Yamunotri Temple is the origin place of Yamuna river located in Uttarakhand and is considered an important religious place among the Char Dham. Yamunottari Temple was built by Maharaja Man Singh I of Jaipur in the 18th century.
Yamuna River is considered one of the sacred rivers in Hinduism. It is believed that by bathing in it, all the sins of a person are washed away.
The best time to visit Yamunottari is considered to be from mid-May to the end of June.
Yamunottari has been a center of faith for followers of Hinduism for centuries. The devotees coming here not only follow religious rituals but also enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains. Yamunotri will continue to have religious and environmental importance for the coming generations also.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Yamunotri Temple
Yamunottari: The origin place of the holy Yamuna river!
Have you ever stood on a hilltop at sunrise and watched the sun’s rays dance on the sparkling waters of the holy river? If not, then you must visit Yamunotri. Yamunotri, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is the origin of the Yamuna River and is considered an important religious place among the four Dhams in Hinduism. Come, today let us know in detail about the beauty and religious importance of this holy place!
Brief introduction of Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri is a small village situated at an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level. Surrounded by snow covered mountains on all sides, this place is famous for its enchanting beauty. The environment here is so calm and pure that the mind finds peace. Mainly the origin place of Yamuna river, Janaki Kund and Hanuman temple are worth seeing in Yamunotri.
Religious significance of Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri has great importance in Hindu religion. It is believed that by worshiping river Yamuna a person attains salvation. Yamunotri Yatra is considered the first stop of Char Dham Yatra. Apart from Yamunotri, Char Dham Yatra includes Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. According to mythology, River Yamuna is the daughter of Sun God and sister of Yamraj. Yamuna River is considered one of the sacred rivers in Hinduism. The water of Yamuna river is considered extremely pure and it is believed that by bathing in it, all the sins of a person are washed away.
glimpse of history
Yamunottari Temple was built by Maharaja Man Singh I of Jaipur in the 18th century. However, it is believed that there used to be a small temple here earlier too. Unfortunately, this temple was damaged in the flood of 1982. Later it was rebuilt. Yamunotri Temple is made of black stones and its architecture is quite attractive. A black stone idol of Mother Yamuna is installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
So friends, after knowing about the religious beliefs and natural beauty of Yamunotri Dham, your mind must have longed to visit the holy Yamuna. If you are thinking of roaming in the enchanting valleys of the Himalayas and earning religious benefits, then Yamunotri can prove to be an ideal place for you!
Location and Accessibility
Yamunotri: Heaven situated in the lap of mountains, how to reach there?
Learned about the religious importance and beauty of Yamunotri. But where is this beautiful place located and what is the way to reach there, this question must be coming in your mind. Come, today let us talk about the location of Yamunotri Temple and how to reach there!
Geographical location: Blessings of the mountains!
Yamunotri Temple is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. This is a small village situated at an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level. The snow covered mountains from all sides seem to hold Yamunottari in their arms. The environment here is so calm and pure that the mind gets a different peace as soon as you reach here. Being the origin place of Yamuna river, the geographical location of Yamunottari becomes even more special.
Way to reach Yamunotri Temple
It is definitely a bit difficult to reach Yamunotri, but even this difficult journey becomes a memorable experience in itself.
By Road: The most common way to reach Yamunotri Temple is by road. You can first reach Dehradun or Haridwar by plane or train. From there you can reach Yamunotri Temple by taking a taxi or bus. On the way you will also find beautiful cities like Rishikesh, Uttarkashi.
Walk: If you are a little adventurous, you can also do the 6 kilometer walk from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunottari. This route is definitely a bit difficult, but the beautiful views on the way will make this journey memorable.
Best time to visit:Yamunotri Temple
The best time to visit Yamunotri Temple is considered to be from mid-May to the end of June. During this period the weather remains pleasant and traveling is also easy. However, this season is also very crowded. If you want to enjoy the peaceful environment, then you can visit Yamunottari even in the month of September.
Mythological Background Yamunotri Temple
Yamunottari: Confluence of mythology and source of spiritual consciousness!
