Yamunotri Temple - The First Dham in Char Dham Yatra

Yamunotri is the first dham of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra circuit. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna and is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. After the Ganga, the Yamuna is considered the most sacred river in Hinduism. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the Yamuna protects one from untimely death. Every year, the portal of the Yamunotri Temple opens on the occasion of Akshay Tritya and closes on Bhai Dooj. A large number of devotees visit the shrine during this period to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna.

Yamunotri Dham- The first of the Char Dham Circuit

The Uttarakhand Chota Char Dham is one of the most popular pilgrimages in India. Several devotees embark on their Char Dham Yatra as soon as the temples open for the season. The Char Dham Yatra comprises four sacred sites, starting from Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath, thus completing the spiritual circuit.
 

Goddess Yamuna is also known as the "Lady of Life". It is believed that anyone who takes a dip in the Yamuna on the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj (also called Yam Dwitiya) protects a person from untimely death and relieves them from the suffering of life and its torments. Beautifully nestled in the middle of the mountains, the Yamunotri Temple houses a black marble idol of the Goddess Yamuna.

Yamunotri Temple Location

The Yamunotri Temple is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is easily accessible from Dehradun, Vikasnagar, and Rishikesh via motorable roads. From Dehradun, the temple is around 170 km away and is accessible by bus, shared taxi or cab. However, the road is accessible up to Janki Chatti; from there, devotees have to trek to reach the shrine.

Yamunotri Char Dham Temple Trek

The trek to Yamunotri Temple begins from Janki Chatti. The total trekking distance of Yamunotri Temple is approximately 6 km and is considered moderate to difficult. Therefore, to undertake the Yamunotri trek, devotees must be physically fit. However, devotees who are elderly or medically unfit can avail themselves of palanquin and pony services. It usually takes around 4 hours to complete the trek and reach the Yamunotri Dham. Along the way, pilgrims can enjoy scenic waterfalls and breathtaking views of the majestic mountains.

Yamunotri Opening and Aarti Time

The Yamunotri Temple generally opens to the devotees daily around 6:00 AM and closes around 8:00 PM. Devotees can also attend the blissful morning and evening aarti held daily. The morning aarti is usually held around 6:30 AM, while the evening aarti takes place around 7:30 PM. Situated in the backdrop of Bandarpunch Mountain, the temple offers an enchanting view.

Surya and Gauri Kund in Yamunotri Dham

Surya Kund and Gauri Kund are two important hot water springs near the temple, attracting several devotees. Surya Kund is known for its hot boiling water, where devotees usually cook rice and potatoes as offerings. However, the Gauri Kund offers tepid water and is mainly used for bathing. Before entering the shrine, the devotees usually bathe in these kunds. 
 

Many devotees on their Char Dham pilgrimage cook rice in Surya Kund and later offer it as prasad to Goddess Yamuna. Near the Yamunotri Temple, there is a stone called "Divya Shilla' which is worshipped before offering prayers to Goddess Yamuna.

History of Yamunotri Temple

The Yamunotri Temple dates back to the 19th Century and was said to be built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur. Later, it was reconstructed by the Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.
 

Sangya is believed to be the birthplace of the Yamuna, and is known as the actual origin point of Yamunotri, located about one km from the temple. The mountain adjacent to the Champasar glacier is called Kalinda Parvat, and is dedicated to Surya Dev, the father of Yamuna. According to the mythology, Yamuna and her brothers, Yam (known as Yamraj - the God of Death) and Shani, emerged from Surya Dev's two wives, Sangya and Chhaya.

Mythology of the Yamuna Temple

According to legend, Sage Asita had his hermitage in Yamunotri. He used to bathe daily in both the Ganga and the Yamuna. However, during his old age, when he was unable to reach Ganga, a stream of the Ganga appeared from the opposite side of the Yamunotri temple, honouring his devotion.

A Popular Custom

Devotees visiting the Yamunotri Temple often perform a popular custom before entering the main shrine. They traditionally bathe in the Surya Kund or Gauri Kund, while many cooked rice and potatoes by tying them in a muslin cloth. These cooked rice and potatoes are then offered to the deity as prasad.

Yamunotri Weather

The weather in Yamunotri remains cold throughout the year. The region also receives heavy snowfall during winter, making it inaccessible for the devotees. During the monsoon season, the heavy rainfall may cause landslides and road blockages. creating issues for pilgrims.

Accommodation near Yamunotri Dham

Devotees looking for an overnight stay near Janki Chatti can easily find hotels, homestays, and guesthouses. The stays provide basic amenities depending on the category of stay booked. To avoid any inconvenience, you must book your stay in advance.

Food Guide

Various restaurants and dhabas are available near Janki Chatti, serving a range of items. However, most of them offered simple vegetarian meals that cater primarily to pilgrims.

Important Tips for Visitors

• Registration for the Char Dham Yatra is mandatory.
• Check the weather forecast before planning your trip and try to avoid the monsoon season.
• Carry valid identification proof during the pilgrimage, as you have to present it at the check post.
• Keep essential cash, necessary medicines, and woollen clothes.
• Avoid rushing and maintain a safe distance from fellow pilgrims.
• Walk slowly and take a rest if needed.
• Drink water in regular intervals to keep your body hydrated.

Major Nearby Attractions

After taking the blessings of Maa Yamuna, the devotees can also explore other nearby places, such as:

• Janki Chatti
• Kharsali
• Shani Dev Mandir
• Hanuman Chatti