Yamunotri Dham Yatra
Situated at a height of over 3100 meters, the source of the river Yamuna is considered one of India’s most significant pilgrim destinations. This location is marked by a temple at its foot called the Yamunotri Dham Shrine. It is said that many sages stayed here for their spiritual growth. This travel guide will be handy if you plan the Yamunotri Dham Yatra with your family or as a solo traveller.
Read the following travel guide for a comfortable Chardham Yatra in Yamunotri Mandir.
Importance of Yamunotri Dham Trip
The trip to Char Dham is considered to be one of the most significant religious practices for Hindus. It was traditionally known as a pilgrimage meant for older generations after retirement. However, sages, devotees and people from all backgrounds used to travel. Before technology, the trip used to be difficult; still, people travelled despite all the challenges in search of spirituality.
Inside the Yamunotri Temple
Situated in the western Garhwali area in the Himalayas, the Shrine was built in the 19th Century. The temple of Goddess Yamuna is built with intricate carvings, while the statue is made using black marble, furnished using fresh garlands.
The Opening and Closing Schedule of the Yamunotri Mandir
The Yamunotri Mandir Gate opens for Pilgrims at 06:00 AM. While the Aarti begins at 06:30 PM. You can also watch the Sandhya Aarti at around 07:30 PM before its closure by 08:00 PM.
Significance of the Yamuna River and Yamunotri
Goddess Yamuna is believed to be the daughter of the Sun God, who is also the sister of Yamaraj, the God of Death. It is believed that praying to her in the Yamunotri Shrine would help in easing the process of death and the afterlife of the worshipper.
The Yamuna River is considered to be one of the most divine rivers for Hindu devotees. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the Ganges and the Yamuna River would purify their souls. Hence, the beginning of the Yamuna River is considered to be the first dham among the Char Dhams in the Yamunotri Dham Yatra. The Yamunotri Temple, however, is located at the foot of the hill where Asit Muni used to reside. Nevertheless, the actual source lies at the peak of Bandarpoonch in the Lower Himalayas.
The winters are usually an off-season due to heavy snowfall in this region. The Yamunotri Dham Yatra is then relocated to Kharsali until the next year’s summer.
Best Time to Visit Yamunotri Dham Yatra
The best time to visit the Yamuna Devi Shrine is between the months of April and June, with pleasant weather in the region. However, ensure to pack proper winter clothes as the temperature could get very cold even in the summer.
Location of the Yamunotri Mandir
The Yamunotri Temple is situated around 13 km from Hanuman Chatti and a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti. You can hire a horse, pony or palanquin to reach the temple if you are unable to trek. In the next section, you will understand how you can reach the Yamunotri Temple.
A Travel Guide for a Comfortable Yamunotri Dham Yatra
Reach Yamunotri Temple by Train
Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to the Yamunotri Temple. You can reach further by either private taxis, buses or shared jeeps. The other nearest railway stations include Haridwar, Kathgodam, Dehradun and Kotdwar.
Reach Yamunotri Dham Yatra via Air
The nearest airport to Yamunotri Dham is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. After that, you need to follow the roadway!
Reach Yamunotri Dham Yatra by Road
You can visit the Yamunotri Shrine via Dehradun and Barkot, which is also easily reachable from Haridwar, Chamba and Tehri. You can travel from Hanuman Chatti to Phool Chatti for around 5 km on a Jeep. From here, you can travel to Janki Chatti on foot for around 3 km. Further, you need to trek around 8 km.
Weather and Climate of Yamunotri Dham Yatra
The average maximum temperature of Yamunotri is around 15-20 degrees Celsius. Hence, it is advisable to wear proper winter clothing throughout the year. The gates of the temple remain open from the beginning of summer to the arrival of winter. While the summers are usually cool in this region, the winters are freezing cold. The weather is pleasant in the morning, while the nights may get colder. This is the peak season for tourists, attracting even foreign travellers.
Yamunotri witnesses monsoons from late July to August, which makes the trek quite difficult and prone to landslides. However, people still travel to the shrine during this season. After the closure of this temple, the weather takes a turn with heavy snowfall in the region. Only professional trekkers and mountaineers risk trekking various expeditions around Yamunotri.
Distances From Yamunotri
| City | Distance |
|---|---|
| Uttarkashi | 126 km |
| Mussoorie | 141 km |
| Dehradun | 182 km |
| Haridwar | 246 km |
Best Places to See Near Yamunotri Temple
You can explore various places around the Yamunotri Mandir and participate in different activities. Some of these tourist attractions have been described below.
The Surya Kund
One of the thermal springs near the Shrine, this place was named after the Sun, who is considered the father of the Goddess Yamuna. The temperature of this pool is around 88 degrees Celsius, with snow all around. Altogether, it beautifies the divinity of this region. Pilgrims often boil rice and potatoes tied and soaked in a clean cloth. This is offered to the deity. The Prasada is then taken back home as a divine blessing from God.
Divya Shila
Before visiting the Yamunotri Temple, people perform their Pooja on the Divya Shila, which is a stone pillar near the Surya Kund.
Saptarshi Kund
Considered as the origin of the Yamuna river, this kund is situated at a height of over 4.4 km above sea level. You can view the beautiful blue waters with Brahma Lotus, which is a rare sight, when you are here.
Hanuman Chatti
The Hanuman Ganga River flows into the Yamuna at Hanuman Chatti, which is around six hours of trekking through the Himalayas. This region is filled with the aroma of the Himalayan Shrubs that rejuvenates the body after a tiresome journey.
Kharsali
With a range of thermal springs and beautiful surroundings, Kharsali features coniferous forests and giant oak trees. You can set up a picnic with your friends and family here and enjoy the weather.
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