Yamunotri Temple is not just a Dham, but a confluence of mythology and spiritual consciousness. Today we will tell you about those mythological stories and beliefs related to Yamunottari, which make this place even more sacred.
color of mythology
There are many interesting mythological stories related to Yamunotri Temple, let us know some of them:
Origin of Yamuna River: According to mythology, Yamuna River is the daughter of Sun God and sister of Yamraj. According to a legend, Suryadev’s wife Sangya could not bear the brightness of the sun. Therefore he took the form called Chhaya. Yamraj and his twin sister Yamuna were born from Chhaya.
Shani Dev’s wrath: According to another story, Shani Dev in his anger touched Yamraj, due to which Yamraj’s body got burnt. To calm Yamraj’s jealousy, his sister Yamuna came down from heaven to earth and appeared at the place of Yamunottari. Yamraj calmed his jealousy by bathing in the holy water of Yamuna.
Previous birth of Draupadi: According to Mahabharata, Draupadi was river Yamuna in her previous birth. Draupadi was blessed to become the wife of five Pandavas, hence the Yamuna river also got divided into five streams. These five streams are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath and Manimahesh.
center of spiritual importance
The spiritual importance of Yamunotri is also very high. Coming here, devotees wash away their sins by taking bath in the holy Yamuna river. The water of Yamuna river is considered as sacred as nectar. It is believed that by taking bath in Yamuna river a person attains salvation. Yamunotri Yatra is also the starting point of Char Dham Yatra.
Char Dham Yatra refers to the journey to four religious places in the Himalayan region – Yamunottari, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. This journey has great importance in Hindu religion and it is believed that it helps a person to move forward on the path of attaining salvation.
Architecture and Design
Yamunotri Temple: A symbol of reverence made of black stones!
The beauty of Yamunotri is not limited only to the snow clad mountains and the holy river. The Yamunottari temple located here also attracts tourists with its unique architecture and religious significance. So today let us pay attention to the structure and design of this special temple!
Temple structure: glory hidden in simplicity!
Yamunotri Temple was built by Maharaja Man Singh I of Jaipur in the 18th century. However, it is believed that there used to be a small temple here earlier too. This temple is made of black stones and its architecture is quite attractive. The main part of the temple is one storey, on top of which there is a spire. The entrance gate of the temple is quite high and one enters the sanctum sanctorum of the temple through this gate.
Architectural style: A glimpse of the hilly area!
The architecture of the Yamunotri Temple can be classified as “North Indian style”. Temples built in this style generally use black stones and have arched roofs. The roof of the Yamunotri Temple is also arched in a similar manner, which helps in preventing snow accumulation. Very little carving is seen on the exterior of the temple. Its simplicity itself enhances its beauty.
Religious significance of design elements
Although the architecture of the Yamunotri Temple is simple, some of its design elements have religious significance. For example, the reason for keeping the temple entrance high is that it is believed to draw a clear dividing line between the sacred river and the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
A black stone idol of Mother Yamuna is installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The idol is decorated with red colored clothes and has a lotus flower in its hands. Lotus flower is considered a symbol of purity and spiritual development.
Religious Practices and Rituals
Yamunotri: Stream of reverence, source of faith!
Yamunotri is not only a place of beauty of mountains and river, but also a confluence of centuries-old traditions and religious rituals. The devotees coming here not only enjoy the beautiful views but also get engrossed in worship and religious activities. So today let us know about the special pujas, bathing rituals and festivals happening in Yamunottari!
Worship and Arghya: Prasad of devotion!
Devotees coming to Yamunotri first purify themselves by taking a bath in the Yamuna river. There are special ghats for bathing here. Some devotees wake up before sunrise and take bath, so that they can get the blessing of the first touch of the holy river. After taking bath, devotees worship Mother Yamuna in Yamunottari temple. Water, milk, flowers and sweets are offered to him during the puja. Some devotees also donate lamps in Yamuna river. It is believed that by doing this one gets a telegram from the ancestors.
Japa and Aarti: Transmission of spiritual energy!
Morning and evening aarti takes place in Yamunotri Temple. During the Aarti, devotees sing bhajans and kirtans and the atmosphere of the temple becomes filled with devotion. Some devotees also sit on the banks of river Yamuna and chant mantras. These chants become even more effective amidst the echoing sound of the mountains and the flowing stream of the river.
Pilgrimage bath: destruction of sins, benefit of virtue!
