Char Dham - Yamunotri

Yamunotri:-

Yamunotri is the starting point of the holy River Yamuna. It is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal range of the Himalayas, balanced on the borders of Bandar-Poonch Parvat.The Shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh and Uttarkashi. Yamunotri can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot. Situated at an elevation of 3235 mts. above sea - level, the shrine of Yamunotri is one of the 'Four

Dhams' of Uttarakhand. The source of Yamuna lies about one km. ahead at an altitude of about 4421 mts. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer pooja at temple itself.

Yamunotri is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna who goes along the pilgrims to the high altitudes of the

picturesque Rawai Valley. Yamunotri stands high up in the deep left on the western face of the Bunderpunch Peak. The most sacred area of Yamunotri is a dark rock from where the hot springs emerge, called the Divya Shila. Here at the origin of the Yamuna pilgrims offer their first prayer. It is believed that a bath in the waters of the Yamuna protects the devotee from untimely death that could hinder one’s chances of achieving eternal emancipation.
The Shrine of Yamunotri at the source of river Yamuna is the western – most shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. Atop is a flank of Bandar Poonch peak (3615 m). The actual source, a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champasar Glacier) located on the Kalind Mountain at the height of 4421 m above sea level is about 1 km further up is not easily accessible. Hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The Temple of divine mother Yamuna was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The tiny Yamuna has icy cold water and its absolute innocence & the infantile purity heightens that deep feeling of reverence, which Yamunotri has for the devout. According to the legend ancient sage Asit Muni had his hermitage here. The trek to Yamunotri is truly spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forests.

The daughter of the Sun god, Surya and consciousness, Sangya the birth place of the Yamuna is the Champasar Glacier (4421 m). Just below the Banderpoonch mountain. The mountain adjacent to the river source is dedicated to her father, and is called Kalinda Parvat. Kalinda being another name of for Surya.
Yamuna is known for her frivolousness, a trait that she developed because as per a common story - Yamuna's mother could never make eye contact with her dazzling husband.


The shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh - Uttarkashi.

Another 55 km away is Barkot, affording a fabulous view of the Banderpunch Range. Barkot is also approachable by road directly from Delhi (334 km ) via Saharanpur, Harbartpur, Nainbagh and Naugaon.8 km from Barkot is Gangani, a place of pilgrimage, on the left bank of Yamuna.

The holy tank here is called Gangayan Kund. Water from the tank is taken for puja purposes to the opposite village of Than, housing the imposing temple of Rishi Jamdagni. 2 kms. from Gangani is Kharadi a place known for its roaring waterfall.
The motorable road continues till Jankichatti via Syanachatti, Ranachatti and Hanumanchatti, 50 km from Barkot. From Jankichatti its is a 5 km trek to yamunotri for which ponies,dandies and kandies (baskets for carrying children) are also available.
The trek to Yamunotri temple is a full day one with a 6km walk from Hanuman Chatti and 4km from Janki Chatti. Rugged peaks and dense forests usually dominate the trek. You can have horses and palanquins on
rent. The climate is extremely harsh with major parts covered in snow for most time of the year. One must carry light to heavy woollen whenever he is traveling to Yamunotri.

It is from Barkot that the road to Yamunotri starts wending its way along the banks of the Yamuna and the roads from Mussoorie and Kalsi meet here. There is motorable route up to Hanuman Chatti. This little Chatti is just 7 kilometres from Sayana Chatti and set against beautiful surround­ings. A 13 kilometres trek to Yamunotri starts from here.

Two perilous routes connect Hanuman Chatti toYamunotri. The route along the right bank proceeds via Markendeya Tirtha, where the sage Markendeya wrote the Markendeya Puran. The route on the left bank goes to Kharsali. From here, the climb takes five or six hours. There are two kunds atYamunotri, at a height of 3292 metres: Surya Kund, whose water is boiling hot; and Gauri Kund, where it is just tepid. The idol of Yamuna is a vision in black; and Ganga, a lady in white. The river Yamuna flows from Kalindi Parvat in the
Bandar Poonch range. Here, flowers, especially wild roses, grow in abundance. Yamunotri is surrounded by some hoary chestnut trees. According to Hindu mythology and custom a dip in the Yamuna here would absolve one of all sins.

The main attraction here is the Yamunotri temple visited by a large number of tourists, both religious and non-religious every year. Moreover, there is Surya Kund, whose water is used to make Prasad; and Divya Shila, a rock pillar.


Yamunotri Temple:-
 The Yamunotri temple is located in the Uttarakashi district of Uttarakhand. The temple is located about ten kms trek from the town of Hanuman Chatti, with a break in Janaki Chatti.
Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th century. Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1923, it was subsequently rebuilt, then again damaged in 1982. It is located at a height of 3252 meters (10,700 feet), about 6 km below the glacier. The temple is dedicated to the river Yamuna, who is represented in the form of a silver idol, bedecked with garlands. Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Surya, the sun God, and

Sangya, the Goddess of consciousness. Yamuna is also the sister of Yama, the God of death, and so anyone bathing in the waters of the river is spared of a painful death.
There is confusion about who built the temple of Yamunotri but as the sources say, the temple was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.

Yamuna Glacier:-
This glacier is located at a distance of about 1 km from the holy shrine of Yamunotri, which is quite difficult to reach. The destination is situated close to Indo-China border. Trekking up to Yamunotri requires a day and the route traverses through dense forests and uneven terrain.

The actual source of Holy River Yamuna is a frozen lake of ice and glacier known as Champasar Glacier. The glacier is located at an altitude of 4421m on the Kalind Mountain. The holy shrine has been located on the foot hill as the actual site is inaccessible and offerings and prayers are done at the temple only.

