Kharsali, also known as ‘Khushimath,’ is a serene and untouched village nestled in the picturesque Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an impressive elevation of 2,675 meters above sea level, this tiny hamlet is not only a visual delight but also holds significant religious importance.
Mythology & Cultural and Traditional
Kharsali, situated near the Yamunotri temple in Uttarakhand, holds religious and mythological significance in Hinduism. Here are some aspects of the importance of Kharsali in terms of mythology and spirituality:
Mythological Connection
The Yamunotri region is steeped in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be the source of the Yamuna River, and the temple at Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is considered the daughter of the sun god, Surya, and sister of Yama, the god of death.
Char Dham Yatra:
Kharsali is often visited by pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, which includes four sacred pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The journey is considered a significant and spiritually enriching experience for Hindus.
Cultural and Traditional Practices
The village of Kharsali may also be a place where visitors can witness local cultural and traditional practices associated with the worship of Goddess Yamuna. These practices often involve rituals, festivals, and ceremonies that are an integral part of the local community’s way of life.
Kharsali – Winter Seat of Goddess Yamuna
Kharsali is known as the winter seat of Goddess Yamuna. During the winter months when the Yamunotri temple is covered in snow and inaccessible due to harsh weather conditions, the idol of Goddess Yamuna is shifted to the village of Kharsali. The locals believe that the goddess resides there during the winter season.
Pilgrims who visit Yamunotri during the summer months may find that Kharsali is a serene and picturesque village surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The journey to Yamunotri and its nearby areas is not only a religious pilgrimage but also an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayan region.
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How To Reach Kharsali
By Road
Delhi to Barkot:Take a bus or drive to Barkot, which is around 400 kilometers from Delhi.Buses are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi to Barkot.
Barkot to Yamunotri:From Barkot, you can hire a local taxi or take shared jeeps to Janki Chatti, the base for the Yamunotri trek.
From Janki Chatti, you have the option to trek or hire ponies/dandies to reach Yamunotri.
Yamunotri to Kharsali: Kharsali is a short distance from Yamunotri and can be reached by trekking or hiring local transport. Confirm the availability of local transportation with the locals.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Barkot.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the town of Barkot, which is a common base for the Yamunotri trek.