Yamunotri Dham

About Yamunotri: Yamunotri, the source of revered river Yamuna, is situated on top of Bandar Poonch Peak (3615 m), almost opposite to Gangotri. The temple of Yamunotri located in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The goddess Yamuna has been beautifully carved out from black marble and holds the esteemed value of Divine Mother at par with Goddess Ganga. Yamuna has the frivolity and the roots of this mannerism allude to the mythological event, where Yamuna’s mother didn’t have an eye contact with her husband all through her life.

There is a popular legend attached to the holy place. It is believed that sage Asit Muni had its habitation at Yamunotri. He used to take daily bath in Ganga and Yamuna until his old age. It was during this time that he was unable to take holy bath in Gangotri, and seeing his condition, a rivulet of Ganga rose opposite to Yamunotri.

The holy shrine has many hot water glaciers that flow through the mountain cavities. Suryakund is the popular holy bath place, lying adjacent to Divya Shila. The Shila is considered holy and is worshipped before Puja of Goddess Yamuna. The hot water springs also serve as the special place to prepare rice and potatoes, which are taken back home by the devotees as the token of Goddess Yamuna’s blessings. The priests who perform daily rituals and Puja belong to small village of Kharsali near Jankichatti.

Best Time to Visit –The temple opens on last week of April, or first week of May on the eve of Akshya-Tritya. The shrine closes for the devotees on the consecrated Diwali Day with a ritual ceremony performed by senior priests of the shrine. The temple’s gates are left open the next season for the devotees on the auspicious occasion of Akshya-Tritya.