About Yamunotri : The Holy Pilgrimage

The Shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna River and the seat of the goddess Yamuna, is one of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage and traditionally the first destination also on the Char Dham Yatra. The temple itself stands on the foothill of Kalinda Parvata (Parvata means hill) and the left bank of yamuna river, close to a thermal springs which refreshes the pilgrims before they offer prayers in the shrine. However, the actual source of Yamunotri is a lake, 12 kilometres from here with the name of Saptrishi Kund. A difficult guided trek will bring you here. Most pilgrims offer prayers at the shrine itself, since the trek is very difficult to take.

Altitude : 3,185 mts.
Climate : Summer : Cool during the day and cold at night.
                Winter : Snow-bound touching sub-zero.
Clothing Summer : Light woollens. Winter : Very heavy woollens.

Season : May to November
Languages : Hindi , Garhwali , English

Legend

According to Hindu mythology, Surya, the sun god is the father of Yamuna, and Yama, the god of death. It is said that since Yamuna is the sister of Yama, anyone who who bathes in the river is spared a painful death. Another legend says that the lonesome place of Yamunotri was once the home to Asit Muni.

Aarti timings
The temple is open for Darshan 6am to 12pm & 2pm to 8pm, and helpful pandits are always at hand to guide the visitors. The aarti is held at around 7 am in the morning and again at 8:00 pm in the evening; and those who wish to participate in the aarti need to spend the night at Yamunotri.

The Temple

The actual temple is only accessible by a 14 kilometer walk from the town of Hanuman Chatti and a six kilometer walk from Janki Chatti (horses or palanquins/Dolis are available for rent). The hike from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri is very picturesque with beautiful views of a number of water falls. The temple situated here close to the thermal springs is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple was constructed in 1839 by Tehri Naresh Sudarshan Shah. However, since the place is highly prone to earthquakes, the temple has been damaged several times. It was built again in 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur. Even after that the temple has been renovated and reconstructed quiet a few times. Inside the temple is an idol of Goddess Yamuna carved in black stone that is mainly worshipped. Lodging at the temple itself is limited to a few small ashrams and guesthouses. Ritual duties such as the making and distribution of prasad (sanctified offerings) and the supervision of pujas (ritual venerations) are performed by the Uniyal family of pujaris (priests). Unique aspects of ritual practice at the site include hot springs where raw rice is cooked and made into prasad. The temple at Yamunotri closes on the festival of Bhaiya Duj, which is celebrated immediately after Diwali. Kharsali, a village 6 kilometres away, is said to be Yamuna’s mother’s home, and her brother Shani Dev travels up  to escort her back to Kharsali. When the temple closes for the season, Yamuna’s doli is taken to Kharsali – with pomp and ritual -- where the pandits and purohits spend the winter months and where she is worshipped for these months.

Other Attractions

Surya Kund

To the left of the Mandir is the Surya Kund, in which prasad is prepared. It is believed that this was given by Surya Dev (the Sun God) to Maa Yamuna, his daughter, as dowry. People not just refresh here but also make prasad for offerings Some potatoes or rice with a pinch of salt are tied in a muslin cloth and dipped in the spring for few minutes, they come out boiled. And after being offered to the deity, they are taken home as prasad. The temperature of the springs is as high as 88 degrees. The presence of a hot water spring surrounded by snow capped peaks reinforces one's faith in the divinity of the place.

Saptrishi kund

This is the source of Yamuna but being a little difficult to access, few people go there and most offer their prayers in the temple itself. A twelve kilometre difficult trek route will take you to Saptrishi kund. A natural glacial kund, the trek upto Saptrishi kund eases out around the base of Kalinda parvat. Dark blue waters, slate stones on the banks, and a rare variety of lotus adorning the water, Saptrishi Kund is a sight to behold. Trip to Saptrishi Kund requires you to be acclimatised for at least one day at Yamunotri and a guide to take you.

Shri Siddh Hanuman Mandir
 The temple complex of Yamunotri overlooks another Mandir, dedicated to Hanuman. In this Mandir, devotees can offer prayers not only to Hanuman but also Ram and Sita. The temple is believed to be located at the site of an ancient cave.

The head priest here claims to have never crossed over to the other side of the bridge in 20 years. In fact he spends the bitter winter months in the Hanuman Temple and usually sleeps to the right of the temple’s entrance.