Yamunotri-The First Among Four Chota Char Dhams

Situated in the lap of Great Himalaya, Yamunotri Dham is the first among the four chota char dhams (four prominent pilgrimage places) in India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna who is centred here in the form of beautiful black marble effigy. Yamunotri Dham is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Indian State Uttarakhand. The Dham is situated at an altitude of about 3,235 meters from the sea level. Yamunotri Dham is near to some popular towns of Uttarakhand such as Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. 

Yamunotri Temple

The real temple of Yamunotri is quite far from the dham and is the real origin of the River Yamuna. It can be reached by the trekking of 13 kilometres from the Hanuman Chatti and 6 kilometres from Janki Chatti. Due to High elevation most of the pilgrims, do not sight the real temple. The trekking to Yamunotri is quite adventurous in itself. A tourist can relish picturesque mountains and other blessings of nature on the way.

Yamunotri Temple History

According to Hindu mythology, once Yamunotri temple was the grotto of sage Asit Muni. In the 18th Century, the temple got built by Amar Singh Thapa. Due to natural disasters like snow and flood, the temple has been rebuilt many times. Today, Yamunotri Temple is one of the most visited Pilgrimage places in India.  The hot ponds at the temple are the major attractions of the temple in which devotees cook potatoes and rice which is offered to Goddess Yamuna. These ponds have been given names, Surya Kund and Gauri Kund.

Yamunotri Temple Timings

Yamunotri Dham opens its door to devotees in the month of May every year and this pilgrimage lasts till the second day of Diwali, November. The temple shuts its door in winter due to very cold temperature and snowfall.

Places to stay in Yamunotri

There are few ashrams and guest houses are available nearby the temple premises. The pilgrims can also get accommodation in the nearest town like Janakichatti as many guest houses are available in these towns.

How to Reach Yamunotri Temple

By Road: The Yamunotri Dham is located at the distance of 107 Km. from Dharshu and approximately 149 Km from the Tehri District of Uttrakhand.

By Rai (Train): The nearest railway stations from the Yamunotri temple are Dehradun 172 Km and Rishikesh Railway Station (213 Km).

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is the nearest airport located at the distance of 196 Km. which is further connected with many domestic airports in India.