10 Interesting Facts About Arunachalam Temple

 

The Arunachalam Temple, also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India. This ancient and revered temple is a significant pilgrimage site, steeped in rich history and cultural heritage. Here are 10 interesting facts about the Arunachalam Temple.

1. The Hill of Sacred Fire

The Arunachalam Temple is situated at the base of the Annamalai Hill, which is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva in the form of a massive column of fire. According to Hindu mythology, this hill represents the element of fire, one of the five sacred elements (Pancha Bhoota) that Shiva embodies.

2. Ancient Origins

The temple's origins date back to ancient times, with inscriptions indicating that it was built in the 9th century by the Chola dynasty. However, the site itself has been a place of worship for many more centuries, with legends linking it to the Puranic age.

3. Magnificent Architecture

The Arunachalam Temple is renowned for its stunning Dravidian architecture. It boasts intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and vast courtyards. The Rajagopuram, the temple's main entrance tower, stands at an impressive height of 217 feet and is one of the tallest in India.

4. The Girivalam Tradition

One of the most unique and significant rituals associated with the Arunachalam Temple is the practice of Girivalam, or circumambulation of the Annamalai Hill. Devotees walk around the 14-kilometer path encircling the hill, especially during the full moon, as an act of penance and devotion.

5. Karthigai Deepam Festival

The Karthigai Deepam festival is the most celebrated event at the Arunachalam Temple. During this festival, a massive beacon is lit atop the Annamalai Hill, symbolizing Lord Shiva's appearance as an infinite pillar of light. Millions of devotees flock to the temple to witness this grand spectacle.

6. Pancha Bhoota Stalam

Arunachalam Temple is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Stalams, representing the element of fire. The other four temples in this group represent earth (Ekambareswarar Temple), water (Jambukeswarar Temple), air (Kalahasti Temple), and space (Chidambaram Temple), making it a vital part of the Shaivite tradition.

7. Spiritual Legends

According to legend, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite column of fire to resolve a dispute between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma over their supremacy. This event is said to have taken place at the site of the Arunachalam Temple, adding to its spiritual significance.

8. The Pathala Lingam

The temple complex houses the Pathala Lingam, an underground shrine where the famous saint Ramana Maharshi attained self-realization. Devotees visit this shrine to meditate and seek blessings, as it is considered a highly spiritual spot within the temple.

9. Vast Temple Complex

The Arunachalam Temple spans an area of 25 acres, making it one of the largest temple complexes in India. The sprawling complex includes several mandapams (halls), shrines, and tanks, each with its own religious and architectural significance.

10. Pilgrimage and Spiritual Retreat

The town of Tiruvannamalai, home to the Arunachalam Temple, is a major center for spiritual retreats and pilgrimages. It attracts not only Hindu devotees but also spiritual seekers from around the world who come to meditate, practice yoga, and experience the tranquil ambiance of the sacred Annamalai Hill.

Conclusion

The Arunachalam Temple is not just a place of worship; it is a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, architectural grandeur, and ancient traditions. Its unique blend of mythology, history, and religious practices makes it a fascinating destination for pilgrims, historians, and travelers alike. Whether you seek divine blessings, spiritual growth, or simply an awe-inspiring experience, the Arunachalam Temple offers it all.

European Castles You Can Rent for Your Dream Vacation

When travelling to a foreign country, are you used to visiting all the castles and architectural monuments in the area? What would you say if we told you that you can rent a castle just for you and get a royal holiday in an atmosphere taken out of fairy tales? Of course, in order to rent a castle it is necessary to empty your bank account faster than you can say “castle”, but if finances are not an impediment for you, why not treat yourself just the way you deserve?

So here are some European castles you can easily rent, if money is no object.

·         Ferniehirst Castle, Scotland

If you’re thinking of a holiday in Scotland and do not want to be bothered by other tourists, you can consider the possibility of renting a castle the just for you. Built in the sixteenth century, the Ferniehirst Castle was strengthened and refurbished, so it can be rented for a few days, a week or a longer period. In order to find out rental details, you must contact a travel consultant in Scotland.

·         Balfour Castle Scotland 

If you love the sea, you can choose to rent Balfour Castle on the island of Orkney, Scotland. You will enjoy dreamlike scenery, a billiard room, a cinema room and a paintball area.

