Yamunotri

Yamunotri is the first dham on a char dham pilgrimage, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Dedicated to deity Yamuna, this temple is located in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. After Ganges, Yamuna is considered the most sacred river and it is believed that taking a holy dip in the river protects one from untimely death.

Located around 190 km from Dehradun, the temple is easily accessible by road up to Janki chatti, afterwards, devotees have to trek about 3 km to reach the temple. However, palanquin and pony services are also available for the pilgrims. It will take around 3 hours to reach the temple. During the trek visitors can find the numerous waterfalls and panoramic view of the majestic mountains. Upon reaching the temple, devotees will find a black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna in the sanctum sanctorum.

Devotees can witness the blissful morning and evening aarti held daily and offer prayers and seek the goddess blessing. Situated in the backdrop of Bandarpunch Mountain, the temple offers an enchanting view. Built in the 19th Century by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur, which was later reconstructed by the Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. Pilgrims may also find a hot spring near the temple called ‘Surya Kund’, and adjacent to it there is a stone called Divya Shilla, which is worshipped before the Yamuna.

It's custom that before visiting the shrine, the pilgrims bathe in Gauri Kund and cook rice and potato in the hot spring of Surya Kund. These cooked rice and potato are then offered in the form of prasad to the deity. Additionally, there is an ancient Shani temple at Kharshali, where devotees often visit during their pilgrimage.

Sangya is the birthplace of Yamuna, which is the actual origin point of Yamunotri located about one km from the temple. The mountain adjacent to the Champasar glacier is known as Kalinda Parvat, dedicated to Yamuna's father, Surya Dev. 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.

The Yamunotri portal closes on the second day of Diwali, which is observed as Bhai Dooj (also known as Yam Dwitiya). It is said that on this day, Yama visits his sister Yami. As per the legends, it is believed that by visiting Yamuna or bathing in Mathura, one can get relief from a hellish life and its torments.

Sage Asita who had his hermitage in Yamunotri bathed daily all his life in Ganga and Yamuna but during his old days, he was unable to reach Ganga. Seeking his devotion, a stream of Ganga appeared from the opposite to Yamunotri temple. The weather in Yamunotri remains cold throughout the year and also receives heavy rainfall during winters, making it inaccessible during winter. It also receives heavy rainfall during monsoon that makes it tough terrain for the devotees to reach the temple. Devotees can also visit some other places, that are the major attractions nearby the temple; including hanuman Chatti, Kharsali, and Saptarishi Kund.