Know the history and spiritual significance of Chardham

The origin of the word Temple is from the Latin word Templum which means religious and spirituals. We often do worships on temples but Barley knows its importance. However, before praying in any temple, knowing the Belief, Tales, Mythology behind it is as important as visiting it. This makes worships more meaningful.

The majority in India believe in Hinduism, or drive sections, and believes in Hinduism. Here Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism have originated. Nowadays, there is a discussion on Chardham, which is considered to be a holy site in Hinduism, i.e. Badrinath in the North, Jagannathpuri in the East, Rameshwaram in the South, and Dwarka in the West. Let us discuss the Chardham one by one and know they’re incomparable in Hinduism

These four holy temples of Hinduism are located at four major points which are believed to be closely adored by Lord Vishnu. It is said and believed that Lord Vishnu bathes at Rameshwaram, eats food at Puri, meditates at Badrinath, and rests at Dwarka, hence these places are called Chardham. These 4 dhams were established by Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Dham means secret place, let us discuss these Dhams one by one.

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Jagannath

Majestic Jagannath Temple is located in Puri Odisha, a coastal town that is a pigment site in Hindu Religion. This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath who is a form of Vishnu. According to traditional authorities, it is strongly believed that this temple is as old as human civilization.

The history of Lord Jagannath goes back to the era of Rigveda, in this temple, there are statues of three Gods. Every year the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are made from the trees of (Neem) Daru and installed together in the temple. Friends, Jagannath is considered to be the Lord of the Universe, these three idols are installed on Ratna Bedi of the temple. Mahaprasad is offered here daily

The “Chappan Bhog” offered to friends Lord Jagannath has been named as Mahaprasad. This Bhog is first given to Lord Jagannath and then to Mother Vimala. There are two types of Mahaprasad, one ‘Sankudi Mahaprasad’ and the other ‘Sukhila Mahaprasad’. It is prepared in the kitchen of the temple itself.

Friends, you will be surprised to know that 250 earthen ovens along with 32 rooms are used to make Bhog, in which 600 cooks work and 400 assistants serve. Friends annual Rath Yatra is organized here. It is like a festival. All the three idols present in Jagannath Temple are made to travel from temple to Gundicha Temple annually.

A very strong and huge chariot is prepared for the Rath Yatra program. The name of this chariot of Jagannath is Nandighosh, which has 18 wheels and is about 45.6 feet in height, while the name of Lord Balaram’s chariot is called Taladhwaja which has 16 wheels and height is 45 feet. Similarly, the name of Goddess Subhadra’s chariot is Devadalana which is 44.6 feet.

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Rameshwaram

Friends Rameshwaram Temple with mind-blowing architecture and spiritual significance is located in Sadan State of India Tamil Nadu. also known as Ramnath Swami, this temple is specially dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the belief, this temple was built by Lord Rama before the invasion of Lanka and the construction of Ram Setu.

Rameshwaram temple is not only one of the four Dhams, but it is also considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. If you are interested in ancient architecture then here you will feel pleasure in seeing the ancient structure of the temple pillar carvings and corridor.

Here Shiva Linga was established by Lord Rama, but for centuries many rulers have built it here. Apart from Shivling, the special thing here is that there are 22 holy wells which are called “Kunds”. This Kund is believed to be filled with holy water and a man can atone for his sins here. In a way, it is a well with the power to rescue a person from guilt, a regret from a strict life.

Here the devotees gather to worship Lord Shiva and Rama and take a dip in the holy water. Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp here. But here Lord Shiva is worshiped first even today to give respect to the words of Lord Ram.

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Dwarka

Dwarka temple is also called friends Jagat Mandir or Trilok Sundar. It is believed that this temple was originally built 2500 years ago by Lord Krishna’s great-grandson Vajranabh. This glorious structure is seen emerging from the Arabian Sea. Its cut-off peak and a 52-yard-long cloth flag can be seen from about 10 kilometers away. The grandeur of this temple on the banks of river Gomti seems to be enhanced by 56 steps.

The Dwarka temple is made of soft limestone and looks amazing due to the sanctum Vesti blue and a rectangular hall. Here pilgrims enter the temple through the ‘Swarg’ gate and exit through the ‘Moksha’ gate. The lower part of the Dwarkadhish temple was built in the 16th century and several clusters with smaller towers were built in the 19th century.

The main part of the Dwarkadhish temple is five-storeyed, which touches the height of hundreds of feet. The exterior features exclusive carvings that show off the multi-layered mechanical intensity and exceptional continuity in contrast the interior is the epitome of simplicity. The interior looks exquisite only around the idol of Dwarkadhish.

This temple is called “Mokshapuri” i.e. Liberation or salvation.
This temple is called ‘Mili Dwarkadhish’. It means “Lord of Dwarka”. Friends, another name of Lord Krishna is Dwarkadhish. There is an idol of Trivikrama, a quadrilateral form of Lord Vishnu. Although there is also Lord Baldev in the temple. Baladeva is actually the elder brother of Krishna also known as Balarama. On the left side of the main part, there are idols of Pradyumna and Aniruddha who are respectively the son and grandson of Lord Krishna.

It also has idols of Purushottam i.e. Vishnu, Kusheshwar Mahadev i.e. Shiva, Devaki i.e. mother of Lord Krishna. Radhika Ji Jambuvati Ji, Satyabhama Ji, and Lakshmi Ji are also seated here. This Janmashtami is considered extremely important and is celebrated with Garba, Raas Leelas. Friends, lastly we go to Badrinath in the lap of the mountains. At the end of the article, for you to know the basic things about the Chardhams, it is necessary to discuss Lord Badrinath.

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Badrinath

Friends, Badrinath included in Chardham is located in Uttarakhand. According to ancient belief, it is said that Lord Vishnu did penance for thousand years under the Badri tree so that humanity can be saved and since then this location is considered secret. Hereafter that a temple was established in the meditation pose of Lord Badrinath and there is an environment and spiritual piece to make the devotees mesmerizing and spellbound.

With the idols and images of Lord Vishnu, this temple friend is very impactful. This temple of Lord Vishnu located in Chamoli district is situated in the middle of Nar Narayan Temple. From its three secret sections, the sanctum sanctorum, the sabha mandapa, and the darshan mandapa. Apart from Badrinath Temple, there are also secret spots like Tapt Kund, Surya Kund, and Panch Badri for people to stay in a convenient way.

Lord Vishnu is worshiped in Badrinath as Badri Narayan. A one-meter high idol of Lord Vishnu present in Nar Narayan Temple is called Saligram. Friends, Shaligram is considered to be of utmost importance in the worship of houses.

Friends, the most important of the festivals here is “Mata Murti ka Mela” which marks the descent of the Ganga River on Mother Earth. Lord Badrinath’s mother is worshiped during this time. It is said that he divided the Ganga into 12 channels for the welfare of the living beings on Earth and from where the Ganges flowed, it is called Badrinath because it is located in the high part of Uttarakhand, this temple is closed in winter.

Friends, here the Akhand Jyoti is always ignited and when the temple is closed, the flame is filled with ghee while maintaining its ability to burn for six months. While closing the temple, the image of Lord Badrinath is transferred in cable recognition to Narasimha Temple Jyotirmath which is 64 km away from Badrinath temple. It is reopened on Akshaya Tritiya between April-May

So, friends, this was the story of Chardham, how did you like the article, you will definitely tell in the comment section. If you liked the article then don’t forget to share it with your friends. Thanks