Yamunotri History
On the westernmost point of the Garhwal Himalayas, in the Uttarkashi area of Uttarakhand, is where you'll find the holy site of Yamunotri Dham. Yamunotri, often known as the Yamuna River's source, is one of the four holy cities that make up the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Yamuna, which is also referred to as Kalindi, courageously rises among the massive mountain peaks of Kalind. It is bordered by mountains on all sides and is located near the boundary between India and China. Yamuna is renowned for bringing peace and tranquility. In Hinduism, the Yamuna River is considered to be the second holiest river after the Ganges. Both the Ganga and the Yamuna have their origins in the holy cities of Gangotri and Yamunotri, which are located around 45 km apart from one another. In Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath is said to have performed penance in Gangotri at the time when the River Ganga first flowed to the surface of the earth. It is said that the goddess Yamuna is the child of the Sun and the identical twin of Yama, the name Yama meaning "lady of life" as well as "the god of death." Yamuna is revered as a goddess. According to Hindu mythology, the river Yamuna is considered to be one of the higher tiers of the divine. It is also said that taking a dip in the Yamuna will cleanse a person of their sins and spare them from an unpleasant afterlife.
Yamunotri Dham Geography
Yamunotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It has an elevation of 3292 meters above sea level and can be found on the slope of Bandarpoonch Parvati. The primary attractions of Yamunotri are the holy hot springs at Janki Chatti, which are located 7 km away from the temple. After flowing through Saptarishi Kund, the venerable Yamuna continues its descent towards a series of waterfalls farther to the south. Kalind Parbat is a mountain that is located to the west of Bandarpoonch, which is the most notable peak in the Garhwal area. This mountain is responsible for separating the Yamuna and the Ganges rivers. According to the legends that have been passed down through the generations in India, the mountain known as Banderpooch gets its name from the monkey god Bander and the tail of Lord Hanuman. Sanya Chatti, Chamba, Rishikesh, and Dehradun are located 21, 176, 236, and 278 km apart from Yamunotri, respectively. Dehradun is the furthest away among the four cities.
Place to Visit in Yamunotri
Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri is a well-known tourist destination that may be found in the Garhwal Himalayas' westernmost section of mountains. This temple is dedicated to the Yamuna goddess and is at an elevation of 3293 meters above sea level. It is bordered on all sides by beautiful mountains, and it has a figure of the goddess carved out of black marble. The Yamunotri Pilgrimage is the first of the four different Yatras that make up the Char Dham Pilgrimage. There are two different kinds of hot springs in Yamunotri: Surya Kund, which has water that is hot enough to boil and can be used for cooking, and Gauri Kund, which has water that is just over body temperature and is suitable for bathing. It is not a very long trek to reach here from the nearby towns of Hanuman Chatti, which is located 13 kilometers away, and Janki Chatti, which is located 5 kilometers away. The months of May through October are the best time to visit, and the hours of operation are from 6 am to 8 pm.
Surya Kund
It is just a short journey to Yamunotri, which is revered as a holy place and is home to one of the most important thermal springs in India. It is said that the Yamuna, who gave it its name, is the father of the Yamuna, and its temperature is around 88 degrees Celsius. It is said that if one consumes the prasad, which is composed of potato or rice combined with salt, wrapped in muslin fabric, and presented to the goddess of Goddess Yamuna at the temple, they would have all of their wishes and aspirations granted. The prasad can be found at the temple. The fact that this hot spring is encircled by a mountain that is covered with snow bestows upon it an unimaginably beautiful and lovely quality. There are quite a few pilgrims that swim there in order to cool down.
Janki Chatti
From Janki Chatti, a small town along the path leading to Yamunotri, which is approximately 4 km distant, it is possible to reach Yamunotri by foot in about three hours. It is well-known for its hot springs, which are located at an elevation of 2,650 meters above sea level. Pilgrims visit this location to soak in the waters before commencing their trek to Yamunotri. There is also a good range of reasonably priced places to stay, such as ashrams, hotels, and lodges. In addition to the lodgings, a large number of restaurants and cafés are also available; however, the use of alcoholic beverages or food that is not vegetarian is prohibited in this area. The journey to Yamunotri from this point lasted an entire day, therefore most travelers stopped for the night along the way.
