The Bada Char Dham is India’s spiritual circuit to the four sacred pilgrimage sites established by Adi Shankaracharya, which symbolise unity in divinity from the North, South, East, and West, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as he is the nurturer of all directions.
As per beliefs, Badrinath is where Lord Vishnu meditated for a thousand years, in protection of Goddess Lakshmi as she turned into a berry/badri tree to shelter him. It's said, Shiv Ji first meditated here, but when Vishnu chose the place, he moved to Kedarnath. Two sages- Nar and Narayana bless pilgrims here.
Ramanathaswamy temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was established by Lord Rama before his Lanka Yatra. The temple houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, featuring the longest temple corridor in India. It is said that pilgrims take a sacred bath in the 22 theerthams before offering prayers in the temple.
Jagannath Temple, famous for the Rath Yatra, a grand chariot festival where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra (his brother), and Subhadra (his sister) are taken in a ceremonial procession to the Gundicha Temple (the aunt’s home). This annual event symbolises the Lord’s journey to meet his devotees outside the temple.
Dwarka, in Gujarat, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna established Dwarka after leaving Mathura, making it a prosperous city. Legends say that the ancient city of Dwarka was submerged in the sea.
A pilgrimage to Bada Char Dhams unites India's spiritual diversity, guiding devotees through different landscapes, deities, and rituals in pursuit of enlightenment.