·         Castle Girona, Spain

Castle Girona, located in the province of Girona, in Spain, is an architectural monument built in the eleventh century. To rent it for a week, you must have a few thousand Euros (about 8.000- 9000), but that money will help you enjoy an exceptional view. From the castle tower of Girona you can see the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean coast. Now you can really feel like a princess in this exclusive travel destination.

·         Rocaberti Castle, Calalonia

Also in Spain, more precisely in Catalonia, you can rent out the Rocaberti Castle .It was built in the eleventh century and restored in the sixteenth century. For 12 people, the cost of rent is $ 10,000 for a week.

·         Villa Il Borgo, Italy

Situated in Tuscany, in the province of Siena in Italy, Villa Il Borgo looks like a castle and welcomes you with a lot of modern facilities. This feeling of combining the old and the new will ensure you have a great vacation there. If you want to rent the villa for your vacation, you should know that the price is about $40,000 per week. With this amount of money you can relax at the pool or play tennis, and the villa can accommodate 34 guests.

·         Logie Country House, Italy

Another destination where you can rent a castle is in the Veneto region of Italy. The Logie Country House was built in 1610 and offers accommodation space in six bedrooms. Accommodation costs start at £ 1,100.

·         Castle La Merveille, France

Castle La Merveille, located between the Loire Valley and Le Mans, in France, is a building that dates back centuries ago and has retained its authentic air, even if it has undergone modifications over time. For 20.000 Euros, you can rent the whole castle for a week. Thus, you can have access to five luxury bedrooms plus a lot of other facilities.

Dining Rules from All over the World

Did you know that in China, belching at the table is considered a sign of respect for the cook, and that when you go to visit someone in Bulgaria, you must never bring them yellow flowers? Or that in Russia, it is rude to keep your hands in your lap during a meal? Every country comes up with its own etiquette at the table. If you have the opportunity to travel to one of these areas, you should know in advance what the locals consider proper table manners, so as to show respect for your hosts.

Here are some of the countries with unique table manners that you should know about.

Russia

If you are ever at the table with Russia people, make sure you never keep your hands in your lap or put them under the table, as it is consider very rude. According to the Russian standards of good behavior, the wrists must always be placed on the table.

Portugal

Portugal is also recognized as a culture with unusual table rules. If you go to Portugal and have lunch at a restaurant, you should not ever ask for salt and pepper, if they are not already on the table. Requesting these spices is deemed offensive to the culinary skills of the chef. So you’d better bring your own and sneak it onto your food. 

France

In France, bread is not an appetizer or snack, but it is considered an eating instrument, just like cutlery. Even if you are served with cutlery at the table, bread should be used to push food from the plate into the fork or spoon.

Also, if you go out with a Frenchman for dinner, you must either offer to pay the entire bill, or not pay for anything at all.You should never suggestto split it because that is lacking in elegance.

Thailand

In Thailand it is rude to eat with a fork. Although it is already on the table, among other pieces of cutlery, the fork should only be used for pushing food from the plate into the spoon. Although part of the Asian continent, Thais do not usually use any chopsticks, as they consider their use a lack of taste and class.

Bulgaria

If you are invited to eat in Bulgaria and want to make a nice gesture, offering a bouquet of flowers can turn into a real disaster if you choose yellow flowers. For Bulgarians, yellow symbolizes hostility or hatred and this is certainly not the message you want to convey when being invited to someone’s house for dinner. 

China

China has some of the most controversial and bizarre rules of etiquette at the table. Two signs that show respect for the host are... belching and a messy table. According to Chinese culture, when a person burps after eating itis a sign he is full and a compliment to the chef.

As you can see, in many foreign countries it can be very easy to get into trouble while having a simple lunch or dinner. Our advice is that, before you go on holiday, you should try to find out as much as possible about the customs in that country. You can find a lot of information online, or you can ask your travel agent or friends. Don’t think for a second that the locals will go easy on you, just because you’re not from around there.

Discovering Beautiful Mallorca

From May to October, the Spanish islands are a magnet for millions of tourists. Out of the country’s three major islands - Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca, the last one is the largest and most visited. Whether you want to roam the mountains (Sierra de Tramuntana) and roads that meander along the coast (from Cape Formentor) or you want to lie on a beach, visit museums, experience the silence of the churches or dance until dawn at a club, you can do it all during a holiday to Palma de Mallorca. It's an opportunity to start in the footsteps of Don Quixote. No, no need to fight the windmills, or duel with an imaginary giant, but, without a doubt, you will be having an unforgettable adventure.

