Yamunotri Dham Travel Guide – Location, How to Reach, & Nearby Attractions

This is the Yamunotri Dham travel guide, so, if you are planning to visit Yamunotri Dham, it can be helpful for you.

Yamunotri Dham Overview

Yamunotri Temple, which is consecrated to the deity Yamuna, is located at a height of roughly 3,291 metres in the western Himalayan Range. Stream Yamuna, India’s 2nd holiest river, has its beginnings at Yamunotri. As a result, among the 4 Chota Char Dham devotion locations is the Yamunotri Temple.

Yamunotri temple is surrounded by tranquility towering hillsides. The captivating fountains of Surya Kunda & Gouri Kund which flow both hot and cold separately, and the elegantly rushing Yamuna River make the places more beautiful.

Yamunotri, which is in the Uttarkashi region, is located near the Indo-China boundary and is encircled by hills on all sides. It is renowned for providing tourists with serenity and quiet.

North of Yamunotri, at an elevation of 6315 metres, is Bandarpunch Peak. Yamunotri is 176 kilometres away from Chamba, 21 kilometres away from Sanya Chatti, 278 kilometres away from Dehradun, and 236 kilometres away from Haridwar.

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History of Yamunotri Temple

The deity has a monument in Yamunotri Temple. In addition, Gangotri has a Garhwal Naresh Pratap Shah-built temple from the eighteenth century that was destroyed and renovated in the 19th.

Before even being reconstructed, the shrine was twice completely devastated by frost and floods. It is situated in Bandarpunch’s background. The famed Char Dham devotion route includes the shrine.

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Yamunotri Temple Architecture

The Garba Griha and Mandap in the temple’s courtyard are where pilgrims congregate for viewing and devotion. The black stone statue of Devi Yamuna that is covered in garlands is found in the Garba Griha.

Next to the idol of the deity Yamuna, is a white rock statue of the deity Ganga. Granite rocks were used to build the Yamunotri temple. At the summit of the temple is a golden pyramidal tower with lovely crimson accents. The front of the building has a little terrace that connects to the entryway.

Hot springs that are spilling out of the granite caverns are close to the temple. The most significant Kund is the Surya Kund. Whenever puja is done to the god, Divya Shila, a shrine located next to the Suryakund, is revered.

The heated water fountains are used by worshippers to make rice and potatoes that are then wrapped in muslin fabric and offered to the temple. Such prepared rice is scooped up as ‘Prasadam’.

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Interesting Facts about Yamunotri Temple

1. Yamunotri Glacier, named after the deity Yamuna and located close to the Banderpunch mountains in the Lowest Himalayan, is said to be the source of the Yamuna Stream.
2. Yamunotri is near the Indo-China frontier and is encircled by stunning peaks in all directions. It is renowned for providing tourists with serenity and quiet.
3. The Himalayan nation’s significant precipitation during the winter months, which results in severely cold temperatures and a heavy coating of snow covering the entire territory, is the cause of the closure.
4. The dominant divinity, if you were to attend the Yamunotri shrine, would undoubtedly be Devi Yamuna.
5. Originally, the sanctuary at this gathering place held just a few little idols. Subsequently, Maharaja Pratapshah erected a new shrine out of granite. This was completed in subsequent periods.
6. One of India’s 5 river systems and a member of the 7 Sacred Streams is the Yamuna.
7. The cave-shaped shrine of Bhagavan Hanuman is located next to the Yamunotri shrine.
8. The Surya Kund is close to the shrine, where hot water is found. This pool’s temperature is thought to be approximately 90 °C.
9. Yamunotri’s priesthood is Brahmins from the Uniyal community who work as homeowners.
10. The base camp for the trip to Yamunotri shrine is Janki Chatti. At 2,650 metres above sea level, it is situated.

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Yamunotri Temple Timings

Yamunotri Shrine is open daily from 6 am through 8 pm for pilgrims, and the Aarti Service is held between 6 and 7 pm within Yamunotri Shrine.

The Yamunotri pujaris are from the hamlet of Kharsali, which is close to Jankichatti. They administer the holy site and carry out religious procedures with a thorough understanding of Shastras.

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Weather and Climate at the Yamunotri Temple

Generally, Yamunotri’s atmosphere is chilly for most parts of the year. This is due to Yamunotri Temple’s elevation of about 3,323 feet.

Due to the significant snowfall during the winter period, Yamunotri Temple is sealed for six months and is accessible for six months during the summertime.

Visitors to Yamunotri have the option of exploring the several temples there that are devoted to numerous Hindu deities. In addition, you may explore the town by hiking up one of the many paths that crisscross it.

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How to Reach Yamunotri Temple

1. By Road

At Janki Chatti, where the highway roads come to an end, a difficult six-and-a-half kilometre journey begins to the Yamuna Devi temple.

To avoid the difficulties of travel, one can use horses or palanquins. From popular locations like Rishikesh, Barkot, Dehradun, Tehri, and Uttarkashi, buses and cabs are easily obtainable.

2. By Train

There are consistent rail links to Rishikesh and Dehradun, accessible throughout the year. From there, take a bus or a taxi.

3. By Air

The closest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport on the Rishikesh Highway in Dehradun. After that, take a bus or a taxi.

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Tourist Attractions near Yamunotri Temple

1. Surya Kund

A thermal spring called Surya Kund is located close to the Yamunotri shrine. The Yamuna Stream, which then in Hindu tradition is regarded as Surya’s progeny or the God, gives this hot fountain its title. Since Surya Kund lies close to the Yamunotri temple, it is also a sacred location.

2. Kharsali

In the Uttarkashi region of Uttarakhand, the unspoiled village of Kharsali, popularly known as “Khushimath,” is nurtured with affection. It is situated at a breathtaking 2,675 meters above sea level. The little village of Kharsali holds religious importance since Devi Yamuna spends her winters there.

3. Shani Dev Temple

The peaceful community of Kharsali in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi region is home to the Shani Dev Temple, which is regarded as Shani Dev’s first shrine. Devi Yamuna spends the winter in the Shani Dev Shrine in Kharsali, which is about 7,000 meters above sea level.

4. Janki Chatti

Beginning from Jankichatti, one may hike to Yamunotri. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete the 6-kilometer hike to Yamunotri. Palki as well as pithoo are accessible from Jankichatti, and it may be accomplished by walking or by mule.

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Why is Yamunotri Temple Important?

Within the vicinity of Kalind Parbat and along one of Banderpoonch Parbat’s sides lies the sacred home of Devi Yamuna. Yamunotri Mandir, which is tucked away in the daunting Himalayas, is said to have been re-built in 1839 by Naresh Sudarshan Shah, monarch of Tehri.

The magnificent surroundings of the shrine, a popular Chota Char Dham devotion destination, are sufficient to wow believers. There should be no doubt that whether you should visit there or not. After visiting there, you will definitely feel a positive vibe and heal yourself from mental problems.

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FAQs – Yamunotri Dham Travel Guide

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