Yamunotri: A Spiritual Haven in the Himalayas

Explore the spiritual haven of Yamunotri, where the Yamuna River originates

What is Yamunotri?

Yamunotri is the origin of River Yamuna. It is a famous pilgrimage site located in the Uttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is one among the Chhotta Char Dham pilgrimage circuit of Uttarakhand.Yamunotri is located on top of Bandar Poonch Parvat which is part of the Garhwal Himalayas. The river originates from a frozen lake and glacier at a height of 4421 meters above sea level. This is known as Kalind mountain. This place is not easily accessible. A temple dedicated ot Goddess Yamuna at the foothills of Kalind mountain is considered as the origin of Yamuna. Yamunotri Dham is often the first stop-over of the Char Dham yatra.

How can I reach Yamunotri?

To reach Yamunotri, you need to first travel to the town of Dehradun, which is well-connected by air, rail, and road. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the town Janki Chatti via Barkot. This distance can be covered in about 8 hours. From Janki Chatti, Yamunotri is a trek of about 6 km.and takes about 3 hours.

Yamunotri can be accessed from Haridwar via Rishikesh - Tehri - Barkot. The distance is about 250 km.

What are the legends associated with Yamunotri?

Yamuna is the daughter of Surya Deva. She is also called Kalindi because Surya Deva also has a name, Kalinda. Yama, the god of death is Yamuna's brother.

Sage Asita used to live here.

Bandar Poonch Parvat of which Yamunotri is a part, is called so because this is where Hanumanji extinguished the fire on his tail after he burned down Lanka. Bandar Poonch means 'monkey's tail'.

Who built the temple at Yamunotri?

Yamunotri temple was built by Maharani Guleri of Jaipur in the 19th century.

What is the best time to visit Yamunotri?

The best time to visit Yamunotri is from May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the temple is open for pilgrims. However, it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season (July and August) due to heavy rainfall, which can make the trekking route slippery and dangerous.

Are there any accommodations available near Yamunotri?

Yes, there are several accommodations available near Yamunotri to suit different budgets. You can find guesthouses, lodges, and ashrams in the nearby towns of Janki Chatti and Hanuman Chatti. It's recommended to make prior reservations, especially during the peak pilgrimage season, to ensure availability.

Are there any other attractions near Yamunotri?

Yes, there are a few attractions near Yamunotri that you can explore. Surya Kund, a natural hot water spring, is located near the temple and is considered to be sacred. Divya Shila, a rock pillar worshiped before entering the Yamunotri temple, is another significant attraction. Additionally, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding Himalayan mountains and valleys during your visit.

Are there any precautions I should take while visiting Yamunotri?

While visiting Yamunotri, it's important to take some precautions. The trek to the temple involves steep and rocky terrain, so it's advisable to wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry essential items like water, snacks, and sunscreen. It's also recommended to consult with your doctor regarding any health conditions before embarking on the journey, as the high altitude can pose challenges for some individuals.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi