Yamunotri Dham – the temple of Goddess Yamuna
Yamunotri Dham
In Uttarkashi district, you will find Yamunotri Dham in the Western Garhwal Himalayas of the Uttarakhand state. Yamunotri Dham is situated around 30 km to the north of Uttarkashi. This place is known for the Goddess Yamuna temple and the origin of the Yamuna River. Originally, the Yamuna originated from Yamunotri Glacier near Bandarpunch Peak. It is stated that near Bandarpunch Peak, there is a small hillock. The name of that hillock is Kalindi. Since Maa Yamuna passed Kalindi mountain on her way to Yamunotri Dham, one of her many names is Kalindi, and from there comes down to move in as a Yamuna river in Mathura, Delhi, and make confluence in Prayagraj with Ganga and Saraswati. As per the scriptures, before taking a dip in the Yamuna River, you must bathe in the Tapta Kund. It has two significance, one is that it cures the fatigue of the devotees who have traveled the uphill distance of 5 km. The second significance is that if you suffer from any skin ailment, you can bathe in the Tapt Kund; it cures all skin ailments. You can see a beautiful view all the way.
Geographical Description
Altitude: 3293 meters
Location: 31.01°N 78.45°E
Historical Description
Maa Yamuna is the daughter of Lord Surya (God Sun) and the sister of Lord Yama (God of Death). As per belief, for people’s benefit, Maa Yamuna has been sent to earth. Among our ancestors is a saint named Jaimuni. He did deep meditation at this place and worshiped Maa Yamuna. Through his meditation, Maa Yamuna appeared at this place on the earth. Maa Yamuna sat and prayed to God Surya at this spot then, and took boon for this spot. With the blessings of Lord Surya, this whole place attained a spiritual hue. The temple was constructed with the efforts of Seth Jalan in recent times, but before that, there used to be a very ancient temple. Maharani Guleria built this temple originally, which was modernized, and today in this temple, you will find 3 divine statues, two statues of Maa Yamuna and one statue of Maa Ganga.
Opening and Closing Timings
On the religious event of Akshaya Tritiya, the Maa Yamuna statue is shifted from Khusimath (Kharsali Village) to this temple. On Bhaidooj, the Maa Yamuna statue resides for another 6 months with Lord Someshwara returns to Khusimath. This place is significant in many ways. God Yama periodically pays a visit to this spot himself to visit his sister, and on Rakshabandhan, God Yama comes here to get rakhi tied from his sister. On Bhaidooj, Maa Yamuna’s brother visits her when the temple doors are closed. God Yama partakes a lavish feast with her sister where he takes a divine dip in the river. In return, Lord Yama blesses his sister so that whoever visits her with sincere faith and a pure heart is in the temple. Would be limited by him. He would achieve the most elevated reward in the hereafter, he would go to paradise.
Weather /Accommodations
The weather of Yamunotri is very cool because of the Glaciers present near Yamunotri. The weather is very satisfying during summer, and the maximum temperature is around 21 degrees Celsius. Monsoon season is too difficult for devotees and visitors due to heavy rainfall. Winters are freezing with heavy Snowfall, If you are a snowfall lover, then you can visit in the months of October and November.
In Yamunotri, Dham does not have the accommodations facilities. You can find a place to stay at Janki Chatti or Hanuman Chatti. These Places are very close to Yamunotri. If you book your stay before the Yatra, it is good for you, and you won’t face any inconvenience.
Place visit in Yamunotri
Janki Chatti: The nearest point to get Yamunotri. Most visitors stay here before going to Yamunotri. Beautiful mountains surround at an height of 2700m. This place is known for its hot springs. From Janki Chatti, approx 5 km walk to Yamunotri Dham.
Hanuman Chatti: Beautiful place on the confluence of river Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga at an elevation of 2400 m. This place is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This place is the last point, where all vehicles stop, from here Yamunotri is around 13 km.
Divya Shila: The place where Maa Yamuna sat and did meditation there is a holy boulder, known as “Divyashila” situated at an elevation of 3000 m. There is also a shloka describing this “Divyashila” in one of our holy scriptures, which describes that for those who touch this Divyashila there all their wishes come true.
Surya Kund: There is a Kund just next to the Divyashila dedicated to Lord Surya. One can cook rice potatoes in the hot water coming out of that spring to make Prasad and this Prasad is offered to the temple. Surya Kund’s temperature is about 1038 Celsius.
Draupadi Kund: Kund, where you can offer prayers for your departed ancestors.
Garuda Ganga Waterfall: This waterfall flows under the glacier and travels to meet the Yamuna River downstream. It is stated that this is the spot where Lord Vishnu’s vehicle, Garuda, told the River Yamuna a story, ages ago. That’s why this place’s name is Garuda Ganga. From here you can see beautiful Glaciers.
Saptrishi Kund: It is a place to trek near Dham at an elevation of 4421 meters, Trekkers prefer to trek to that place during August and September. The trekkers need to climb mountains and pass through glaciers to reach Saptrishi Kund.
Lakhamandal: The history of this place dates back to the Mahabharata era and Pandavas. This place is around 5000 years ago, The Pandavas lived here for some time, built a temple for Lord Shiva and worshipped him. Pandavs establish Shivalinga here, there are at least 12500 Shivlinga more established here, it is because of the lakhs plus Shiv Lingams that is why this place is called Lakha Mandal. It is situated around 48 km before Yamunotri.
How can you reach
Delhi – Haridwar – Dehradun – Mussorie – Barkot – Janki Chatti – Yamunotri
The Yatra starts from Haridwar and Janaki Chatti is the last point for vehicles, from here the route is about 5 km to Yamunotri Dham. One can reach to Yamunotri either walking or hire horse riding or palanquin. The prices are fixed by the government. If you can go by walking it takes about 03 hours in reaching near the main deity of Maa Yamuna Temple. As we know Yamunotri Dham is open from the month of April to November in the upper section; so, the best time to visit Yamunotri Dham is from April to June and September to November. In July or August, it is difficult to reach Yamunotri Dham because during Mansoon season there is heavy rainfall here
By Air: For Yatra the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is located in Dehradun. From here you can hire a taxi or take buses to reach Yamunotri via Barkot.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, Dehradun and Rishikesh Railway station. All railway station has easy connectivity with all the major cities. After reached these stations you can take a taxi or buses.
By Road: The best and shortest route by road is starts from Haridwar or Dehradun via Mussoorie and Barkot. If you are coming via Rishikesh, then the road diverts from Dharasu place to Yamunotri Dham.
Helicopter Services: If you want to go by Helicopter, you can go by Helicopter. You have to book the helicopter tickets before the Yatra.
Distance (approx.) of Major Cities to Yamunotri
Delhi: 438 km
Haridwar: 234 km
Dehradun: 182 km
Mussoorie: 138 km
Barkot: 45 km