Yamunotri Temple — Attraction in Uttarakhand

On the way to Yamunotri........

Morning, morning, I woke up to the sound of mules' feet at the Janaki Chatti hotel. Yesterday's journey was quite long. After reaching Gangotri from Chirbasa, I rented a car and reached Uttar Kashi by 1:30 pm. From there, I reached Barkot by bus in the evening. When I reached Janaki Chatti by shared car, it was like a sleeping Puri. From the balcony of the hotel, I can see the Bandarpuch mountain range, standing with a huge silver body. My companions Tarak and Ambuj were sleeping. A long-standing wish is going to be fulfilled today through the Yamunotri darshan. After taking a bath, I set out for Yamunotri. Keeping the Yamuna river on the right, as the journey begins, I gradually climb upwards. The violence of horses and dandiaolas on the rocky road is quite fierce. Although the walking distance from Jankichti is 6 kilometers, there is a lot of uphill on this path, the path gradually goes uphill. After a while, I had to scan the registration of the Chardham Yatra, and I was given a slip. I walked a few km and reached the Ram temple. Then after crossing a bridge, the real test began. From here, the hill is quite steep, about 60 ° elevation, and the violence of the mules. I walked almost with my back to the ground, but the Yamuna will be my constant companion on the way. The sound of the lively Yamuna, the sounds of the beautiful nature and the touch of the beautiful nature will make the mind and body tired in an instant. Nature hides so much. I did not even notice that I had crossed such a steep path while seeing the natural beauty. I met so many different people while walking. People from different parts of India come to see Mother Yamuna, and many foreigners also come with her. In the meantime, a gentleman fell from his mule and got injured. I spent some time in serving him. In the meantime, my two companions lagged behind a little. I moved forward, and in the meantime, I got my first glimpse of the Yamunotri temple. The first glimpse of the top of the temple created a strange feeling in my mind. Before reaching the temple, I had to cross the Yamuna bridge to reach the temple. After crossing the bridge, I went to the other side of the temple of my mother. I did not feel like taking the puja items so far, so I crossed the bridge again and took the puja items and offered them at my mother's feet. There are several hot tanks here, the famous one being the Suryakunda. In this tank, the rice and pulses brought by the visitors are boiled in this water and accepted as mother's prasad. Next to this tank, there is a huge stone known as Divya Shila. It is said that this Divya Shila is worshipped and Yamuna Maa is offered darshan. I can hear the words of Yamuna Mata Ki Jai from all the passengers in the temple premises. However, Yamunotri is not the actual source of the Yamuna River. Here is the source of the hot spring of the Yamuna. Yamunotri is one of the four holy places in the Himalayas because of the hot spring here. The source of the Yamuna is another 15 kilometers from this temple, the remote and terribly beautiful Saptarshi Kund trek is the main source of the Yamuna River, which is located in the Yamunotri valley. In the meantime, my companions arrived, slowly they and I came down from the temple saying "Om Yamuna Namaha" after worshipping. Seeing the beautiful nature of this place with the blue sky and greenery, I came down a little and performed the Pet Puja. How to go: From Haridwar, you have to come to Janakichti by bus via Uttarkashi or Mussoorie. From Uttarkashi, you can come to Janakichti via Dharasu or via Barkot on the Dehradun-Mussoorie route. Then from here you have to trek six km to reach Yamunotri. Where to stay: You can stay at various huts here, Hanuman Hut, Ram Hut, Janaki Hut. However, Janaki Hut is the gate of Yamunotri. It is better to find a comfortable hotel and stay at Janaki Hut. When to go: The doors of this temple are opened after Akshaya Tritiya and the doors of the temple are closed on Bhaiphontar. However, it is better not to come here...

Inside Yamunotri Temple

The deity or Goddess Yamuna is made of black marble. The temple is dedicated to the river Yamuna, who is represented in the form of a silver idol, bedecked with garlands.

