Yamunotri Dham

The most sacred Hindu Shrine Yamunotri is situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, lies at an altitude of about 3185 meters. Yamunotri is ideally the first destination for starting the chota Char Dham yatra. It is considered that Yamunotri Dham showers its blessings to the devotees to have a safe and unforgettable spiritual journey ahead. The temple here dedicated to goddess Yamuna, is seated at a height of 3293 meter and along the gorgeous River Yamuna. Yamunotri is the origin of Yamuna River. The place is basically famous for its thermal springs and glaciers. According to a Hindu manuscript, Asit Muni, a revered sage used to reside here. The Yatra to Yamunotri is not complete without preparing potato and rice in the hot spring of Surya Kund near the holy shrine. Pilgrims coming here offer this in the temple and take the cooked rice home in the form of Prasad.

In a Hindu sculptures goddess Yamuna is said to be the daughter of Sun and twin sister of Yama (the god of death) in Vedas, Yamuna is called Yami (lady of life). A holy deep in the sanctified waters of Yamuna is believed to cleanse all sins and save from untimely of painful death. Such strong belief in Hindu mythology keeps sacred Yamuna Devi on top ranks of divinity.

Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates:
The Kapat of the Yamunotri temple opens up during the religious day of Akshay Tritiya which usually falls during the last week of April and the first week of May i.e. at the onset of summer season and closes for winters approximately in the third week of November. The idol of goddess Yamuna is then kept at Kharsali Village where the pilgrims can pay homage to the deity for 6 months. The opening date of Shri Yamunotri Temple is announced by the priests on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami.

What is the Best Time to Visit Yamunotri Temple?
Due to its location on high altitude, Yamunotri Dham remains to the pilgrims for only short period of six months. The end of April or beginning of the month of May is chosen for the opening of the portals of this sacred Hindu shrine as the snow melts and the weather becomes pleasant. The temple closes right after the festival of Diwali and its deity is moved to Kharsali village.

Yamunotri Dham during summer season: The month of April sets the beginning of the summer season in Yamunotri and the daytime is very hot. The temperature during the summer ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degree Celsius that last till mid June.

Yamunotri Dham during monsoon season: The region of Yamunotri Dham witnesses heavy rainfall during monsoon season which makes travelling troublesome. The monsoon season here starts from mid July and lasts till the end of September. During this season, the pilgrims might face few difficulties like landslides while visiting this place.

Yamunotri Dham during Winter Season: The beginning of October sets the onset of the winter season which last till the month of March. Winter here is harsh featuring heavy snowfall and the temperature usually drops between zero degree Celsius to five degree Celsius and may also go down minus seven.

Important places to visit: Yamunotri Temple, Saptarishi Kund, Surya Kund, Divya Shila, Hanuman Chatti and Kharsali.

How to reach Yamunotri Temple?
–>Delhi to Rishikesh 231 Kilometer
–> Rishikesh to Narendranagar 16 Kilometer
–> Narendranagar to Chama 46 Kilometer
–> Chamba to Brahmkhal 15 Kilometer
–> Brahmkhal to Barkot 40 Kilometer
–> Barkot to Sayana Chatti 27 Kilometer
–> Sayana Chatti to Hanuman Chatti 6 Kilometer
–> Hanuman Chatti to Phool Chatti 5 Kilometer
–> Phool Chatti to Janki Chatti 3 Kilometer
–> Janki Chatti to Yamunotri 6 Kilometer.