Yamunotri Temple | Yamunotri Dham Yatra
About Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri Dham is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Its height is about 3235 meters above sea level. This temple is dedicated to Yamuna Devi. Goddess Yamuna is also known as the daughter of Surya. Yamunotri Dham, situated on the banks of river Yamuna, is the main attraction for thousands of tourists.
The goddess Yamuna first came to the mountain named Kalind after she emerged from the Yamuna river, and since then her name came to be known as Kalinda. Taking a bath in the holy water of river Yamuna in Yamunotri Dham, one gets freedom from all the troubles.
In the courtyard of the Yamunotri temple, there is a big rock pillar, which is known as Divya Shila. From April to October, crowds of devotees throng to see Yamuna Devi. Yamunotri Dham remains covered with snow due to increasing cold after October. Therefore, the doors of the Yamunotri temple are closed from October onwards.
Yamunotri temple is situated at a distance of 8 km by road. The pedestrian route is very inaccessible and thrilling. From all the way, you can see the shining peaks of the Himalayas. There is also a palanquin arrangement for the devotees to reach the Yamunotri temple on foot. An ice-frozen lake is also found in Yamunotri, whose height is 4421 meters above sea level.
The attraction of Yamunotri Dham
If you are a resident of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand then you would know that Yamunotri Dham is one of the main Dham of Char Dham Yatra. Yamuna river has its origin 1 km ahead of Yamunotri. Above Yamunotri is the "Bandarpoonch" peak, the main peak of the Himalayas, whose charm fascinates the devotees.
The height of Bandarpunch Peak is 6315 meters above sea level. If we talk about the west direction from Uttarkashi, then Yamunotri Dham is the first stop of Char Dham Yatra. Kalinda mountain is the main source of holy water of the Yamuna river.
The height of Kalindi Temple is 4421 meters above sea level, situated at a climb of 1 km from Yamunotri temple. Due to a lot of climbing, very few devotees are able to enjoy these attractive places of Yamunotri Dham. Surya Kund is believed to be the main water source of Yamuna Devi. Surya Kund is a hot water source.
History of Yamunotri Dham
According to mythology, Yamunotri was the residence of Asit Muni in ancient times. The present-day Yamunotri temple was built by Maharani Gloria of Jaipur in the 19th century. There is also a confirmation that the Yamunotri temple was built by Raja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.
There is a temple of Yamuna Devi at one place in the source of hot water between the two rocks. In 1946, a religious woman built a huge Dharamsala in Beep village on the banks of river Yamuna. After his death, Beep village is known as Janki Chatti. There is also a temple of Lord Narayan in this village.
Doors open time of Yamunotri Temple
According to all religious traditions, the doors of the Yamunotri temple are opened on the holy festival of Akshaya Tritiya, while the doors of the temple are closed on the day of Diwali in October-November.
Famous for its hot water pool, Surya Kund is famous for its extreme temperature. Devotees who come for darshan offer rice and potatoes as prasad to Yamuna Devi at Suryakund. Then after the worship is over, rice and potatoes are wrapped in a cloth and cooked in Suryakund. And then the devotees take it to their home as Yamuna Devi Prasad.
Best season to visit Yamunotri Dham
April to October is considered the best season for Yamunotri Dham Yatra. Being situated in the lap of the Himalayas, the feeling of cold is always there. Therefore, keep warm clothes with you during Yamunotri Dham Yatra.
Summers- During this, the weather remains at normal temperature during the day. At the same time, it feels a little cold at night.
Winters- During this time you can feel mild cold during the day. At the same time, it feels extremely cold at night.
How to reach Yamunotri Dham (Yamunotri Dham Trek Guide)
By Air- If traveling from outside Uttarakhand, you can also come to Uttarakhand by air. The nearest airport to Yamunotri Dham is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun. Whose distance is 185 km.
By Train- Tourist places located in Uttarakhand can also be visited by Train route. Rishikesh Railway Station is located closest to Yamunotri. Whose distance is 231 km.
By Road- You have a lot of ways to reach by road. You can reach Yamunotri Dham by taxi, bus, or your own vehicle. The walking route to Yamunotri is only 8 km.