Saptarishi Kund
Yamunotri is a high lake that stands 4421 meters above sea level and is the source of the Yamuna River. It is around 6 km distance from this location. It is stated that the seven sages Rishi, Kashyap, Atri, Bharadwaj, Vasisthaand Jamadagni, Gautama, and Viswamitra underwent penance here, which is why it is said that the Kund is worshipped. Also included in this list is Viswamitra. In addition, getting to Saptrishi Kund, one of the most difficult hikes in the state, might take anywhere from two to three days. In addition, there are no paths or pathways that have been well-defined, and the path is often covered in ice. The glacial lake is approximately a half-mile long and is surrounded on all sides by high glaciers. Bandarpunch Mountain was responsible for the formation of the upper sections of the mountain range. There is a little campground around 5 kilometers up the hill where you may set up a tent and take a break. It is situated in the middle of two streams. In addition to the breathtaking natural surroundings, there are a lot of beautiful flowers and plants scattered all along the path.
Kharsali
The community, which is also known as Khushimath, can be found at a height of 2678 meters above sea level. It is also located 5 kilometers away from Yamunotri, 1 kilometer away from Janki Chatti, 9 kilometers away from Hanuman Chatti, and 6 kilometers away from Yamunotri. On Akshaya Tritiya, an annual spring celebration celebrated by Hindus and Jains, the statue of Ma Yamuna is carried here from the Yamunotri Temple. On Bhai Dooj, a holiday celebrated by Hindus on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha, the statue and Lord Someshwara are transported back to Yamunotri, where they will remain for the next six months. In addition to this, the Shani Dev Temple which is located in Khushimath is thought to be the oldest one in all of India. In addition, the hamlet is surrounded on all sides by the snow-covered Garhwali Mountains, and it is said that a great number of gods and goddesses have been brought here for worship. Picnicking and camping are other popular activities in this area, perhaps as a result of the abundance of beautiful natural features such as waterfalls and springs. On the lunar phases of Purnima and Amavasya, two mysterious urns that are thought to represent any unexpected danger to oneself or one's family are left unopened.
Hanuman Chatti
Hanuman Chatti can be found 13 kilometers away from Yamunotri and 8 kilometers away from Janki Chatti. It is perched at an elevation of 2400 meters above sea level and is located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. In addition to this, it offers a wide range of possible lodgings. also is an excellent place to get a feel for rural life and nature, and also serves as a layover destination for pilgrims who are traveling the Char Dham Yatra. This place is notably well-known for the six-hour walk that goes to Darwa Top and Dodi Tal. The walk passes through beautiful meadows and has a pungent fragrance from the Himalayan shrubs that grow there. Inside the interiors of many of the smaller temples that are primarily dedicated to Hanuman is a depiction of Lord Hanuman holding a mountain. This image can be found in many of the temples. A Samadhi of Hanuman Giri, a saint who resided and meditated at Hanuman Chatti, can be seen to the left of the temple, and on top of this Samadhi is an additional Shiva Linga. Hanuman Chatti is known as the "Hall of Hanuman."
Places near Yamunotri Dham
Barkot (approx 33 Km from Yamunotri)
On the way, approximately 33 km away from Yamunotri, lies the town of Barkot. This little community is well-known for its hiking trails, white water rafting, and spectacular views of the Bandarpooch mountain, which is located in the vicinity of where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers meet. In addition, it is home to one of the earliest temples and a few of the finest locations for contemplation. This unspoiled hill community is perfect for explorers and those who are passionate about the environment, and also serves as a stopover for Hindu pilgrims who are trekking to the Char Dham Yatra. It has a reputation for having challenging hiking trails and stunning scenery due to its location being 1220 meters above sea level and because of the beautiful vistas, it offers. People who are looking for a spiritual experience, an atmosphere that is mystical and heavenly, a magnificent natural environment and people who are seeking adventure will find Barkot to be the ideal spot to relax since they can view the stunning Banderpoonch peak and the Himalayan ranges from there.
Raithal Village (approx 25.5 Km from Yamunotri)
Raithal Village is a lovely village in the Uttarkashi area. It is situated 25.5 km from Yamunotri at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level and is surrounded by abundant greenery. This settlement is known for serving as a base camp for Dayara Bugyal. Although this destination is not particularly well known among visitors, the friendly residents will impress you with their charming way of life. This way of life includes traditional homestays, self-sufficiency, and residences made in line with traditional Garhwali architecture, all of which contribute to the attractiveness and beauty of the village. Mountain biking and hiking are two of the most popular things to do in this region. The Tourist Rest House offers bicycle rentals, so you can see more of the beautiful community. It is also customary for the community to celebrate an important festival known as Phulyar Mela. One of the activities associated with this festival is the collection of Brahma Kamal flowers, which are thought to be an indication of forthcoming prosperity.
