Have you ever seen the Himalayas when it snows? Well, it is really beautiful. It offers you a unique kind of peace when you see it. The climate is chilly, but the view makes it worth it. But the season is also the time when the sacred shrines of the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar slowly close their doors.
But the devotion never fails. The soft bells and the whispers of the prayers can still be heard here. So, where do people visit to pray now? Well, this is the time when winter homes open. This is true for all the places of the Char Dham Yatra.
And do you know the best part? Only the location is different. The faith remains the same. These places along the Char Dham Yatra by helicopter route become new centers of prayer and hope, showing that faith in the Himalayas does not end with snowfall. It simply finds a new place to rest until the mountains awaken again.
So, let us find out more about these Winter Dhams in the guide here.
The Winter Dhams are the places where the gods of the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar rest. This is mainly for the time when the snow starts. The Himalayas are now covered in snow. The climate is so cold.
This is why the roads close. The temples now remain closed for some months. Then all the idols are gently carried down to nearby towns where the weather is calm. All the prayers continue every single day.
These Winter Dhams open around October or November. These will remain active until April or May. Then again, the new season for the summer Char Dham Yatra will start, and the normal temples will open up.
This tradition is very important. It keeps the connection between devotees and the deities alive. You can pray easily throughout the year. It also allows pilgrims to offer their prayers. There is no need to climb the mountains at all. You can go for Char Dham Yatra by helicopter or by road to these places during the winter season.
You must be wondering, where are the winter homes? Well, all these are located around the actual Char Dhams only. But the only difference is that these offer you easy accessibility in the winter season.
Many people who wish to go for a short Do Dham Yatra from Haridwar opt for this. At the same time, you can plan your trip in December. This will be the best time for nature exploration as well. The snow, cold, and beautiful nature will make your trip totally memorable.
So, if you are planning for your Char Dham or Do Dham Yatra, here are the details of winter abodes:
As the snow starts, the road to Kedarnath needs to be closed down. The spirit of Lord Shiva moves to Ukhimath. It is a peaceful town in the Rudraprayag district. This place is surrounded by quiet hills and dense forests.
During the winter season, this place becomes the heart of Kedarnath worship. The idol of Lord Kedarnath is brought here. When this is done, a grand procession filled with music, chants, and lamps is taken. It is a celebration and welcoming ceremony.
For nearly six months, prayers and rituals have been carried out daily. There is no change. Everything is just as it is at the main shrine. Pilgrims visit Ukhimath to seek blessings. The main reason is that even when you pray here, you can connect with the main shrine easily.
The road to Badrinath gets covered with snow in winter. This is the time when Lord Badri Vishal’s idol is shifted. It is brought to Joshimath. This is one of the most beautiful and serene towns. You will find a unique glow here with devotion throughout the winter.
There is also Narsimha Temple. This is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s fierce form. And this is the temple that becomes a seat of worship. The same rituals, chants, and offerings continue without fail. This helps keep the sacred bond alive.
Joshimath is not just a shelter for a deity. But this place is also a reminder that faith never stops. It just needs a bit of change as per the season. Pilgrims come here to feel the same peace and blessings. And if you are planning for a road trip, then hire Do Dham Taxi from Delhi and enjoy nature all along.
During the cold wintertime, the path to Gangotri turns white with snow. Travelling here becomes almost impossible. Hence, the idol of Goddess Ganga is brought down to Mukhba. This is another charming village near Harsil.
It is said that this is the original home of the goddess. And this is one of the reasons it is believed that she travels back to her home every winter season. The whole valley lights up with devotion. The villagers welcome her with songs, lamps, and rituals. The air gets filled with such warmth and happiness that even the coldest month feels great.
For devotees, visiting Mukhba during winter is a unique experience. The place feels as sacred as reaching Gangotri itself. The same prayers, aarti, and offerings continue here. This is a reminder that the river may freeze, but the faith still flows. This is a sign that says "live flows," and so your trust must too.
As you know, Yamunotri is located high in the Himalayas. But in winter, it gets blocked. This is when the idol of Goddess Yamuna is lovingly brought to Kharsali. This is a small and beautiful village near Janki Chatti.
This village is one with great nature. It is all surrounded by pine trees and snowy peaks. Combining nature and devotion, this place becomes the home for the deity for the next few months.
Here, the same rituals that take place in the main Yamunotri temple continue every day. Locals and pilgrims visit here for the daily prayers with no fail. This helps to keep the spirit of the yatra alive. For many, this place is one where they seek calmness and serenity.
The story of the Winter Dhams is one that shares some great messages with us. It is a gentle reminder that devotion never sleeps or stops. It also shares that no matter where the location is, belief and faith are all that matter the most.
It is true that devotion in the Himalayas never stops. This is even valid when the mountains rest under snow. The deities continue to bless their devotees from the valleys. You will hear the chants and prayers with the same level of dedication.
These places are calm and serene. Visiting these places is a great option to offer your prayers. As said, the crowd's faith never fades, but with every moment passing, the connection grows stronger.
If you are planning your next spiritual journey, explore the winter side of devotion with Bizarexpedition. From Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar to Do Dham Yatra by helicopter, find the routes and experiences that keep your faith alive, season after season.
Book your yatra today at Bizarexpedition.com!
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