Inside Lucknow's Char Dham: 130-Year-Old Temple That Brings India's Sacred Pilgrimage Under One Roof, How To Visit

Hindu devotees hope to do the Charo Dham yatra at least once in their lifetime, and Lucknow has built something special for people wanting to do that. Hidden in its crowded lanes lies a beautiful temple that is over 130 years old: the Charo Dham Temple. While most people travel thousands of kilometers to complete the sacred Charo Dham Yatra, this one temple in Lucknow brings all four Dhams under one roof.

What Is The History Behind Lucknow's Charo Dham Temple?

Located in Rani Katra, Kali Ji Bazar, Chowk, the Charo Dham Temple was reportedly built around 135 years ago by Kundan Lal Kunj Bihari Lal. Today, his sixth generation is managing the temple. Because it houses replicas of all four sacred Dhams, it is also famous among locals as 'Chhoti Kashi'. The architecture is designed to give you the feeling of being on the actual pilgrimage.

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What Makes The Charo Dham Temple Unique?

This is not just a Charo Dham temple. What makes it truly one-of-a-kind is what else it holds inside:

1. Replicas of Charo Dham: You can witness the beautiful representations of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites (Badrinath, Dwarkadhish, Rameshwaram, and Jagannath/Kedarnath) in one place.
2. Rameshwaram Section: One section symbolises Rameshwaram, where Lord Ram prepared for his journey to Sri Lanka to fight Ravana.
3. Ram Setu and Lanka: The temple complex has its own Ram Setu and Lanka built inside.
4. Ravan Darbar: This is one of the biggest attractions. Inside, there is a 'Ravan Darbar' where Ravan is seen seated on his throne with ten heads, along with his brother Kumbhkaran, son Meghnad, ministers and even Vibhishan on the other side with Ram's army.

While the rest of India burns Ravan's effigy on Dussehra, here Ravan is worshipped on Vijayadashami to respect his intellect and scholarship as a great devotee of Lord Shiva. The priest says the Darbar exists to teach people the difference between good and bad deeds. To reach Ravan's court, you have to first cross Ram Setu - symbolising that virtue is the path.

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How To Visit: Location, Timings and Entry Fee

1. Where: Charo Dham Mandir, 407, Kali Ji Bazar, Near Sankata Devi Mandir, Rani Katra, Chowk, Lucknow, UP
2. Timings: Open all days from 5:30 AM to 9 PM
3. Entry Fee: No entry fee. The darshan is free for all.
4. Best Time to Visit: Mornings are less crowded. During Dussehra, the temple sees a huge rush for the special Ravan Darbar puja. Winter months (October to March) are most pleasant to explore the old city.
5. How to Reach: The temple is in the heart of old Lucknow. You can take an e-rickshaw from Chowk or Aminabad. It is just a 2-minute walk from the Sankata Devi Temple.

If you are in Lucknow and want to experience a complete pilgrimage without leaving the city, the 130-year-old Charo Dham Temple is a must-visit.

(Image Credits: Instagram)
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