The shrine of Yamunotri is situated at an altitude of about 3185 mts is a point of paramount religious importance for Hindus and an essential pilgrimage.
Yamunotri is famous for its thermal springs and glaciers is a part of famous Char Dham Yatra. Yamunotri is the source of Yamuna river. According to a legend, Asit Muni, a revered sage, used to reside here.
The actual source a frozen lake of ice & glacier (Champasar glacier also known as Yamunotri Glacier) located on the Kalind mountain at the height of 4421 m above sea level, about 1 km further up, is not frequented generally as it is not accessible and hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer pooja at the temple itself.
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Yamunotri Dham was established by Adi Shankaracharya in 18th century. Yamunotri temple was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, but destroyed by earthquake. Maharani Guleria, wife of Pratap Shah rebuilt present Yamunotri temple in late 19th century.
Frozen lake and Champasar Glacier located on Kalind Peak at altitude of 4421 mtr is the source of Yamunotri river.
Goddess Yamuna is the main diety of Yamunotri Dham. As per legend, she is the daughter of Lord Sun and sister of Lord Yam.
As per mythology, when Goddess Yamuna flowed down to earth, she did hard tapasya to free her brother Yam from curse. Then Lord Yam gave her blessing and made her divine. Also as per legend, in this place Sage Asit had his hermitage here. He used to bath on river Ganga & Yamuna daily. But when he gets old, he was unable to do so. So a stream of Goddess Ganga also emerged at opposite of Goddess Yamuna.
Yamunotri Dham can be reached from Haridwar by bus/ taxi. Regular buses are availabe to Hanuman Chatti/ Barkot from Haridwar. One can board taxi to Barkot/ Hanuman Chatti to Janki Chatti, from where one can trek 6 kms to Yamunotri Dham.
Other than Yamunotri Temple, pilgrims can visit to Saptrishi Kund, Surya Kund, Divya Shila, Kharsali and Hanuman Chatti.
Yamunotri Dham has some dharmshalas and small hotels for pilgrims accommodation. There are several budget and deluxe hotels in Janki Chatti & Hanuman Chatti.
Hotels in Yamunotri
Yamunotri Dham open on the day of Akshay Tritya each year. The Yamunotri Dham closed on Yama Dwitya i.e second day after Diwali.
Yamunotri Opening & Closing Dates
Yamunotri Dham can be reached by 6 kms trek from Janki Chatti and 13 kms from Hanuman Chatti.
Yamunotri Trek Guide