Dayara Bugyal
A well-known base camp for Dayara Bugyal may be found in the picturesque village of Raithal Village, which is located in the Uttarkashi region. It is positioned 25.5 kilometers away from Yamunotri at a height that is 1800 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense vegetation. The vivacious locals will impress you with their delightful way of life, which includes traditional homestays, self-sufficiency, and residences built in accordance with traditional Garhwali architecture. All of these factors contribute to the village's appeal and beauty, despite the fact that it is not a popular tourist destination. Cycling and hiking are two of the most popular options for outdoor recreation in this area; the Tourist Rest House offers bicycle rentals, so you may cruise about the picturesque community. People in the hamlet also participate in a large festival known as Phulyar Mela. During this festival, they collect Brahma Kamal flowers since it is believed that coming across these flowers is a sign of good fortune.
Best Time Visit Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri should be visited either from May through June or from September through November at the very latest. Because it is chilly during the entire year in Yamunotri, most of the activities there are difficult. Visitors who come to Yamunotri in the middle of March will be able to see the city at its liveliest and most joyful while also being witnesses to the major festivals of Phool Devi and Basant Panchami.
Yamunotri in Summer (April - July)
Summer is the season that offers visitors to Yamunotri the most favorable conditions in terms of weather and temperature, making it the perfect time to go on a journey that is both exciting and delightful while also providing an opportunity to see the pilgrimage realm. Temperatures in Yamunotri during the wintertime fluctuate anywhere from 10 to 30 degrees. Around the month of April, the Yamunotri Temple will welcome visitors from all walks of life via its doors. Visit the temple on a day when the sun is shining brightly and go trekking on a night when the temperature is cool. During the summer, there is always a chance that it will rain out of the blue.
Yamunotri in Monsoon (July - September)
Temperatures during the monsoon season in Yamunotri range from 23 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. It is not a good idea to go to Yamunotri at this time of year, according to the advice of the Trip Counselors, due to the frequent landslides and the unexpectedly intense rain. Even while it is not a good idea to go sightseeing here during the monsoon since there is a high probability of massive cloud bursts, the view of the town shower is breathtaking, and it may be appreciated while sipping hot coffee. Checking the forecast before making travel preparations is something that Trip Counselors strongly recommend doing.
Yamunotri in Winter (October - March)
Because winter temperatures in Yomunotri fluctuate from -7 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius, this season is an ideal time to pay the region a visit and learn about its various points of interest. When the temperature falls below zero, however, the roads are blocked since January and February are the months that receive the most snowfall. The beginning of winter is reportedly the most pleasant time to travel to Yamunotri, as recommended by the Trip Counselors. Blizzards and substantial snowfall are two examples of extreme winter weather that might occur.
How to reach Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri by Air
Because there are no direct flights departing from Yamunotri, the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located around 86 kilometers away, is the airport that is the nearest to the city. If one has the means to do so, one can also make use of a helicopter service that operates out of Dehradun. Outside of the airport, it is possible to locate and hire a taxi or cab in order to get to Yamunotri. Those who are coming from farther afield or who are departing from Delhi have the option of flying to Dehadhun, which is situated 207 kilometers distant.
Yamunotri by Train
Rishikesh has the nearest train station to Yamunotri, which is located 211 kilometers away from Yamunotri. Although there is no direct connection from Rishikesh, one is still able to make the journey by taking a bus or a cab. In addition, shared jeeps or cars are available for transportation from either Haridwar or Rishikesh. Trains departing from a number of different stations, including Haridwar, Dehradun, Kotdwar, and Kathgodam, may bring passengers to Yamunotri.
Yamunotri by Road
There is no road that leads directly to Yamunotri; nevertheless, it is possible to travel there through Uttarkashi, which is the closest road stop and is located 122 miles away from Janki Chatti and 4 kilometers away from the closest Jeep stop from which a trekking adventure may begin. There is also the possibility of renting horses and palanquins for people who are not interested in traveling too far. The Yamuna provides convenient access to Haridwar, Dehradun, Barkot, Janki Chati, and Hanuman Chati; nevertheless, traveling through Dehradun is the most direct route to take in order to get to this destination. It is connected to various sites by bus services offered by Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyavstha Samiti, including Rishikesh (26 kilometers away), Haridwar (226 kilometers away), and Kedarnath (387 kilometers away), amongst others.
Comments