What are the Char Dham? Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram, the four abodes at the four corners of India. The Chota Char Dham is a different circuit in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The four dhams of India
| Dham | State | Deity | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badrinath | Uttarakhand | Vishnu | North |
| Dwarka | Gujarat | Krishna | West |
| Puri | Odisha | Jagannath | East |
| Rameswaram | Tamil Nadu | Shiva | South |
The Chota Char Dham
| Dham | Known as | Deity |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | The source of the Yamuna | Goddess Yamuna |
| Gangotri | The source of the Ganga | Goddess Ganga |
| Kedarnath | A Jyotirlinga in the high Himalaya | Shiva |
| Badrinath | On the Alaknanda river | Vishnu |
These temples close for winter, and the opening dates change each year. Check the official announcement before you plan.
Before or after your yatra
Many families hold a puja at home before leaving, and a Satyanarayana puja to give thanks on their return.
Questions devotees ask us
What are the Char Dham?
Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram, the four abodes at the four corners of India, linked with Adi Shankaracharya.
What is the Chota Char Dham?
The Himalayan circuit in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Many people mean this one when they say Char Dham Yatra.
When do the Himalayan temples open?
They open in spring and close for winter, and the dates change every year. Check the official announcement before you plan.