The Char Dham in Hinduism refers to the four sacred pilgrimage sites, each representing a yuga (epoch) in the cycle of time, which is central to Hindu cosmology. These holy destinations—Badrinath, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Puri—are considered the most revered spiritual journeys for devotees seeking liberation and connection with the divine.
The Char Dham pilgrimage is one of the most revered spiritual journeys in Hinduism, consisting of four sacred destinations—Badrinath, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Puri. These holy sites are spread across the four corners of India, symbolizing the geographical and spiritual unity of the nation. The pilgrimage holds deep religious significance, as it is believed that visiting these sacred places helps devotees achieve moksha (spiritual liberation), cleansing them of sins and leading them closer to the divine.
Each of the Char Dham sites is dedicated to a different deity and associated with one of the four epochs (yugas) in Hindu cosmology. Badrinath, located in the northern Himalayas, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and symbolizes the Satya Yuga, the epoch of truth. Rameswaram, situated in the south, is a key pilgrimage site for worshippers of Lord Shiva and is associated with the Treta Yuga, the era in which Lord Rama is believed to have lived. Dwarka, located in the west, is a city linked to Lord Krishna and is tied to the Dvapara Yuga. Finally, Puri, in the east, is home to the famous Jagannath Temple, representing the Kali Yuga, the current epoch.