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Yamunotri, Uttaranchal
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Information about Yamunotri
Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath are
the four major shrines that constitute the Char
Dham. Among all these shrines, Yamunotri is the
first pilgrimage shrine of the Char Dham Yatra in
the Garhwal Himalayas. Yamunotri is the
westernmost shrine in the region, dominated by the
Banderpunch. Yamunotri is situated at a height of
3235 meters in the western region of the Garhwal
Himalayas. Yamunotri is the source of the river
Yamuna, the twin sister of Yama, the |
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Lord of
Death. Anyone who bathes in her waters will be spared a
tortuous death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya,
the Sun. The Yamuna river originates from the Champasar
galcier, lying 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude
of 4421 meters. Yamunotri also finds a special mention
in the Hindu mythology. According to the legend, this
secluded hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage,
Asit Muni. The Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to the
goddess Yamuna. This shrine attracts devotees in the
large numbers from May to October. Various people visit
the temple of Yamunotri either on foot or ponies.
From Rishikesh, it is about 213 kms.
journey by road to Hanumanchatti. To reach the temple
you must trek from Hanuman Chatti for about 13 kms. The
trek along the riverbank is exhilarating with the
mountains rising up on each side.
Tourist
Attractions in Yamunotri
The main tourist attraction in Yamunotri is the
Yamunotri Temple. The other tourist attraction in
Yamunotri are the Surya Kund and Divya Shilla.
Yamunotri Temple
The Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna,
the river goddess. The idol of the goddess is made of
black marble. The temple was constructed by Maharaja
Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. This place is visited by
various pilgrims from May to October, every year.
According to legend the temple must be rebuilt after
every few years. Floods and snow seem to ensure that it
must be built. |
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Surya
Kund
The hot sulphur water springs pond, also known as
Surya Kund is situated near the Yamunotri temple.
These important thermal springs are known for its
very high temperature of 190 degree Fahrenheit.
The pilgrims immerse potatoes and rice, tied in a
muslin cloth at this pond. The meal, which takes
only few minutes to cook is then offered to the
deity and later distributed as Prasad.
Divya Shila |
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Divya
Shila is a huge rock pillar which is venerated before
entering the Yamunotri temple.
Kharsali
The temple of Someshwar is located at Kharsali, about 1
km across the river from Jankichatti. This is one of the
oldest and finest temple in the region and worth
visiting place.
Accommodation in Yamunotri
There are Dharamshalas and rest houses in Hanauman
Chatti, Janki-Chatti and Yamunotri.
Excursion from Yamunotri
Jankichatti
The thermal springs in Jankichatti offers a spectacular
sight and a refreshing bath for the pilgrims.
Sayanachatti
Sayanachatti is a scenic spot along the banks of the
river Yamuna that makes a lovely sight enroute the trek
upto Yamunotri.
Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers forms
the starting point for the scenic Dodi Tal trek.
Porters, palanquins and ponies are available for the
journey to Yamunotri.
How to reach Yamunotri
By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, situated
about 196 kms. from Yamunotri via Dehradun.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located in Rishikesh and
Dehradun, about 213 kms and 172 kms. respectively.
By Road:
Yamunotri is well connected by road to Rishikesh, Dehra
Dun, Haridwar and Delhi. |
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