Yamunotri Temple

The Yamunotri Temple is situated near a hot spring running water in geyser force and in which the pilgrims cook their food. The Temple of Yamunotri is at the foothill of the Kalind Parvat at the left bank of the Yamuna at a height of 3,185 metres. Acting as a backdrop, a glorious waterfall drops, more than 2,000 metres from the snow of Banderpoonch into the valley at this point. Besides `Ratnjot` an herb claimed to be curative for eye diseases, with chestnuts, walnuts, and apricots grow in abundance in this valley. A frozen lake of ice on the top of Kalind Parvat, at a height of 4,421 metres and almost a kilometre further up is the source of the Yamuna but since the approach to it, is extremely unsafe, the temple has been built at the foothill. Here, the sage Asset had his habitat, all his life he bathed in both, Ganga and Yamuna.

As the years rolled on and the sage got old, he could not go to Gangotri title Ganga came to him and a soft stream came out of the rocks before his shocked eyes at Yamunotri and continued to do so until he was called to his rest. The temple of Yamuna is close to some hot water springs, where the water gushes out of the mountain crack at boiling point. Of these, the most important is Surya Kund, a pinch of rice or some potatoes tied loosely in a cloth is dipped in the `Kund` and after a few minutes, when it is cooked, is taken home as `Prasad`. Nearby is the Dibya Shila, which is worshipped before puja is offered to Yamuna. There is also a pleasantly warm water tank the Yamuna Bai Kund, built about 110 years before and is used for holy bath. Yamunotri stands on the western border of the great peak of Banderpoonch 6,315 metres high and is always snow-clad. It forms the dividing line of the Hanumanganga and the Tons River, which is a tributary of the Yamuna. The valley of the Tons is to the west of the Yamuna; it collects the waters of Har-ki-Doon, a high level field surrounded by glaciers, and the Banderpoonch glacier.

Tourist Attractions in Yamunotri

The main tourist attraction in Yamunotri is the Yamunotri Temple. The other tourist attraction in Yamunotri are the Surya Kund and Divya Shilla.

Yamunotri Temple
The Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, the river goddess. The idol of the goddess is made of black marble. The temple was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. This place is visited by various pilgrims from May to October, every year. According to legend the temple must be rebuilt after every few years. Floods and snow seem to ensure that it must be built.


Surya Kund
The hot sulphur water springs pond, also known as Surya Kund is situated near the Yamunotri temple. These important thermal springs are known for its very high temperature of 190 degree Fahrenheit. The pilgrims immerse potatoes and rice, tied in a muslin cloth at this pond. The meal, which takes only few minutes to cook is then offered to the deity and later distributed as Prasad.
Yamunotri Temple, Yamunotri

Divya Shila
Divya Shila is a huge rock pillar which is venerated before entering the Yamunotri temple.

Accommodation
There are dharamshalas and other resthouses in Hanauman Chatti, Janki-Chatti and Yamunotri.

Excursions

Jankichatti
The thermal springs in Jankichatti offers a spectacular sight and a refreshing bath for the pilgrims.

Sayanachatti
Sayanachatti is a scenic spot along the banks of the river Yamuna that makes a lovely sight enroute the trek upto Yamunotri.

Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers forms the starting point for the scenic Dodi Tal trek. Porters, palanquins and ponies are available for the journey to Yamunotri.

How to get here

By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, situated about 196 kms. from Yamunotri via Dehradun.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located in Rishikesh and Dehradun, about 213 kms and 172 kms. respectively.

By Road:
Yamunotri is well connected by road to Rishikesh, Dehra Dun, Haridwar and Delhi.

From Rishikesh, it is about 213 kms. journey by road to Hanumanchatti. To reach the temple you must trek from Hanuman Chatti for about 13 kms. The trek along the riverbank is exhilarating with the mountains rising up on each side. On the return to Hanuman Chatti, you can visit temple of Someshwar at Kharsali, 1 km across the river from Jankichatti. This is one of the oldest and finest temple in the region and worth visiting place.