Mallorca, the main Balearic Island that belongs to Spain, is famous for its beach parties and fun nights in clubs, so it is one of the favorite travel destinations of young people. What is less known to most is that, a few decades ago, Mallorca was a place of inspiration for artists and composers, kings and explorers. So if you're a party person, here is your chance to discover another side to Mallorca, which might convince you to come back here.

Palma

Palma is the capital of the province and autonomous community of the Balearic Islands and comprises about half of the total population in Mallorca. Some of the cultural and historic sights in Palma will surely impress you, so make sure you don’t miss them.

The Pueblo Espanol Museum has been architecturally designed as a small town, which gathers the most important works of classic Spanish architecture in one place. It is also home to some major shopping centers such as Av. Jaume III and Porto Pi, so it is not to be missed when you get in Palma.

Another objective that you should visit is the Almudaina Palace. Situated between Palma Cathedral and Parc del Mar, the Almudaina Palace has been a symbol of social and political events in Palma ever since Moorish times.

Also, “La Seu” Cathedral – with the largest rosette window in the world – and Museo Catedralicio are located near the sea front. In the city there are many churches, plazas and palaces, which can also be visited if you take some time off from all the beach parties.

Valldemossa

The place where Chopin and French writer and feminist George Sand worked out a romantic date is also worth visiting during a trip in Mallorca. The Valldemossa area, which has less than 2,000 inhabitants, is known for the monastery built at the beginning of the fourteenth century, the period during which philosopher Ramon Llull lived on the island.

The cells where Chopin and George Sand lived, over the winter of 1838-1839, can also be visited. Here you can admire the piano used by Chopin, as well as some objects belonging to his lover. Cartuziana (concerts of Chopin's music) are held in the monastery courtyard during the summer, and in the palace of King Don Sancho you can listen to piano concertos held in the memory of the great composer. 

Mallorca has a lot to offer in terms of culture and architecture and it would be a great idea to explore this side of it as well. Between the parties, of course.

Choosing Self Catering Accommodation in Isle of Islay

If you are thinking of a holiday in Scotland this year, why not check out the many self catering Isle of Islay accommodations? There are many to choose from in the area each serving wonderful breakfasts and boasting fabulous views.

Think about what you need from your self catering Isle of Islay accommodation. Do you need a family room, somewhere you can take your dog or somewhere near the many wonderful walking tracks the areas has to offer? Do you have a budget in mind and how long will you be staying?  There are many low budget bed and breakfast houses available and if you are taking the family, why not stay on a farm? 

Staying on a farm is very popular these days and allows the kids to see how a real farm is run. The adults will learn a thing or two as well! You can choose to get up with the lark and help with the early morning tasks or laze in bed until breakfast is ready on the table for you. It is your choice.  Most self catering establishments offer you breakfast for a set price or you can choose to make it yourself in your own accommodation. If you are staying on a farm you’ll certainly be able to make use of some of the fresh produce! 

The great thing about staying in self catering Isle of Islay accommodation is the warm welcome you will receive from your hosts and everyone in the region. It really is a wonderful part of the world and one that you will want to visit time and time again with your family in tow. For those wanting to explore as a couple, a group or on their own, there are many self catering Isle of Islay guest houses offering single, double and group accommodation. Just let your hosts know what you need and the type of room you are looking for and they will do everything to meet your requirements.

Staying in self catering Isle of Islay accommodation gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. Plan out your days in advance or simply go with the flow and see where the day takes you. That’s the great thing about country and highlands life - it can be as slow or fast paced as you like and there are many activities available for those who like an adventure packed holiday. 

Take a look online as there are many self catering Isle of Islay options available to choose from. Whether you are travelling from the bottom of the UK or you live in Scotland you are sure to find accommodation that ticks all the right boxes. Cottages, farm houses and idyllic retreats are just a mouse click away. Once you are booked you can sit back and relax and wait for your holiday date to come round.

Book your self catering accommodation Isle of Islay holiday today. You could take advantage of some great discounts if you book today and you can also view extensive description and photo information about the accommodation before you visit at http://www.anlinnean.co.uk/.

3 Best Travel Places in Asia

There are numerous best travel places that you may come across when visiting Asia. In fact, a large number of tourist attractions of the entire world can be found in the Asian continent. Asia is the home to the greatest collection of heritage of art, language, cuisine and superb architecture. The Asian continent has great food, history as well as people. You can expect to find almost everything here as it is a dream destination for most travelers. The three best places to travel in Asia include the following.

