To register for the Chardham Yatra through the Uttarakhand government’s...
Read MoreYamunotri Dham
Uttarakhand
May to October
Pilgrimage
10 May 2024
About Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri Dham, situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, holds immense religious significance in Hindu mythology. Here are some facts about Yamunotri Dham:
Origin of River Yamuna: Yamunotri is the source of the sacred Yamuna River, one of the major rivers in India. The Yamuna originates from the Champasar Glacier located at an altitude of around 4421 meters above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Yamunotri Temple: The main attraction at Yamunotri is the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the goddess of the river. The temple is believed to be constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal and was later renovated by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century.
Char Dham Pilgrimage: Yamunotri is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These four sites are considered highly sacred in Hinduism, and undertaking a pilgrimage to all four is believed to wash away sins and lead to spiritual liberation.
Trekking Destination: To reach Yamunotri Temple, visitors need to undertake a trek of around 6 kilometers from Janki Chatti, the nearest roadhead. The trek passes through picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and lush green valleys.
Hot Springs: Surya Kund and Gauri Kund are two hot springs near the Yamunotri Temple. Pilgrims often take a dip in these natural thermal springs before entering the temple, as it is believed to cleanse the body and soul.
Opening and Closing Dates: The Yamunotri Temple remains open for devotees from the Akshaya Tritiya day in May to the Diwali festival in October or November. The temple closes during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall, making the region inaccessible.
Natural Beauty: Besides its religious significance, Yamunotri is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The surrounding Himalayan peaks, dense forests, and gushing streams add to the charm of the pilgrimage experience.
Ecological Conservation: Due to its fragile ecosystem and environmental sensitivity, the Yamunotri region is subject to conservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to maintain cleanliness, avoid littering, and respect the natural surroundings during their pilgrimage.
Overall, Yamunotri Dham offers not only a spiritual journey but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the pristine beauty of the Himalayas and connect with nature.
Yamunotri Dham Mandir Timings
- Opens for darshanarthi at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM.
- There’s a brief closure from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the afternoon.
- Mangal Aarti takes place in the morning from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM.
- Shayan Aarti is performed in the evening from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Yamunotri Dham Location
Located in the Uttarkashi district, Yamunotri marks the origin of the sacred Yamuna River. Situated at an elevation of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet), Yamunotri is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush greenery. Pilgrims embark on a 6-kilometer trek from the town of Hanuman Chatti to reach the Yamunotri temple, where they offer prayers and take holy dips in the natural thermal springs believed to have medicinal properties.
Chardham Yatra Packages
Essentials Items to Pack for Yamunotri Dham
Pack lightweight, breathable clothes for the daytime and warmer layers for cooler evenings. Include:
- Comfortable trekking pants or leggings
- T-shirts or tops
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Scarf or shawl for temple visits
Choose sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for trekking and walking long distances:
- Trekking shoes or sturdy walking sandals
- Extra pair of comfortable shoes for leisure times
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen lotion
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and any personal medications
- Prescription medicines for common ailments like altitude sickness, indigestion, or headaches
- Water purification tablets or portable water filter
- Rehydration salts or electrolyte powder
- Valid identification (passport, Aadhar card, or driver’s license)
- Travel permits or passes required for specific areas
- Emergency contact information
- Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits for quick energy
- Bottled water or water bladder for staying hydrated during treks
- Lightweight backpack or daypack
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Power bank for charging electronic devices
- Waterproof pouch or bag for storing valuables and documents
- Travel umbrella or rain poncho
Yamunotri Dham Temperature
Yamunotri: Located at an altitude of around 3,293 meters, Yamunotri experiences cool to cold temperatures throughout the yatra season. During the summer months (May to June), temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C during the day, dropping to around 0°C to 10°C at night. In the early and late yatra season (April and October/November), temperatures can be colder, with daytime temperatures ranging from 0°C to 15°C and nighttime temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yamunotri Dham is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Yamunotri Dham is the source of the Yamuna River, one of the major rivers in India, and holds immense religious significance in Hindu mythology. It is also part of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage circuit.
To reach Yamunotri Dham, visitors typically travel to the nearest town, Hanuman Chatti, by road and then undertake a trek of approximately 6 kilometers to reach the temple.
The best time to visit Yamunotri Dham is during the summer months from May to June and then from September to October. The temple remains closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall.
Yes, there are accommodations available in nearby towns such as Hanuman Chatti and Barkot. Pilgrims can also find guesthouses and dharamshalas (pilgrim shelters) near the temple.
Yes, facilities such as restrooms, drinking water, and shops selling offerings for the temple are available near Yamunotri Temple. However, visitors should be prepared for basic amenities during their pilgrimage.
Yes, there are hot springs near Yamunotri Temple called Surya Kund and Gauri Kund. Pilgrims often take a holy dip in these thermal springs before visiting the temple as it is believed to purify the soul.
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