Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple
The Yamunotri Temple is situated in the Western region of Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,291 m in Uttarkashi district Uttarakhand.

It’s just 129 km from Uttarkashi , the main district headquarters.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and has  black marble idol of the goddess .

The Yamunotri temple is a day’s journey from Uttarakhand’s main towns , Uttarkashi ,Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun.

The actual temple is only accessible by a 13km trek from the town of Hanuman Chatti and a 6km walkb from Janki Chatti thus  horses or palanquins are available for rent.

The hike from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri takes in a view of number of waterfalls.

Three are two traking routes from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri thus  the one along the right bank proceeds via the Markandeya Tirth , where the sage Markadeya wrote the Markandeya Purana.

The other route which lies on the left bank of the river goes via Kharsali thus from where Yamunotri is a five or six hours climb .

Twin sister of Yama, daughter of Surya and one of the Ashtyabharya of Krishna .

Goddess Yamuna is said to be the Goddess if perseverance and is a divine goddess of Hindu Mythology.

Yamunotri Temple, nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most revered shrines of the Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, this sacred temple stands at an altitude of about 3,293 meters, surrounded by snow-clad peaks, lush green valleys, and pristine natural beauty.

According to Hindu mythology, Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun God and sister of Yama, the God of Death. Devotees believe that taking a holy dip in the Yamuna River near the Yamunotri Temple washes away sins and ensures liberation. The temple was originally constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal and continues to attract thousands of pilgrims every year.

One of the most unique rituals here is cooking rice and potatoes in the hot springs known as Surya Kund. Devotees offer this food, cooked naturally in the boiling water, as prasad to the Goddess. Another sacred spot near the temple is Divya Shila, a rock pillar worshipped before entering the shrine.

The journey to Yamunotri Temple is as divine as the destination. Pilgrims trek around 6 kilometers from Janki Chatti, experiencing the serenity of mountains, waterfalls, and fresh air that elevates the spiritual experience.

A visit to Yamunotri Temple is not just about faith—it is about embracing nature, devotion, and peace. It is a soulful journey that strengthens the bond between humans, nature, and divinity.

 


Yamunotri Temple: History

Yamunotri Temple, a sacred pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, is the origin of River Yamuna. Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, it offers spiritual peace and divine blessings.

Yamunotri temple has a shrine dedicated to the goddess.

There is also an 18th century temple at Gangotri, which was damaged and re-innovated in the 19th century .

The temple has been destroyed twice by snow and floods before being rebuilt. It is located on the backdrop of Bandarpunch.

Temple is part of the revered Char Dham pilgrim circuit.

The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya and closes on Yama Dwitiya ( second day after Diwali ) for the winter.

A little ahead is at an actual source of the river Yamuna thus which is at an altitude of about 4,421 meters appr.

Two hot springs are also present at Yamunotri, offering relief to tired hikers at a height of 3,292 m.

Surya kund has boiling hot water , while Gauri kund has tepid water suitable for bathing.


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