Yamunotri Temple

About Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. It is a Hindu temple located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The Yamunotri Temple is devoted to Goddess Yamuna. The temple is a part of the Garhwal Himalayas and is visited by umpteen pilgrims every year during the festival of Navratri.

On the western side of the Garhwal Himalayas in the Uttarkashi lies the holy shrine of Yamunotri – One of the Chardham. It stands still in pride at an elevation of about 3,291. It is the River Yamuna’s source, India’s second most sacred river. Lofty Himalayan peaks on all sides and the pristine waters of River Yamuna enrich this holy pilgrimage site. Situated on the side of Bandarpoonch Parbat and along the foothills of Kalind Parbat, the Yamunotri Temple is a popular place for trekking, pilgrimage and religious activities. It is the most adventurous and one of the most difficult of the four dhams. 

History of Yamunotri Temple

The Yamuna river is said to have arisen from the frozen lake and ice of the Champasar glacier. A renowned sage Asit Rishi used to worship Goddess Yamuna, which impressed her so much that she started flowing near the temple. Yamuna is called the daughter of the sun God Surya. This location is considered one of the four famous sites of the Char Dham Yatra, an important pilgrimage for Hindus exploring the holy sites of this region of Uttarakhand. Due to the efforts of the locals and authorities, the temple has been able to withstand disasters like earthquakes, floods, and snow damage.

The Yamunotri Temple that has been rebuilt in the 19th century and was destroyed earlier by floods and snow. The glaciers, and thermal springs, are common phenomena around Yamunotri temple. It was reconstructed again by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur. The temple is 14 kilometres away by trekking distance from the place called Hanuman Chatti. Rishikesh and Dehradun are the closest cities. The two trekking routes are from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri, and the second is from Kharsali to Yamunotri. The second route is the closest one.

Architectural Details about Yamunotri Temple

The Yamunotri Temple is made of granite stones, topped by a conical minaret, and painted in a vibrant combination of pale yellow and bright vermillion. Within the temple lies the smooth black marble stone idol dedicated to the great Goddess Yamuna, the deified personification of the sacred river Yamuna.

Tourists and pilgrims visiting the temple usually adorn this structure with garlands as is practised. The Yamuna river flows through the side of this temple. Surya Kund and Gauri Kund are the two natural springs on the sides of the Yamunotri shrine. 

A stone walkway leads to the temple, with a large rock formation at the entrance known as the Divya Shila, where devotees pay their respects before entering the temple. Influences of the 19th-century Nagara style of architecture result from renovations undertaken by the queen of Jaipur during this period.

The sanctum contains a polished black ebony marble idol of the goddess Yamuna, seated on a tortoise. The pilgrims might find space within the temple in the mandap or the meeting hall. The Garbhagriha is a closed chamber where the idols are stored and maintained in the Yamunotri temple.

Best Time To Visit the Yamunotri Temple

May to June and September to November is the best time to visit Yamunotri Temple because the weather is pleasant during this period. From October to March, the temperature may drop to 0 degrees Celsius, and the place might experience snowfall. The Yamunotri Temple opens up on Akshaya Tritiya in May and closes in November after Diwali. The summertime temperature for Yamunotri ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. You can enjoy and experience various activities such as horse riding, trekking, hiking, helicopter, and nature walking here. 

Places To Visit Near Yamunotri Temple

Besides visiting the Yamunotri Temple in Uttarkashi, there are several other attractive places to roam around quite easily here. Some of the famous sightseeing places are as follows: 

• A hot water spring known as Surya Kund lies near the Yamunotri Temple. It is a sacred place where people take divine baths after visiting the shrine. 
• Jankichatti is a tiny town located just three kilometres of the distance from the Yamunotri Temple. From this place, the trek to the glorious Yamunotri Temple starts.
• When the Yamunotri shrine gets covered with heavy snow, the idol of the Goddess Yamuna’s winter shrine is brought to Kharsali. It is also known as Khushimath.
• Another famous vicinity in Kharsali is the Shani Dev Temple that’s at an altitude of 7,000 toes above sea level. It is the primary temple that char dham yatra encounters.
• A pillar erected close to SuryaKund, and Yamunotri recognised as Divya Shila may be very pious to all of the devotees who go here. Cooked rice and potatoes are the shapes of prasad served here.

Why Choose Travanya to Pay Yamunotri Temple a Visit?

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