how folk deities protect these paths, you'll find a unique touch.
But when you travel to Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar, there is one more thing that you will explore. These are the stories of the unseen gods. They all are here to protect the path for you.
Yes. You read it right. These are gods that give you strength for the yatra. The mountains, the cold, and everything else can be tough if it's your first time. But it is said that there are gods to protect you during your Yatra. So, let us meet them here.
Before we actually meet the divine watchers, let us quickly take a look at the Yatra routes. You can go to Do Dham Yatra by helicopter or even plan a Char Dham Yatra by helicopter.
Yet, people still prefer to visit these temples through the road route. Now, here are the places that you will cover in either of the yatras:
This is a short yatra where you will visit Kedarnath and Badrinath. Most of the time people prefer to go for the Do Dham Yatra from Haridwar, as this allows them to explore the road route with some other temples as well.
This is a sacred yatra. It will cover Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is not open throughout the year. The idols are shifted to their winter homes during the cold season. Also, pre-booking and registration are important when you are planning for this yatra.
You will see that there are two temples common for both. But when you explore, there are certain temples on the way that are considered to be the guardians. These not only secure your journey but also provide you the power to complete the same in a proper manner.
These are the local deities. You will find that these are often worshipped in wooden shrines or under sacred trees. These are believed to ensure the safety of those who walk the sacred paths.
Villagers say that before every pilgrim begins the yatra, it is wise to seek the blessings of the local gods who rule over the routes. The most prominent ones that you will find on your Char Dham Yatra are as follows:
Bhairav is one of the most powerful guardians. You will find his small temple just behind the Kedarnath shrine. The locals believe that he is the one who protects the temple when it's cold.
Some even say that they can hear the sound of the bell and wind through the valley. This is the sign of his presence. Before starting the journey, people visit here. They offer their prayers and in return seek the blessings. It is believed that this gives them courage to complete their yatra with peace.
You will find the temple in the Kumaon region. Here, Golu Devta is known as the god of justice and faith. His temple in Almora. It is covered with thousands of bells tied by devotees. Once the prayer is fulfilled, the bell is tied by the devotee.
It is a belief to write a letter with the wish and tie it to the temple wall. All this is done before starting the yatra. Many drivers and guides on the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar keep Golu Devta’s image with them. It is said that he protects them from the sharp curves and rocky mountains. Once the wish is fulfilled, pilgrims travel back to thank and tie a bell as a sign of belief.
Nanda Devi is one of the strongest deities that you will visit. She is the protector of nature. It is said that if she is angry, you will find disasters happening. But she is also one who brings in joy for all. She teaches us to live in peace with nature.
To celebrate and seek her blessings, there is a festival. This happens every 12 years with yatras and everything. This is known as the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. People take part in this as a sign of their belief and trust. It is believed that disasters happen when she is not happy. Also, these are considered as her signs for us to live in harmony.