The Yamunotri temple is on the left bank of Yamuna constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble. The Yamuna like Ganga has been elavated to the status of divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization.
Yamunotri is also known for exciting trekking options. Not only this, the pilgrims also visit here for trekking from all across the country. It is very exciting and enjoyable for pilgrims and for tourists as well. Devotees can also reach the shrine by trekking for a few kilometres. The picturesque sight, peaks of mountains and the surrounding greenery gather its beauty in a frame.

Legends:-
 The Goddess Yamuna's idol (made of black marble), on our right flows the freezing waters of river Yamuna coming from our back.
Gradually, unable to go to Gangotri during his old age, a stream of Ganga appeared opposite Yamunotri for him. Another legend says that Yamuna’s supposed frivolousness was due to her mother’s inability to look at Yamuna’s father, Lord Surya, in the eye due to his tremendous radiance. It is also said that if one bathes in
the waters of Yamuna, the person ceases to die a painful death since Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the lord of death.
Legends associated with Yamunotri
The most ancient legend tells us about Sage Asti Muni. He bathed at Yamunotri all his life in the holy water of Yamuna and Ganga. He was unable to visit Gangotri because of his old age.

Shri Siddh Hanuman Mandir:-
The temple complex of Yamunotri overlooks another Mandir, dedicated to Hanuman. In this Mandir, devotees can offer prayers not only to Hanuman but also Ram and Sita. The temple is believed to be located at the site of an ancient cave.
It is 13 km from Yamunotri, the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers,from where the trek to Dodi Tal (3,307mt)starts. A six hours climb through the lustrous meadows and the woody hills enjoying the aromatic fragrance of the Himalayan shrubs provides one with sheer amusement.

Divya Shila:-
Kharsali is a small village situated near Yamunotri. There are several waterfalls, natural springs, and an ancient temple devoted to the Hindu Lord Shiva here. There is a holy slab of stone called the ‘Divya Shila’ (literary meaning the slab of divine light) close to the Yamunotri Temple. Devotees worship the Divya Shila before visiting the Yamunotri Temple.It is believed that seven great Rishis (sages)—Kasyapa, Atri, Bhadravaj, Visvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Vasistha— performed penance at Saptrishi Lake for millions of years in ancient times. As the route of Saptrishi Lake is covered with ice, it is an extremely difficult journey which needs a guide. It takes 16 hours to go up to and back down.

Surya kund:-
The hot spring of water located near the temple is known as Surya Kund. The Divya Shila near the Surya Kund is worshipped before the Pooja in the temple. Pilgrims prepare rice and potatoes tied in muslin cloth as offerings. The pujaris at Yamunotri temple come from the nearby village Kharsali.
The main attraction here is the Yamunotri temple visited by a large number of tourists, both religious and
non-religious every year. Moreover, there is Surya Kund, whose water is used to make Prasad; and Divya Shila, a rock pillar.

Saptarishi Kund:-
 Saptarishi Kund is regarded as the origin of Yamuna River. At an altitude of 4421 meters, Saptarishi Kund is regarded as the origin of Yamuna River. With its murky bluish waters, pebbly banks and the rare display of Brahama lotus, Saptarshi Kund beholds delightful scenery. Before you venture your trip to Saptarsi Kund, it is necessary that you should familiarize with the climatic conditions of this region by staying a day at Yamunotri.
This is the source of Yamuna but being a little difficult to access, few people go there and most offer their prayers in the temple itself. A twelve kilometre difficult trek route will take you to Saptrishi kund. A natural glacial kund, the trek upto Saptrishi kund eases out around the base of Kalinda parvat. Dark blue waters, slate stones on the banks, and a rare variety of lotus adorning the water, Saptrishi Kund is a sight to behold. Trip to Saptrishi Kund requires you to be acclimatised for at least one day at Yamunotri and a guide to take you.



Kharsali:-
 Kharsali presents exciting surroundings and lovely ambiance to the picnickers. A quaint with lots of thermal springs and pretty cascades, Kharsali is one of the most renowned tourist location in this region. A mind-blowing meadow where Oak and conifers trees surrounds the environ, Kharsali presents natures beauty at its zenith.




Barkot:-
 It is a small town located on the way to Yamunotri, just 49 kilometers away from Yamunotri. Barkot have one of the ancient temple and ideal for meditation.



Aarti:-
The temple is open for Darshan 6am to 12pm & 2pm to 8pm, and helpful pandits are always at hand to guide the visitors. The aarti is held at around 7 am in the morning and again at 8:00 pm in the evening; and those who wish to participate in the aarti need to spend the night at Yamunotri.

Opening and Closing Timings:-
The temple opens on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritya. Akshaya Tritya comes every year either in last week of April or first week of May. The temple remains closed from the day of Diwali. The temple area is a no-man land during the winters and is covered with blanket of white ice. The temple re-opens on Akshaya Tritya and witness thousands of pilgrims.


How to Reach Yamunotri:-

By Air:-
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Yamunotri situated at a distance of 210kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Hanuman Chatti is directly not connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Hanuman Chatti.


By Rail:-
The nearest railway stations to Yamunotri are Rishikesh and Dehradun. Dehradun railway station is situated 175kms from Yamunotri and Rishikesh railway station is situated 200kms before Yamunotri on NH58. Rishikesh and Dehradun are well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Hanuman Chatti is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh and Dehradun. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi and Barkot and many other destinations to Hanuman Chatti.


By Road:- 
Yamunotri is directly not connected with motorable roads and the trek commences from Hanuman Chatti. Hanuman Chatti is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Hanuman Chatti are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Barkot etc.