Philippines

Philippines has many beautiful tourist attractions that you simple cannot miss if you are on a vacation trip. Tagaytay City which is located about 2500 feet above sea level is a perfect picnic spot. Moreover, here you will also get to experience the world's smallest volcano which is still active.

The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary supports a large number of migratory birds found in the country. These birds often migrate from Siberia, Japan and Northern China and when conditions are no longer favorable on this sanctuary, they fly to areas as far as New Zealand and Australia as well. The Chocolate Hills is also among the most famous places that is worth visiting. Some other places of interest and attractions in Philippines include the Coconut Palace, Nonoc Cave, Kawasan Falls, Paco Park, Casa Manila, St Anne's Shrine, Punta de Santiago Lighthouse, The Flower Farm and many more.

Thailand

Thailand is also one of the best travel places in Asia. It is in fact a country where tourism is the chief support of the economy. Thailand is quite a safe and beautiful place if you choose it as a tourist destination. The people here are friendly and this is the reason this country has been given the name "The Land of Smiles." There are many popular travel places that can be enjoyed here including the ancient temples, panoramic beaches, bustling cities, picturesque riversides and much more.

Indonesia

Indonesia is also filled with tourist spots and exciting famous places that can not be missed when on a vacation trip. There are a lot of things that can be done in Indonesia. The most popular travel places in Jakarta in Indonesai include The National Monument Towers, The Central Museum, Merdeka Square, Portuguese Church and the Istiqlal Mosque. Among all these, other best travel includes Sumatra which is the second largest island of Indonesia, the Orchid Island, Bali and Banda Islands.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4152741

5 Best Travel Places in Australia

Are you looking to go to someplace this holiday season that offers you much more than just plain water activities, wonderful cities and some sightseeing opportunities? Are you planning a vacation to a place where you could get the opportunity to experience wildlife, snow capped mountains, exotic animals, rainforests and so on. One of the best travel places that can give you such an enthralling experience is Australia. Whether you are a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast or a sportsperson, this country has a whole range of attractions to offer. Here is a list of the 5 best travel places that you cannot miss to see if you are on a vacation in Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the best travel places in Australia. There is a huge range of biodiversity that is supported by this reef. Some of the species that are found on this reef includes the dwarf minke whale, humpback dolphin, olive ridley turtle, flatback turtle, salt water crocodiles and many more. Together with this, there are also a wide range of birds found on this reef. The Great Barrier Reef is situated off the Queensland coast and is the largest coral reef in the whole world. It is really fascinating and those who love diving and snorkeling would find this destination to be among the best of the best.

Sydney Harbor

One of the best places to visit in Australia as it is a natural harbor which also provides the setting for the beautiful Sydney Opera House. At the Opera House, you can experience performances by foreign productions and local music artists. The contemporary architecture really adds to its beauty and the surrounding structures makes it a must see tourist spot in Australia.

Kimberly

The region around Kimberly in Western Australia is splendid as it offers a whole range of attractions and sights to be experienced. Some of the most popular views of this region include waterfalls, rivers, rainforests and red cliffs. Kimberly is also a notable place for its diamonds. Among the best places of Kimberly is also the Purnululu National Park that is really popular. Some regions in Kimberly has distinctive art centers where you can see artwork by foreign artists as well as local artists being displayed of which most of these artwork are also recognized internationally.

The Snowy Mountains

Among the best travel places in Australia are the snowy mountains which can be explored by skiing or by foot. Tours are generally guided depending on your age, physical fitness and so on. Mount Kosciuszko in the Snowy Mountains is the highest mountain in Australia where you can find Alpine Flowers blooming if you happen to visit the country at the right time of the year. The Ningaloo Reef is also among the best travel places where one can actually walk on the reef. The attractions, accommodation and places of interest in this part of the country really make it tourist friendly and one of the best places to travel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4152774

Amarnath Yatra: The Holy Trek

Every year in the months of June and July, many thousands of people make the pilgrimage to the Amarnath Temple. Located high in the Himalayas, this is a very tough journey and it is a test of mental and physical courage.

The Amarnath Yatra begins from a place called as Pahalgam, about 90 km for Srinagar, the Capital of J&K. From Pahalgam, the trail follows the lidder river and the distance to the Amarnath cave from Pahalgam is about 42 km.

