Rare Old Map of Uttarakhand Pilgrimage by Singh, 1960: Chota Char Dham, Mt. Kailash, Ganges Myth, Badrinath, Kedarnath

The "Guide Map Badri Kedar," created by Bhai Harnam Singh Sohan Singh in 1960, is a captivating infographic and pictorial map that serves as a pilgrimage guide for the Uttarakhand region of India. This map meticulously illustrates the sacred routes of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, encompassing the revered sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamnotri. It also extends to include the holy routes to Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, significant to multiple religions. The map's dual-language format in Hindi and English ensures accessibility for a diverse audience, enhancing its historical and cultural value.

The map is a visual feast, with detailed illustrations of cities, temples, and pilgrimage routes. Each location is depicted according to its size and significance, making the map not only informative but also visually engaging. The inclusion of figures of pilgrims along the routes emphasizes the spiritual journey and the importance of these paths. The legend at the bottom right provides clear symbols for motor roads, pilgrim routes, railroads, and rivers, ensuring that the map is easy to navigate.

One of the most striking features of this map is the allegorical depiction of the Hindu goddess Ganga’s descent to Earth to form the Ganges River, located in the top right section. This mythological illustration adds a layer of depth and storytelling to the map, highlighting the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. The depiction of Mt. Kailash, alongside a large illustration of Lord Shiva, further underscores the map's spiritual significance.

Bhai Harnam Singh Sohan Singh, the mapmaker, has skillfully combined cartographic precision with artistic elements to create a map that is both a practical guide and a work of art. His choice to publish this map in Haridwar, one of the seven holy cities in Hinduism, adds to its authenticity and relevance. The map not only serves as a guide for pilgrims but also as a historical document that captures the essence of Uttarakhand, often referred to as “the playground of the Gods.”

The "Guide Map Badri Kedar" is more than just a map; it is a window into the spiritual and cultural landscape of Uttarakhand. It offers a unique blend of geographical information and mythological storytelling, making it a valuable piece for collectors and enthusiasts of historical maps. This map is a testament to the enduring significance of pilgrimage in Indian culture and the timeless beauty of the Himalayan region.

Places on this map

• Haridwar: Located in the bottom left corner.
• Rishikesh: Shown near Haridwar.
• Badrinath: Illustrated prominently.
• Kedarnath: Clearly marked.
• Gangotri: Included on the pilgrimage route.
• Yamnotri: Part of the Chota Char Dham circuit.
• Mt. Kailash: Illustrated at the top right.
• Lake Mansarovar: Shown near Mt. Kailash.
• Himalayas: Denoted at the top of the map.
• Ganges River: Depicted through its mythological creation.
• Tibet: Shown at the top right.
• Motor roads, pilgrim routes, railroads, and rivers: Indicated with specific symbols in the legend.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Himalayan mountain range: Illustrated prominently at the top.
• North arrow illustration: Located at the top left.
• Depiction of the Ganges River creation myth: Featuring King Bhagiratha, the goddess Ganga, and Lord Shiva.
• Mt. Kailash: Illustrated at the top right with a large depiction of Shiva.
• Cities and temples: Illustrated according to size and characteristics.
• Pilgrimage routes: Clearly marked with figures of pilgrims.
• Legend: Located at the bottom right, denoting motor roads, pilgrim routes, railroads, and rivers.
• Illustrations of holy sites: Including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamnotri.
• Visual emphasis on pilgrimage: Routes and important religious locations.
• Historical and cultural context: Depicts the Uttarakhand region's spiritual and mythological significance.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Guide Map Badri Kedar
• Creation date: 1960
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Bhai Harnam Singh Sohan Singh
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Published in Haridwar, a significant holy city in Hinduism.
• Type of map: Infographic Thematic and Pictorial map
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Pilgrimage routes: Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamnotri.
• Holy sites: Routes to Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, sacred to multiple religions.
• Mythological depiction: Allegorical depiction of the Hindu goddess Ganga’s descent to form the Ganges River.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• India: Focus on the Uttarakhand region, north and east of Haridwar.
• Tibet: Shown at the top right.
• Design and style:
• Languages: Hindi and English.
• Visual elements: Illustrations of cities, temples, pilgrims, and mythological figures.
• Legend: Symbols for motor roads, pilgrim routes, railroads, rivers.
• Historical significance/context:
• Religious importance: Emphasizes the spiritual significance of Uttarakhand, referred to as “the playground of the Gods.”
• Cultural heritage: Reflects the rich mythological and religious traditions of the region.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.