The popular Char Dham Yatra is actually a chota (small) char dham yatra featuring the four Uttrakhand temples. The Original Char Dhams mark four extremes of India, Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka and Rameswaram. This yatra is very sacred and said to provide moksha (salvation). Yatris aim to do it at least once in their lifetime.

Each of Dhams came into prominence in a particular Yuga. Badrinath came into prominence when Nar-Narayana, a Vishnu incarnate, did penance in a plum (badri) forest during Satya yuga. Rameshwaram came into prominence in the Treta-Yuga when Lord Rama bathed and worshipped Shiva. Dwarka Dham got its prominence in the Dwapara Yuga when Lord Krishna made Dwarka his residence instead of Mathura. Jagannath Puri Dham is famous for its chappan bhog (56 course) prasad (offering) and it is the dham for Kaliyuga (age of enjoyment). Thus, the char dhams are associated both with the four directions and the four ages of time.

Source: Immotral India, J.J Dave.

Anuradha Goyal’s You Tube lecture on Tirthas

Picture Credit: Swarajya

The Braj region (around Mathura-Vrindavan) is the venue for Lathmaar Holi. Krishna, who was from Nandgoan, planned to spoil Radha’s rosy complexion by smearing Gulal ( colours) on her face. He traveled to Barsana to achieve this mischievous feat, but this act makes the Gopis furious. They chased him and his accomplices back to Nandgaon with lathis.

Holi is celebrated most intensely in the Braj region and it usually lasts for eight days. The Krishna-Radha episode is recreated at both Nandgaon and Barsana by the local dwellers. First, the women of Barsana pretend to beat up the men of Nandgaon with lathis. The next day it is the turn of the women of Nandgaon follow-up the ritual with Barsana men. Both Holi celebrations are held at the temple complexes amidst a riot of colours and cheerful festive music.

Source: Outlook Traveller, Lasya Nadimpally

Picture Credit: Avishek Das, Flickr