About Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the source of the sacred Yamuna river and the first dham in the traditional Char Dham circuit. The origin of Yamuna lies in frozen state at the western edge of the Bandarpunch Mountain peak (6,315m), flowing from a glacial lake called Saptarishi Kund on Kalindi Parbat at 4,421 metres. According to mythology, Yamuna was the sister of Yama (God of Death) — bathing here is believed to spare one from Yama's punishments.
Surya Kund and the Temple
Among the several thermal springs in the glacial region, Surya Kund is the most important — steaming at 100°F despite the snowy surroundings. The worship of Goddess Yamuna requires offerings of rice and potatoes boiled in the hot spring water, tied loosely in cloth. Devotees first worship the Divya Shila (sacred rock pillar) before proceeding to worship Goddess Yamuna. The Yamuna Bai Kund, a pleasantly warm spring nearby, is where devotees take ritualistic baths before worship.
Temple History
The Yamunotri Temple was first constructed by King of Tehri, Maharaja Pratap Shah, in 1863 from black granite stone. The current temple was rebuilt by the Jaipur Maharani Guleria in the 19th century after earthquake damage. The temple was destroyed in the 1923 Himalayan earthquake, then again damaged in 1982, and rebuilt both times. The hereditary Panda priests from Kharsala village near Janki Bai Chatti guide devotees through the worship rituals.
How to Reach Yamunotri
- By rail: Nearest stations at Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun
- By road: Bus/taxi from Rishikesh (213 km) or Dehradun (172 km)
- Motorable road to Phulchatti (42 km from Barkot)
- From Hanuman Chatti: 13 km trek to the temple
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun
Nearby Attractions
- Surya Kund (hot spring for prasad cooking)
- Divya Shila (sacred rock)
- Hanuman Chatti (confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna)
- Sayana Chatti (scenic spot on Yamuna bank)
- Barkot (gateway town, 334 km from Delhi)
- Gangani and Gangani Kund (8 km)
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Char Dham Helicopter Connection
Yamunotri is the first dham on the traditional Char Dham circuit. With Saffron Chariot's helicopter service, you fly to Kharsali Helipad and reach the temple by pony or palkhi — no exhausting road journey. Book the full Char Dham helicopter package from ₹2,20,000.
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