Close to the temple are hot water springs gushing out from the mountain cavities. Suryakund is the most important Kund. Near the Suryakund there is a shila called Divya Shila, which is worshipped before puja is offered to the deity. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine by dipping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. Rice so cooked is taken back home as prasadam.

Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Timings

Yamunotri Temple remains opens for pilgrims from: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Aarti Time at Yamunotri Mandir: 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Puja performed in Yamunotri

The pujaris of Yamunotri come from the village of Kharsali near Jankichatti. They are the administrators of the sacred place and perform religious rites well versed in Shastras.

About Yamunotri Dham Temple

Yamunotri is a sacred place where goddess Yamunotri is being worshiped in Yamunotri Temple. Yamunotri is situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and can be reach after 5kms trek from Jankichatti.

Yamunotri Temple

Housing a black marble idol of the river goddess Yamuna, the Yamunotri temple is located in the Western region of Garhwal Himalayas at a height of 3,291 metres (10,797 ft) in the Uttarkashi district of the state of Uttarakhand. The temple can be reached on a full day’s journey through the towns of Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun.

Yamunotri temple

The hiking route to Yamunotri presents some of the most amazing scenes of nature and a large number of waterfalls. The Yamunotri temple is a part of the most famed Char Dham pilgrim circuit and therefore is highly popular among the Hindus.

About Yamuna

Mythology says River Yamuna is the daughter of sun god and Sanghya, the goddess of perception. Mythology says Yamuna’s mother Sanghya could never have an eye contact with her husband due to the dazzling light of sun and therefore Yamuna also inherited the frivolous nature from her mother.

About Yamuna

The birth place of Yamuna is said to be the Champasar Glacier located at about 421 meters just below the Banderpoonch Mountain. The mountain peaking up near the source of the river is called as Kalind Parvat named after one of the titles of sun god.

Temple History

The history of the temple of Yamunotri dates back to the 18th century when it was built by Amar Singh Thapa. Following damage due to floods and snow, it was reconstructed in the 19th century by Tehri Naresh Sudarshan Shah in 1839.

Temple History

After this, the temple suffered yet another damage due to an earthquake and Maharani Gularia of Jaipur rebuilt it in the late 19th century. Therefore down its history, the temple faced destruction and was reconstructed...

Yamunotri Dham, nestled in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, is a sacred pilgrimage site that holds immense significance for devotees of Hinduism. As one of the Char Dham (four sacred abodes), it is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the river that is revered for its purity and spiritual importance. My recent visit to this enchanting destination was nothing short of transformative.

The journey to Yamunotri is a visual treat. The trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri is approximately 6 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, lush valleys, and pristine landscapes. The air is crisp and invigorating, and the sound of the gushing river adds to the serene atmosphere. The sight of snow-capped peaks and verdant meadows is a reminder of nature's grandeur.

Upon reaching Yamunotri, the first sight that greets you is the majestic temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple, with its vibrant architecture, stands against the backdrop of towering mountains, creating a picturesque setting. The atmosphere is imbued with spirituality, and the chants and prayers of devotees create a sense of peace and reverence. The hot springs near the temple, known for their therapeutic properties, are a must-visit. Taking a dip in the warm waters is both refreshing and spiritually uplifting.

While the trek to Yamunotri can be challenging for some, it is manageable for most with a moderate level of fitness. Ponies and palanquins are available for those who prefer not to walk. The local guides are friendly and knowledgeable, providing insights into the history and significance of the site.

The local cuisine adds to the experience. Simple yet delicious meals are available at various eateries along the trek, offering a taste of Garhwali culture. The warm, hearty food is perfect after a long day of trekking.

There are several accommodation options ranging from budget lodges to more comfortable guesthouses. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season, to ensure a hassle-free stay.

Yamunotri Dham is not just a pilgrimage site; it is a journey into the heart of nature and spirituality. The combination of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the divine presence of Goddess Yamuna makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking solace and rejuvenation. Whether you are a devout pilgrim or a nature enthusiast, Yamunotri offers an unforgettable experience that lingers long after you leave. I highly recommend this sacred destination to anyone looking to connect with nature and...