Motorised transport in form of mini buses and jeeps are available for a distance of 10 km from Pahalgam to Chandanwadi. From chandanwadi onwards the entire distance is to be covered on foot or pony. From chandanwadi, at a distance of eight km is a place called as seshnag. This is believed to be the place where lord Shiva released the snake around his neck, before proceeding to the cave. This place is famous for a lake named seshnag. The coll green waters of the lake are a treat to the eyes of the weary traveller. One can also spot giant Himalayan trout in this lake. This lake is fed by a glacier called the seshnag glacier.

From seshnag, at a distance of 4 km is a feature called Mahagunas parbat. It is at 14,000 feet and it is the highest one can get during the Amarnath Yatra. From this peak one has to now get down to about 10000 feet, a place called panchtarani. The distance between Mahagunas parbat and Panchtarani is about 6 km.

From panchtarani one again ascends up a distance of six km to reach the cave. Most pilgrims will cover the entire distance of 42 km in two days with an overnight halt at seshnag.

The Amarnath Cave is special for the presence of an ice Shiva Lingam which is believed to represent Shiva. It is also believed that this lingam waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.

Apart from the route mentioned above, the Amarnath Cave can also be accessed by another route. This route is shorter and hence pilgrims can usually return the same day after having Darshan. This northern route begins from a place called as Baltal and the distance to the cave of about 16 km is usually covered in about 4 hours.

Baltal is at a distance of 91 km and there are frequent busses from Srinagar to Baltal. Baltal is also close to the famous tourist place of Sonemarg, famous for pine forests and rapids.

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Amarnath Yatra Booking - Trip to Amarnath

Amarnath Yatra Booking

Amarnath is one of the important pilgrimage places of Hindu in India. There a belief that in every lunar month, the icy Shivalinga in the Amarnath cave starts to come to shape on every first day of the bright half during the month. Visit to the Amarnath Shrine is like a visit to heaven and for those who journey with faith, it is a rewarding experience. To plan this yatra for you there are many Amarnath yatra booking agents and agencies available all over the country which provide various packages for yatra and services for pilgrims. You can select your package according to your need, requirement and facilities. These Amarnath yatra booking agencies are available in almost every city of India and can be found on internet too. Advance bookings can be done through website, telephone and booking offices. These packages mostly include facilities like transportation, conveyance, medical, food and lodging.

Tour to Amarnath

Tour to Amarnath is an annual event when thousands of Hindus come from different corners of India visit to Amarnath caves. The pilgrims trek from Pahalgam to these caves Amarnath and worship the great ice Lingam. Situated in a narrow gorge at the end of Lidder valley, Amarnath stands at 3,888 m and is 45 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar. Though the original Amarnath pilgrimage tour subscribes that the yatra be started from Srinagar, but the more common practice is to begin the journey from Pahalgam, and cover the distance to Amarnath and back in five days. Pahalgam is 96 km from Srinagar

The pilgrimage is somewhat dangerous. The height and the low temperature, combined with the under-nourished state of many people makes it challenging for the pilgrims. Tour to Amarnath it one of the toughest pilgrimage tours in India.

Yatra Amarnath

The annual Amaranth yatra to Holy Amarnath Cave, situated at 14000 ft. above sea level, is organized by the Jammu & Kashmir State Government during the month of July and August. The dates however vary every year looking at the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sharavan (Vikrama Samwat).

The yatra to Amarnath starts only on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar calendar from Dashnami Akhada in Srinagar. Martand, the ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God is the first important place during the trek. Other important places are shrines of Bab-zain-ud-din Wali at Aishmuqam, there are many temples on the way like Anantnag, Deviangan, Bijbehara, Akingam, Lukbhavan, and Nagdandi.

A large tented township springs up to accommodate the pilgrims. All intermediate halting places have the same kind of facilities. Yatra Officer is appointed to conduct the pilgrimage.

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Char Dham Yatra - Get the Privilege to Visit Holy Shrines of Hindu Gods

Journey to Chardham yatra has a lot of significance due to its religious circuit. Thus, devotees from all over the world come and visit the 4 Dham to feel the endless bliss. The Char Dham Yatra certainly takes you to the blissful divinity lying in the womb of mystic Garhwal Himalayas. It is the holy pilgrimage of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Sri Kedarnathji and Sri Badrinathji, which are known as the cult of Hinduism.

