Shri Yamunotri Temple

The mythological source of river Yamuna is traditionally regarded as the starting point of the ‘Char Dham Yatra’. The sacred site is perched at an altitude of 3,293 metres on the western face of the Banderpoonch mountain (6,316 m.). Sapta Rishi Kund, the actual source of the river Yamuna is a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champaran glacier) at an altitude of 4421 metres, about 1 km. further up from Yamunotri. The trek to the actual originating point is quite difficult and very few people visit the site. The Yamuna valley called as Rawal Ghati is endowed with awe-inspiring beauty.

About Yamunotri Temple – The Temple Dedicated to the Goddess of Yamuna , Daughter of Sun, The Temple was originally a wooden made structure built by the King of Sudarshan Shah of Tehri and It was later rebuilt by Maharaja Pratap singh of Tehri. The Present Temple enshrining with a black marble idol of the presiding deity was constructed during the late 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur on the left bank of river Yamuna. The Temple was destroyed during an earthquake in 1923 . It was rebuilt and was again damaged in 1982. Asit muni, The legendary sage is said to have lived here in a hermitage.He used to follow the daily ritual of bathing in the waters of Yamuna and Ganga, but during his old age it was difficult for him to reach Gangotri, thus a stream of Ganga appeared opposite Yamunotri for him.

The temple opens on the auspicious day of akshya-tritya (Apr./May) and closes on the day of Diwali (Oct./Nov.). During winters even the priests (pandas) of the temple return back to their village Kharsali near Jankichatti and literally the valley is devoid of any human presence.

Divya Shila or the slab of divine light: The sacred rock pillar near the Surya Kund is worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple:

Surya Kund: There are a number of hot springs formed due to volcanic heat around Yamunotri temple. The most important among them is the Surya Kund, with the temperature of water rising up to 87.77°C (190°F).

The blistering water immediately cooks potatoes and rice tied loosely in a piece of cloth, which are mainly used as prasad (offerings) for the deity. These are taken as prasad by the pilgrims.

Sapta Rishi Kund: It is the actual source of the river Yamuna. To trek up to here is a true test of endurance

Bakot: Barkot is the best place to stay for Yamunotri Temple Darshan, If you are planning for Char Dham Yatra you have to stay 02 nights at Barkot for Yamunotri Temple.

Jankichati: Jankichati is the place from where the Trek for Yamunotri will start and all Vehicle will go only to Jankichati, There is 6 km trek for Yamunotri Temple from jankichati, There is also facility of pony and palki for trekking those cant trek , It is 35 km from Barkot, and It is also known for its hot springs and scenic beauty.Legends of Yamuna.

Legends of Ganga

According to Hindu mythology goddess Yamuna and Yama, the God of Death are the twins born to Lord Surya (Sun) and Sangya, the Goddess of consciousness. It is said that Sangya could not bear the heat of Sun and created her clone named Chhaya, who took her place. One day the child Yama tried to kick Chhaya and she cursed Yama angrily that his leg would rot and fall off. It is said that when Yamuna came down on the earth, she underwent severe penance to absolve her brother Yama from the curse of Chhaya. Yama was very happy with Yamuna and offered her a boon. Thus Yamuna asked her brother to safe guard her devotees from untimely death. It is believed that anyone bathing in the waters of the river is spared of a painful death and attains moksha.

The Surya Kund near the Yamuna shrine is regarded as the blessing of Sun God for her daughter. The mountains are surrounding to the source of river Yamuna is named Kalinda Parvat, after Lord Surya, who is also known as Kalinda.

Altitude: 3,293 meters (10,804 ft)
Best Time to Travel : May-June & Sept-Nov
Temple Open for Darshan: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Best Places to visit: Divya Shila, Surya Kund, Saptrishi Kund.
How to reach: Haridwar – Barkot – Jankichatti – Yamunotri Temple.
Where to Stay : Barkot or Jankichatti
Trek / Walking : 5- 6 kms Trek from Jankichatii to Yamunotri Temple.