Yamunotri Temple Home > Uttarakhand > Attractions > Temples > Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna is located to the west region of Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. There is a black idol of Goddess Yamuna made up of marble inside the temple. Yamunotri temple has a day’s journey from Rishikesh and Haridwar. The temple can be reached by trekking from Hanuman Chatti, which is 13 km away and from Janki Chatti, it is about 6 km. One can hire horses for this trek. These treks are very beautiful and have a number of waterfalls. It is one of the four chhota char dham pilgrimages namely Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Yamunotri. The actual source is Champasar Glacier which is located on the Kalind Mountain. This region is the origin of river Yamuna from its glacier. People from all over the world come here to witness the beauty and tranquility of this place. The Yamunotri glacier is difficult to reach, so River Yamuna is worshipped as a deity at the foothills where pilgrims take a dip in the holy water.

History

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna who is also considered the mother of humankind. Yamuna is also one of the major rivers of India and also is a part of the three sister rivers namely Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. This temple was built by Tehri Naresh Sudarshan Shah in 1839 but was damaged due to an earthquake. Later, Maharani Gularia of Jaipur rebuilt it.

Architecture

There are two hot springs located at Yamunotri that offer relief to the tired hikers at a height of about 3293 metres. The one is Surya Kund which has boiling hot water whereas Gauri Kund that has tepid water which is suitable for bathing. This spring water is used to cook rice which is then used as a Prasad for the pilgrims.

Legend

Yamuna is believed to be the daughter of Sun and Sangya and the sister of Yamraj. It is for this reason that river Yamuna is important from the religion point of view. Taking bath in this holy river is believed to be sacred and rids a person from his sins and purifies his soul.

Asit Muni, according to the ancient legend, used to have his hermitage here. All his life, he took bath both in Ganges and Yamuna. When he got old, he was unable to go Gangotri, it is believed that a stream of Ganges appeared just opposite to Yamunotri for him.

Best Time to Visit

The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya that comes in May and closes on Yama Dwitya that is the second day after Diwali, usually in November. So the best time to visit is during summers as winters are very harsh and the temple receives snow fall. The best months to visit is during May to June and September to November. This city has cold climate throughout the year. Winter months from October to March experience chilly freeze climatic conditions with temperature at sub-zero level. In winters, the temple is covered with snow and local staff of temple moves to their villages.

Places to Visit

Surya Kund

Surya kund is the natural hot water spring. The temperature of this kund ranges around 1900 degree Fahrenheit. This water is used to make Prasad of the main temple.

Divya Shila

It is considered to be important to pay homage at Divya Shila before one get into the shrine. The shila is a strong rock pillar which is believed to be a deity situated near Surya Kund and it is said to bow head here first.

Sapt Rishi Kund

This Kund is a natural lake with grayish blue water and pebby bank. This trail to the kund is adventurous and only few people dare to do so. This lake is also known to have Braham Kamal which is an exotic flora species.

Other Tourist Spots

Hanuman Chatti

This marks the starting point of both Yamunotri and Dodital trek. This region is famous spot for trekking. It has beautiful mountains that adds flavor to the trekking experience.

Janki Chatti

It is located at a distance of about 7km away from Yamunotri. It is also famous for its natural thermal spring.

Kharsali

It is known to be the best place for sightseeing near Yamunotri. The thermal spring, dazzling cascades and a lovely meadow with oak and conifer trees are major attractions here. Also an ancient temple addressed to Lord Shiva is very popular here. This temple is multi storied and is famous for its creative wood and stone work.

Barkot

Barkot which is located at an altitude of 1220 metres is a wonderful trekking destination. It is at a distance of about 50 km from Yamunotri. It provides perfect sight of Bander poonch peak with other Himalayan ranges. Barkot is famous for its landscapes and an ancient temple that is much visited by the tourists.

Dodital

This Lake is mythological birthplace of Lord Ganesha. It is also known as mysterious lake because its depth is still unknown to people. It is surrounded by beautiful dense forest cover and is located at a height of about 3300 metres.

Dayara Bugyal

Bugyal in local language of Uttarkashi means high altitude meadow. It is located at a height of about 3048 metres. It is a wonderful carpet of 28 km which has lush green surroundings. The main attraction of this place is a small natural lake Barnala Tal.

How to Reach

By Air

The closest airport is Dehradun which is located at a distance of about 190km from Yamunotri.

By Rail

The nearest railhead lies at Rishikesh which is about 200km from Yamunotri.

By Road

Taxis run from Rishikesh and Dehradun to Yamunotri. Buses also run from Delhi to Rishikesh.

Festivals

Basant Panchami and Phooldevi are celebrated in March and Olgia during August in Yamunotri region. Also, they perform dances at many festivals. Pandava style is the most famous dance type of locals. Also, Raso dance and Jhumalo dances are famous.

Where to Stay

There are small lodges or ashrams to stay near the temple. Few hotels are hotel Kalindi, Yamunotri cottages, Barkot Chardham camp etc.

Related Image

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