Yamunotri Dham is a pilgrimage site located in the Western Himalayas of the Garhwal region in the Uttarkashi district of the Indian state Uttarakhand. The height of Yamunotri Dham is about 3,293 meters above sea level. Yamunotri Dham attracts tourists due to the high mountain peaks, glaciers, and beautiful water of Yamuna. Yamuna is considered the second most sacred river in India. Yamunotri is one of the Chota Char Dhams in the state of Uttarakhand, the other three being Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri. Every year there is a large crowd of devotees here. It is believed that bathing in the Yamuna river washes away all sins.
Yamunotri Temple History
Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal made the temple of Yamuna Devi. Maharani Guleria of Jaipur built the present temple in the 19th century. It was destroyed once due to an earthquake, which was rebuilt. The water of the narrow Yamuna is as cold as ice. Due to the purity, sanctity, and purity of this water of Yamuna, there is immense reverence and devotion towards Yamuna in the hearts of the devotees.
According to legend, Asit Muni’s Parnakuti was at this place. The way to climb the temple of Yamuna Devi is complicated and thrilling. Skyscraping and beautiful naked snow peaks en route mesmerize the pilgrims.
Yamunotri Temple Architecture
The Yamunotri Temple is situated on the Kalind Parvat, 3030 meters tall. Yamunotri Temple was made in the 19th century and remained the center of faith of the devotees in Uttarakhand. The silver idol of Goddess Yamuna wrapped with garlands is installed in the temple. Tourists throng the temple in large numbers to have the darshan of Goddess Yamuna.
Yamunotri Temple Significance
In Hindu religious texts, Goddess Yamuna has been described as the daughter of Lord Surya and sister of Yama, the god of death. According to a legend, when Mother Yamuna came to the earth, she did severe penance to free her brother from the curse of shadow and freed him from the curse. Seeing the penance of Yamuna, Yama was pleased and asked to ask for a boon; on saying this, Yamuna Devi asked her brother Yama for a boon of a clean river so that no one on earth would have any problem drinking water and the water would be beneficial to the people. It is believed that the devotees who bathe in the Yamuna do not suffer Yama at the time of death and attain salvation.
Temple Opening & Closing Seasons
Yamunotri Dham opens on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, and its doors are closed on the day of Bhai Dooj. The period of travel is from April to October. In winter, Goddess Yamuna worship occurs in the nearby Kharsali village.
Temple Aarti & Opening Time
The Yamunotri temple opens for pilgrims at 6 am and closes at 8 pm. Morning Aarti starts at 6:30 am, and Evening Aarti starts at 7:30 pm.
Places to Visit in Yamunotri
Yamunotri Dham is one of the famous Chhota Char Dham of Uttarakhand. You can also visit its favorite sightseeing places in Yamunotri Dham Yatra. So let us show you the significant areas of Yamunotri through this article.
Yamunotri Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the Yamunotri Temple is situated in the Western Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of about 3,291 meters. The second most sacred river of India, the Yamuna River, originates from Yamunotri. Therefore, the Yamunotri temple is one of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The majestic mountain, the hot and cold water springs of Surya Kund and Gauri Kund, respectively, and the beautiful flow of the Yamuna River provide a serene environment around the Yamunotri Temple.
Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti is more famous for hot springs and trekking. Janaki Chatti is considered a close sister of Hanuman Chatti and serves as an alternate base for treks to Yamunotri. The hot springs of Yamunotri Dham are the biggest attraction of Janaki Chatti. Janki Chatti is surrounded by high mountains and situated at an altitude of 2700 meters is a spectacular place.
Surya Kund
Surya Kund, a scenic spot in Yamunotri Darshan, is dedicated to Surya Dev, the father of Yamuna ji. The main feature of Surya Kund is that the water of this Kund is hot. A hot water spring at a temperature of 1900 F is also located in the Surya Kund. Devotees who visit Surya Kund often cook rice and potatoes by kneading them in a cotton cloth and dipping them in water. After this food is cooked, it is offered to the temple.
Kharsali
Kharsali is an attractive picnic spot just a short distance from Janki Chatti in Yamunotri Dham, which has many thermal springs, water springs, and luxuriant meadows covered with oaks and conifers. There is an attractive temple of Lord Shiva here.
Hanuman Chatti
Hanuman Chatti is situated at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Located 13 km before Yamunotri Dham, Hanuman Chatti (2,400 m) is a serene retreat with adequate accommodation facilities. Travelers frequent Hanumanchatti as it is a popular trekking spot in the region. Apart from Yamunotri, the best trekking excursion from Hanumanchatti is towards Darwa Top and Dodi Tal.
The scenic beauty of the riverside at Hanuman Chatti is an ideal place to experience nature and the countryside.
Divya Shila
Divya Shila is an essential attraction of Yamunotri Dham, situated close to Surya Kund at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level. Devotees visiting the Yamunotri temple must worship the divine rock before entering the premises.
Shapt Rishi Kund
Saptarishi Kund is a famous natural lake situated at 4421 meters in Yamunotri. The origin of Yamuna You can enjoy trekking on Yamunotri’s 10-kilometer-long trek. You can also spot many exotic birds and glaciers on your way.
Shani Dev Temple
Shanidevi Temple, situated in the slums of Kharsali in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is the oldest temple of Shani Dev. Located at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level in Kharsali, Shani Dev Temple is the winter place of Goddess Yamuna.
Best Time To Visit Yamunotri Temple
The most suitable time to see Yamunotri is May to June and September to November. People come to this city and find a pleasant climate throughout the year. Yamunotri experiences the winter season from October to March. The place also receives snowfall this season as the temperature drops below 0 degrees.
How to Reach Yamunotri Temple
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 200 km from Uttarkashi headquarters. Taxi and bus assistance are available from Dehradun Airport to Yamunotri.
By Train: The closest railway stations to Yamunotri are Rishikesh and Dehradun. Dehradun Railway Station is 175 km from Yamunotri, and Rishikesh Railway Station is 200 km before Yamunotri on NH58. Railway networks well connect Rishikesh and Dehradun with significant destinations in India.
By Road: There are no direct motorable roads to Yamunotri, and tourists and pilgrims must stop at Janaki Chatti, the last place accessible by vehicles on this route. Pilgrims must trek 6 km from Janki Chatti to reach the Yamunotri temple.