Pilgrimage bath has great importance in Hindu religion. In Yamunotri, Yamuna river itself is considered a holy pilgrimage. It is believed that by bathing in it, all the sins of a person are washed away and he attains virtue. Some devotees also take bath in Janaki Kund. This pond is situated near Yamuna river and it is believed that Sita Mata took bath here.
Pilgrimage season and major festivals here!
The best time to visit Yamunotri is considered to be from mid-May to the end of June. During this period the weather remains pleasant and it is easy to undertake pilgrimage. However, this season is also very crowded. If you want to enjoy the peaceful environment, then you can visit Yamunotri even in the month of September.
No big festival is celebrated in Yamunottari. But, on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, special worship is done here. Apart from this, crowd of devotees is also seen here on the day of Hindu New Year.
Surrounding Attractions
Around Yamunotri: Hidden gems in the lap of mountains!
The beauty of Yamunotri is not limited only to Yamuna river and temple. There are many such attractive places around it which attract tourists. So today let us know about the special places worth visiting around Yamunottari!
- Saptarishi Kund:
Saptarishi Kund is situated at a distance of about 2 kilometers from Yamunottari. It is believed that Yamuna river originates from this pond. Here you can enjoy the natural beauty and also take a bath in this holy pond. Some devotees believe that by taking bath in Saptarishi Kund, they get the blessings of Saptarishis.
2.Divine Stone:
If you go a little further from Yamunottari, you can also see the divine rock. This is a rock on which the footprints of Mother Yamuna are carved. It is believed that when River Yamuna came to earth, she first stepped on this rock. To have darshan of the divine rock, devotees have to climb some hills.
- Trekking Trails and Natural Beauty:
If you are a little adventurous, then you can also enjoy many trekking trails around Yamunottari. Some of these popular trails are the trek from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunottari and the trek from Harsil to Yamunottari. Through these trekking routes you will see snow clad mountains, lush green forests and beautiful waterfalls.
During your trip to Yamunottari, you can also go to visit Harsil. This is a small village, located at a distance of about 34 kilometers from Yamunotri. Harsil is known for its apple orchards and beautiful valleys.
Visitor Information
Have you decided to come to Yamunotri Temple? This information will be very useful for you!
You have read a lot about the religious glory and natural beauty of Yamunotri. But before going there, there should be some important information, right? Places to stay, places to visit nearby and safety tips during travel – we have written all this below for you. So let’s get started!
Accommodation: Peaceful sleep in the lap of mountains!
Yamunottari is a small village, so you will not find many hotels or resorts here. However, there are some dharamshalas and lodges where you can stay. The cost of living in these Dharamshalas is low, but the facilities here are also limited. If you want more comfortable living arrangements, you can also stay in Uttarkashi or Harsil. Both these places are located at a short distance from Yamunotri and you will find good hotels there.
Places to visit nearby: The chain of mountains will never end!
During your trip to Yamunotri, you can also visit many beautiful places nearby. We have already told you about some of these places, let’s take a look at them again:
Saptarishi Kund: It is believed that Yamuna river originates from this pond.
Divine Rock: There are footprints of Mother Yamuna on this rock.
Harshil: This is a small village, located at a distance of 34 kilometers from Yamunotri and is known for its apple orchards.
Apart from these, you can also visit Gangottari, Gomukh, and Badrinath Dham. All these places are located at a short distance from Yamunottari and are considered major religious places of Hindu religion.
Safety Tips: Necessary Precautions, Happy Travels!
Traveling in the mountains has its own fun, but it is also very important to take care of safety. While going on a trip to Yamunottari, keep these things in mind:
Assess your physical capacity. To reach Yamunottari one has to climb a little hill. Therefore, if you have any kind of physical problem, please consult a doctor before travelling.
Keep warm clothes with you. The weather remains cold in Yamunottari, so do not forget to take warm clothes with you. Also keep trekking shoes and raincoat in your bag.
Protect from sun rays. The sun’s rays are stronger in the mountains, so go out wearing sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen lotion.
Keep food items with you. Food and drink options are limited in Yamunotri. Therefore, keep essential things like water bottle, biscuits etc. with you.
Mobile network arrangement: Keep in mind that there may be a problem of mobile network in remote hilly areas including Yamunottari. Therefore, make important phone calls in advance.