Pilgrimage in Garhwal: Char Dham Yatra in French Literature

Abstract

The Char Dham Yatra, an annual pilgrimage to the four sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in India’s Garhwal Himalayas, is an embodiment of Hindu philosophy and an event of immense religious and cultural significance. This study articulates the intersection of spirituality, tradition, and sacred landscape of the Char Dham Yatra within French literature, particularly during the 20^th century. It examines the representations of the pilgrimage specificially in works by pilgrims such as Lanza del Vasto’s Le Pèlerinage aux sources (1943) and Swami Abhishiktananda’s Une messe aux sources du Gange (1967), exploring the interplay of spirituality, tradition, and the idea of a sacred landscape.
A multimethod analysis, comprising a hermeneutic and textual analysis, from theoreticians such as Diana Eck and Meera Baindur, provides the framework for this exploration. The study addresses how these literary accounts navigate the realms of Orientalist thought and contribute to a broader conversation about cross-cultural understandings, postcolonial perspectives, religious significance, and environmental consciousness.
With these narratives as a foundation, the research also studies their influence on shaping perceptions of Indian spirituality and the implications for pilgrims and residents of the Garhwal region. The presentation aims to highlight the intricate challenge of interpreting South Asian religious practices through the lens of French literary works.