Yamunotri

Yamunotri, the origin of the holy Yamuna River, is a revered pilgrimage site in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet), it is one of the four Char Dham Yatra destinations. Pilgrims visit the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and seek blessings before beginning their journey. The site is surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and hot water springs, making it a place of spiritual and natural significance.

Backdrop

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Surya (the Sun God) and the sister of Yama (the God of Death). Taking a dip in the holy waters of Yamunotri is believed to cleanse sins and protect devotees from untimely death. The actual source of the Yamuna River, the Champasar Glacier, is located 6 km from the temple at an altitude of 4,421 meters but is mostly inaccessible, so the worship is performed at the temple itself.

Highlights

• Yamunotri Temple: An ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, originally built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.
• Surya Kund: A natural hot water spring where devotees cook rice and potatoes as prasad (offering) for the deity.
• Divya Shila: A sacred rock near the temple, worshipped before entering the shrine.
• Janki Chatti: A popular stop for pilgrims, known for hot springs and as the starting point of the Yamunotri trek.
• Trekking & Scenic Beauty: The 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri is filled with stunning Himalayan views.