The 4 Dham Yatra is the most sacred of all Hindu pilgrims. It is believed that taking mystical journey to these four holy pilgrimage will pure one's mind, body and soul along with releasing him/her from the complex bond of life and death. It is significant to consider here that holy yatra should be followed in the form of clockwise circumambulation or "Parikrama".

The starting point of yatra should be Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, then moving on to Sri Kedarnathji and finally completing Sri Badrinathji. If you want to join hands with millions of pilgrims to get a unique spiritual experience, plan your yatra with the help of a trusted travel planner today. A travel planner will eliminate all your travel hassles and you will have the opportunity to purge all your sins.

Char Dham Tour

Yamunotri- The shrine of Yamunotri is strategically situated to west of Garhwal Himalayas and is known to be the place of origination of holy river Yamuna. Shrine is located on the top of Bandar Poonch Parvat, which in itself is a great holy destination to visit. The prime attractions of Yamunotri include Goddess Yamuna's Temple and Janki Chatti springs.

Gangotri- The shrine is situated in the midst of captivating scenery in Uttarakhand. Maximum pilgrims visit this place in the month of May on "Akshaya Tritiya" every year. Special Puja of the river Ganga is performed on this day. The shrine is then closed for pilgrims on the famous Hindu festival, "Diwali."

Sri Kedarnathji- The holy pilgrimage called "Sri Kedarnathji" is situated on the backdrop of Sri Kedarnath range, which has to be covered on foot from Gaurikund. There are several holy kunds in and around Kedarnatth Temple.

Sri Badrinathji- Also popular as Vishal Badri, Sri Badrinathji is a Hindu shrine situated in Nar-Narayan Parvat, juxtaposing Neelkanth peak. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the oldest Hindu temples.

You'll get a lot of online tourist sites offering Char Dham tours. Search for the best Char Dham Packages on the Internet and make a start to the spiritual abode right away.

Chardham Yatra - The Most Popular Pilgrimage Tour in India

Chardham yatra is said to be the journey to the moksha & door to the spirituality. Considered as the holiest & popular pilgrimage tour in India, Char dham yatra is splitted into four Dhams i.e. destinations - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri & Yamnotri.

Placed in the sacred Himalayan region in Uttrakhand, India - the land of God, the Chardham pilgrimage yatra has been the home of yogies, and great solitaries over the decade.

A great religious significance is associated with the following four divine destinations of Char dham piligrimage tours India:

Shri Badrinath Dham- Shri Badrinath dham is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is around 5 meters high beautifully built in the shape of a cone with a small dome of a gilt bull & spire constructed by Shankaracharya in 8th century.

Badrinath Dham is one of the most divine pilgrimages of India placed in Himalayan hill tracks at the height of around 10,248 feet above the sea level at the confluence of Rishi Ganga & Alakhnanda. To visit the temple, devotees or tourists pass through the lofty hilly terrain, cliffs and curves surrounded by the scenically beautiful sights. Before entering the temple, it is customary to take a bath in a natural hot water spring - Tapt Kund, which is said to wash off all the sins and purify the soul.

Shri Kedarnath Dham - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the slopes of Himalayas at the height of 3583 m above the sea level, at the head of river Mandakini. Constructed by Shankaracharya, the temple is surrounded by elevated snow covered peaks. Kedarnath temple has an exquisite architecture 1000 years old with inner walls decorated with deity's figures & ancient mythological scenes, and a large statue of Nandi Bull outside the door. There are many other places as well near Kedarnath like Gandhi sarovar, gaurikund, Shankaracharya Samadhi, temple of sage Agastya that you can explore on your Chardham pilgrimage tour while on a visit to Kedarnath dham.

Gangotri - Gangotri temple is located in the magnificent Garhwal hills at an altitude of 3048 m above the sea level. The sacred stone near Gangotri temple symbolize the place where Ganga river first came down to earth. Before praying in the temple, the devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga river as per the customary belief. River Ganga is worshipped as a Goddess & Gangotri, the source of river Ganges is one of the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage.

Yamunotri - Being the source of a sacred Yamuna river, Yamunotri is one of the four sites of Char dham pilgrimage India. Yamunotri temple is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna, built by Maharaja Pratap Shah in the 19th century and reconstructed again in the 20th century. Yamunotri Dham is located in the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas opposite to Gangotri.