Yamunotri Temple

Rich with history, culture and spectacular architecture, there’s really no other place in the world quite like London.

📍 Location

• Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.

• Located at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas.

• The temple lies near the source of River Yamuna, which originates from the Yamunotri Glacier (Champasar Glacier), located at an altitude of about 4,421 meters.

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🙏 Religious Significance

• Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of Sun God (Surya) and sister of Yama (God of Death).

• Considered one of the Char Dham Yatra shrines (along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath).

• Bathing in the Yamuna River is believed to protect devotees from untimely death and grant spiritual peace.

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🏛 History & Architecture

• The original temple was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.

• Constructed in traditional Nagara-style architecture, with a black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna inside.

• The temple is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks and thermal springs.

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🌊 Yamuna River Origin

• The Yamuna River originates from the Champasar Glacier near Kalind Mountain (altitude 4,421 m).

• Since the glacier is hard to reach, pilgrims worship at Yamunotri Temple instead.

• Yamuna is considered the second most sacred river in India after the Ganges.

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🔥 Hot Springs (Thermal Kunds)

• Surya Kund – A hot water spring near the temple where devotees cook rice and potatoes tied in cloth; these are offered to the deity as prasad.

• Gauri Kund – A nearby pond with tepid water, where pilgrims take a holy dip before darshan.

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🛣 Trek & Accessibility

• The temple is accessible only by trek.

• Main trekking routes:

  • Janki Chatti to Yamunotri (6 km trek) – the most popular route.

  • Options for pony, palki, or mule rides are available.

• Nearest road head: Janki Chatti.

• Nearest major towns: Barkot (45 km), Uttarkashi (122 km), and Dehradun (210 km).

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📅 Opening & Closing Dates

• The temple opens every year on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May).

• Closes on Yam Dwitiya/Bhai Dooj (a day after Diwali in October/November).

• Remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall; the idol is shifted to Kharsali village for worship.

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🏔 Best Time to Visit

• May to June and September to October are the ideal months.

• Monsoon season (July–August) brings heavy rainfall and landslides, so it is avoided.

• Winters (November–April) remain snow-covered and inaccessible.

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🚩 Nearby Attractions

• Hanuman Chatti – Starting point for treks to Yamunotri and Dodital.

• Janki Chatti – Known for its natural hot springs.

• Saptarishi Kund – A high-altitude glacial lake, believed to be the actual source of Yamuna.

• Kharsali Village – Winter seat of Goddess Yamuna.

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✨ Rituals & Festivals

• Morning & Evening Aarti of Goddess Yamuna.

• Pilgrims perform Snan (holy bath) in Yamuna waters and thermal kunds.

• Festivals celebrated:

  • Akshaya Tritiya – Opening of the temple.

  • Diwali & Bhai Dooj – Closing rituals.

  • Yamuna Jayanti – Birth celebration of Goddess Yamuna.

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