YAMUNOTRI DHAM

Yamunotri is another important pilgrimage site in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra, along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Here are some key points about Yamunotri:

Location:

• Yamunotri is situated in the western Garhwal Himalayas, at an altitude of approximately 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) above sea level.

Source of the Yamuna:

• According to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the place where the Yamuna River originates. The actual source is a frozen lake called Yamunotri Glacier or Champasar Glacier.

Yamunotri Temple:

• The main attraction is the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century.
• Like Gangotri, the temple is open to pilgrims only during the summer months, typically from May to November.

Divya Shila:

• Pilgrims traditionally offer prayers at Divya Shila, a rock pillar near the temple, before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

Janki Chatti:

• The journey to Yamunotri usually involves a trek from the town of Hanuman Chatti to Janki Chatti, which is the last road head. Pilgrims then cover the remaining distance on foot or on ponies.

Pilgrimage and Tourism:

• Yamunotri attracts pilgrims seeking the blessings of Goddess Yamuna. The scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains adds to the spiritual experience.
• The trekking route offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, making it a destination for both religious and adventure tourism.

Accessibility:

• Yamunotri is accessible by road from major towns in Uttarakhand. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the closest railway station is in Rishikesh.

Char Dham Yatra:

• Yamunotri is an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra, a significant pilgrimage circuit in Hinduism. Pilgrims often undertake this journey to visit all four sacred sites.