Yamunotri

Yamunotri is one of the four Dhams from where devotees embark on their Char Dham journey. Dedicated to deity Yamuna, this temple is located around 190 km from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This place is easily accessible by road up to Janki Chatti, afterwards, devotees have to trek about 6 km to reach the temple. During the trek visitors may find the numerous waterfalls and panoramic view of the majestic mountains. In the shrine, the idol of the Goddess Yamuna made of black marble, is kept.

During pilgrimage, visitors may offer prayer and seek blessings of the goddess daily after the morning and evening aarti. Built in the 19th Century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur, which was later reconstructed by the Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, this temple is situated against the backdrop of Bandarpunch Mountain, offering an enchanting view.

Before visiting the shrine, pilgrims often take a bath in Gauri Kund and cook rice and potatoes in Surya Kund. This cooked rice and potatoes are usually offered in the form of prasad to the deity. According to the mythology, Yamuna and her two brothers Yam (known as Yamraj) and Shani emerged from Surya Dev's two wives Sangya and Chhaya.

At Kharsali, people may find the ancient Shani Temple, where devotees often visit during their pilgrimage. Champasar Glacier, located around one km from Yamunotri temple, is the origin point of Yamuna, and the adjacent mountain is dedicated to her father Surya Dev known as Kalinda Parvat.

Yamunotri portals are closed on the second day of Diwali, often celebrated as Bhai Dooj (known as Yam Dwitiya). It is said that on this day, Yama visits his sister Yami and it is believed that by visiting Yamuna or bathing in Mathura, one can get relief from a hellish life and torture.

Places like Hanuman Chatti, Kharsali, and Saptarishi Kund are some of the major attractions nearby Yamunotri.