Yamunotri is an iconic pilgrimage site located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, the other pilgrimage sites being Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Yamunotri is dedicated to the river Yamuna. The source of the Yamuna River is a frozen lake called Yamunotri Glacier, located at an altitude of about 4,421 meters above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Religious Significance - Yamunotri
Yamunotri holds immense religious significance in Hinduism. In Hindu religion, rivers are considered the form of goddess and are worshiped in that form. Yamunotri is recognized as the source of Yamuna river and hence it has special significance.
Mythology - Yamunotri
According to the stories described in Hindu Puranas, Yamuna is often linked to the childhood stories of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna, along with his brother Balram, spent some of his childhood years in Gokul, Mathura and Vrindavan, situated on the banks of river Yamuna. The importance of Yamuna river increases further due to the stories related to Lord Krishna.
Yamunotri is not only a place of worship but also a place of spiritual contemplation and introspection. Devotees often visit Yamunotri for inner peace, knowledge and spirituality.
Yamunotri Temple - Yamunotri Uttarakhand
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| Yamunotri Temple Uttarakhand |
Yamunotri Temple is an important Hindu temple located in Uttarkashi district. The temple is constructed in traditional Himalayan architectural style, with a simple design. It is made mainly of stone and wood, which is the traditional style of the region.
The history of Yamunotri temple cannot be said exactly but this form of the temple was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal in the 19th century. To maintain the sanctity of the temple and its artistic beauty, renovation work has been done in the temple from time to time.
Yamunotri Temple is situated near the source of Yamuna River. It is a lake formed by a glacier called Champasar Glacier. To reach the temple, pilgrims have to cover a distance of about 6 kilometers from Hanuman Chatti town. This route passes through beautiful views and lush green forests.
The temple is especially crowded during the Char Dham Yatra season, which attracts pilgrims from across the country.
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Worship - Yamunotri Temple
It is customary to take a holy bath in the nearby hot water spring, known as Surya Kund, before entering the Yamunotri temple complex. The water of Surya Kund is believed to have medicinal properties and is considered sacred.
Important Dates - Opening and Closing
The Yamunotri temple opens its doors to devotees on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, which usually falls in April or May, and remains open till the day of Yama Dwitiya which usually falls in October or November. These dates may differ every year depending on the Hindu calendar.
Char Dham Pilgrimage
Yamunotri is one of the four sites on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, which also includes Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Pilgrimage to these sites is considered extremely auspicious for devout Hindus.
Natural Beauty - Yamunotri Uttarakhand
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| View - Yamunotri Uttarakhand |
The natural beauty surrounding Yamunotri is truly breathtaking, offering tourists a serene and beautiful view amid the majestic Himalayan mountains. Yamunotri is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, which is surrounded by snow capped peaks making this pilgrimage site even more attractive.
Yamuna River originates from the ancient glacial waters of Yamunotri, which adds to the natural beauty of the region. The river flows beautifully through rugged terrain, its clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and forests. The view of Yamuna river flowing through the valleys is a heart-pleasing sight for the tourist.
As tourists proceed from Hanuman Chatti towards Yamunotri, they pass through lush green alpine meadows adorned with vibrant wild flowers. These grasslands are surrounded by dense forests of deodar and rhododendron which further enhance the natural beauty of the track.
The track of Yamunotri has many natural hot water springs like Surya Kund and Gauri Kund. These hot springs are known not only for their medical properties but also for their natural beauty. On the way to Yamunotri, tourists can see many waterfalls falling down from the mountains. These waterfalls add to the peace and charm of the surrounding area.
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Activities - Yamunotri Uttarakhand
Yamunotri is not only a religious attraction for tourists but is also a famous attraction for adventure tours. The main attraction in Yamunotri is the old temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Trekking
The journey to Yamunotri involves a journey of about 6 kilometers from Hanuman Chatti town. The track passes through beautiful scenery, lush green forests and beautiful alpine meadows offering a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks.
Bird Watching and Nature Walk
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| near Yamunotri Uttarakhand |
Yamunotri is surrounded by forests which makes it an ideal place for nature walks and bird watching. The breathtaking views of the Himalayas are full of peace and natural beauty.
Photography - Yamunotri Uttarakhand
Photography is a favorite activity for the tourists coming here. From the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas to sparkling rivers, lush green meadows and vibrant flora, there are plenty of natural scenes to capture and cherish.
Best Time to Visit - Yamunotri Uttarakhand
Tourist activities in Yamunotri are at their peak in the months of May and June due to its pleasant weather and accessibility. During this time, the temperature during the day remains around 6°C to 20°C. In such a situation, it is a good time for trekking and other outdoor activities. During this time the snow is melting due to which greenery and blooming flowers become visible and the natural beauty of this area increases even more. During this time Yamunotri temple is open for devotees and pilgrims reach here in large numbers.
Yamunotri receives heavy rainfall during monsoon (July to September). This causes land slides and often roads are closed. Trekking and other outdoor activities are closed due to slippery roads and the threat of flash floods. The area looks exceptionally green during this time. The springs from the mountains bring water in abundance and the Yamuna river flows with its full flow.
After the monsoon (October November) the weather starts clearing bringing pleasant and clear days with cool temperatures. This is considered a good time for trekking and outdoor activities as the trails are less crowded and the weather is still pleasant. The colors of autumn make natural beauty even more lively.
Yamunotri experiences cold temperatures and heavy snowfall in winter (December – January), due to which all activities stop here. Yamunotri temple also remains closed during this period.
How to reach Yamunotri Uttarakhand
Reaching Yamunotri involves road travel and trekking.
By Flight:
The nearest airport to Yamunotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 210 kilometers away. From Dehradun, tourists can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Hanuman Chatti town. Hanuman Chatti is the base camp for the journey to Yamunotri.
By Train :
The nearest railway station to Yamunotri is also located in Dehradun. From Dehradun Railway Station, tourists can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Hanuman Chatti.
By Road :
Hanuman Chatti is well connected by road to major cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar. From Dehradun, tourists can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Hanuman Chatti via Barkot. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours by road.
Trek to Yamunotri
The journey from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri is about 6 kilometers long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The trekking route passes through beautiful scenery, lush green forests and beautiful alpine meadows, offering a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks. For those who do not want to travel on foot, ponies and palanquins are available on rent at Hanuman Chatti.
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