The Yamunotri temple is located in Uttarakhand, India, a full day's journey from Uttaranchal's main towns — Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun.
The actual temple is only accessible by a six kilometer walk from the town of Hanuman Chatti and a four kilometer walk from Janki Chatti (horses or palanquins are available for rent). The hike from Hanuman Chetty to Yamunotri is very picturesque with beautiful views of a number of water falls. The original temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. The current temple is of recent origin, as past iterations have been destroyed by the weather and elements. Lodging at the temple itself is limited to a few small ashrams and guesthouses. Ritual duties such as the making and distribution of prasad (sanctified offerings) and the supervision of pujas (ritual venerations) are performed by the Uniyal family of pujaris (priests). Unique aspects of ritual practice at the site include hot springs where raw rice is cooked and made into prasad.
There seems to be a confusion about the who built the temple of Yamunotri. According to the website [uttarkashi.nic.in/Yamunotri.htm], the temple was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.
The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Goddess yamuna, it is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3.165 mts. Above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. The shrine attracts devotees in large numbers from May to October.Yamunotri is the source of the revered river yamuna which originates from the Champasar Glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude of 4,321 mts. Pilgrims do not frequently visit the source of the river as it is not easily accessible.
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The Sacred Origin Of the Yamuna.
The Garhwal Himalayas have been blessed with some of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites and Yamunotri is one such. One of the Char Dhams according to Hindu mythology,Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna.
Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers,
It is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim.
According to an old legend, Asit Muni,The revered sage,used to reside here.
Prime Pilgrimage Attractions:-
* Yamunotri Temple
The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
The present temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the late nineteenth century.
Once destroyed by an earthquake.
It has been rebuilt.
A holy dip in the nearby tank filled by hot springs and cooking rice in its water are common rituals performed by the devotees.
* Surya Kund
One of the important thermal springs known for its very high temperature of 190°F.
Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes here to offer to the deity in the temple.
* Divya Shila
Chamba TempleA huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
* Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers forms the starting point for the scenic Dodi TaL Trek.
* Sayanachatti
A scenic spot along the banks of river Yamuna that makes a lovely sight enroute the trek upto Yamunotri.
* Chamba
A sylvan spot on way to Tehri that offers an excellent view of the Himalayan peaks. Situated at an altitude of 1,676 mts., Chamba is an ideal summer retreat.
One of the four sacred dhams of
Uttarakhand, and revered in Hindu mythology.
Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna.
The Yamunotri shrine stands on the western flank of the Bandarpunch peak (20,731 ft).
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
The origin of the river Yamuna is the Champasar Glacier near Yamunotri.
Though it is very difficult to reach the exact source of the holy river, pilgrims flock to the shrine which is open from May to November.
Legend has it that a sage, Asit Muni, used to reside at this secluded spot.
The hot springs here are also an attraction.
Area: 1 sq. km.
Population: 246 (1991 census)
Altitude: 3235 mtrs. above sea level
Season: May-June, September-October
Clothing: Summers-Light Woolens, Winter-Heavy Woolens
Language: Garhwali, Hindi and English
Festivals:The temple opening & closing ceremonies.
Accessibility:From Rishikesh, a 220 km journey takes one to Hanuman Chatti where the motorable road ends.
The remaining 13 cm to Yamunotri must be covered on foot or on ponies. The trail winds through rugged mountains and dense forests. Porters and palanquins are available on hire.
Local Transport: Buses/Taxis/Tempos/Auto-Rickshaws
Sightseeing :
Hanuman Chatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Trekking route to Dodi Tal starts here. 13 km from Yamunotri
Jankichatti
7 km from Yamunotri, famous for thermal springs
Barkot
An ancient temple site, at a distance of 49 km.
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