New Delhi, April 20 : The Char Dham Yatra, one of Hinduismâ??s most revered pilgrimages, continues to draw thousands of devotees each year to the Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. A distinctive aspect of this spiritual journey is that it always begins from Yamunotri, a sequence rooted in both religious tradition and geographical logic.

The order of the yatra is not arbitrary but follows a clockwise direction, known in Hindu customs as Parikrama. This directional movement is considered auspicious and is commonly observed in temple rituals and pilgrimages. Beginning from Yamunotri aligns with this sacred pattern, setting the spiritual tone for the journey.

Yamunotri, the source of the holy river Yamuna, holds immense religious significance. In Hindu belief, the Yamuna is worshipped as a goddess and is regarded as the sister of Yama, the god of death. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the Yamuna helps devotees overcome the fear of death and cleanses them of sins, marking a spiritually purifying beginning to the pilgrimage.

The site is also linked to the legend of sage Asit Muni, who is said to have resided in the region. According to mythology, he bathed daily in both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. In his old age, when he could no longer travel to Gangotri, a stream of the Ganga is believed to have appeared near Yamunotri, further enhancing its sanctity.

Beyond its spiritual importance, the sequence of the Char Dham Yatra also has a practical basis. Yamunotri is the westernmost shrine among the four. From there, the route progresses eastward to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and concludes at Badrinath. This natural progression makes the journey more manageable through the challenging Himalayan terrain.

Each dham represents a distinct stage in the path of spiritual evolution. Yamunotri symbolises emotional cleansing through water; Gangotri represents purity and the cleansing of the mind and karma; Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, signifies devotion and liberation; while Badrinath, associated with Lord Vishnu, represents ultimate salvation or moksha.

Meanwhile, the Char Dham Yatra began on Sunday with the opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarakhand on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya after a six-month winter break.

â??Approximately 19 lakh devotees have registered for the pilgrimage so far this year. More than 51 lakh pilgrims undertook the Char Dham Yatra last year.

/IANS