Char Dham Yatra: Why Is Rishikesh Always The First Stop?
Starting the Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh is more than tradition; it symbolises purity, is historically linked to saints, and serves as the perfect gateway to the sacred journey
The Char Dham Yatra in India is considered one of the most sacred and spiritually transformative pilgrimages. It includes four holy shrines nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Undertaking this journey is believed to wash away sins and lead one closer to moksha (liberation). But have you ever wondered why this sacred journey always begins from Rishikesh? What is it about this city that makes it the first stop of the spiritual path? The answer lies in three key perspectives — religious, historical, and geographical.
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Rishikesh is not just a city, but a symbol of spiritual purification and the beginning of the path of devotion.
In a conversation with Local18, Mahant Rameshwar Giri of Someshwar Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, explained that Rishikesh is regarded as the ‘abode of sages’. Starting the Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh is not merely a tradition, but a thoughtful and meaningful practice. Religiously, it symbolises purity; historically, it is the land of saints; and geographically, it serves as the perfect gateway to the Char Dham Yatra.
How Rishikesh Got Its Name
It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared before a devotee here, and since then, the place came to be known as ‘Rishikesh’. This region has been a site of penance for sages, saints, and yogis since time immemorial.
The land is considered sacred because the river Ganga, after descending from the Himalayas, enters the plains here for the first time. At this point, its flow is exceptionally clean and serene. There is a widespread belief that bathing in the Ganga at Rishikesh washes away one’s sins and purifies the soul for the spiritual journey. Hence, beginning the Char Dham Yatra from here is considered auspicious.
A Rich Spiritual Legacy
Rishikesh has a spiritual history that spans thousands of years. It has long been a place for ascetics and sages to practise sadhana. Pilgrimage sites like Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, and Parmarth Niketan continue to keep these traditions alive. Adi Shankaracharya also began his journeys from this region. His teachings and the spread of Sanatan Dharma helped establish Rishikesh as a major religious centre. Over time, it evolved into a well-organised pilgrimage hub, institutionalising the start of the Char Dham Yatra.
A Convenient Entry and Transit Hub
Geographically, Rishikesh is the ideal starting point. It lies at the intersection of the plains and the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand. From here, the mountain routes to the four Dhams begin.
It is well connected by trains and buses and linked to major railway stations and airports such as Haridwar and Dehradun. This makes it accessible to pilgrims from across the country. Moreover, Rishikesh offers a range of facilities, from hotels and dharamshalas to guides and travel agencies, all of which make the spiritual journey more comfortable and organised.
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