Yamunotri
the revered shrine of Yamunotri, source of the shadow of the 6,315 mts.
high Bandarpunchh mountain.
It constitutes one of the four most important
pilgrimages, collectively called 'Char Dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Legend has it that a sage, Asit Muni,used to reside at this secluded spot
in ancient times.
The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted
to goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Jankichatti (7km. Away).
Since the approach is extremely difficult, pilgrims usually offer obeisance at the temple itself.
The present temple was constructed by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the nineteenth century.
It is the western most amongst the Chardham and is visited first on a Chardham trip. The shrine of Goddess Yamunotri is perched on the western flank of mighty Banderpunch peaks (6135 mts) which are snow covered throughout the year. The temple itself stands on the foothill of Kalinda Parvata (parvata means hill) close to a thermal springs. The trek to Yamunotri is very exhausting, usually taking 6 hours or more. The thermal springs refresh pilgrims before
The 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.
Pilgrimage Attractions
The Temple
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.
Surya Kund
Close to the temple is this hot water spring called Surya Kund, Surya or Sun being the mythological father of Yamuna. People not just refresh here but also make prasada for offering. 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 prasada. 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.
Divya Shila
This is a stone that is worshipped before entering the temple.
Saptarishi 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.
Excursions
Hanuman Chatti
Hanuman Chatti lies enroute to Yamunotri. The 13 kilometre distance is usually covered in 6 hours. The riverside walk is like a picturesque countryside walk. Hanuman Chatti is located at the confluence of River Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna. It is also the starting point of trek to Dodi Tal.
Sayana Chatti
This is a beautiful place at an altitude of 1982 meters. The place is 29 kms from Barkot.
Janki Chatti
Three kilometres from Yamunotri is Janki Chatti, famous for its hot water springs. You can have a refreshing dip here in the water or make a night halt. There is accommodation facility available here.
Chamba
46 kilometres from Yamunotri is this beautiful place, with greenery spread around like a carpet. It is your ideal summer retreat. At a height of 1676 metres, it is a perfect stopover while you return from Yamunotri.
Dodi Tal
At an altitude of 3307 metres, Dodi tal is a beautiful spot, a natural lake surrounded by thick forests of oak, deodar and rhododendron. Dodi tal treks are pretty famous among trekkers. The lake with its clear waters and variety of fish and trouts is a paradise. Some treks also extend from Yamunotri to Gangotri with Dodi tal enroute.
Getting ThereBy Air
The closest airport from Yamunotri is Jolly Grant airport close to Dehradun, 196 km from Gangotri.
By Rail
The nearest railhead from Yamunotri is Dehradun (172 km). Rishikesh (213 kms) is also an alternative.
By Road
Buses are available for Hanuman Chatti which is 14 kilometers from Yamunotri from Rishikesh, Haridwar and other important places in Uttaranchal. Important road distances are Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 kms via Narendranagar 16 kms, Chamba 46 kms, Tehri 21 kms, Dharasu 42 kms, Bhramkhal 15 kms, Barkot 40 kms, Phoolchatti 5 kms and Jankichatti 3 kms.
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